Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education Salary in Columbia, MO

BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics • May 2025 • Columbia, MO

Median annual salary $30,440 -18% vs national
Median hourly $14.63
10th percentile $26,310
90th percentile $44,960
Employed locally 310
National median $37,120

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Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education
in
Columbia, MO
vs

    Salary percentile breakdown

    10th
    $26,310
    25th
    $28,570
    50th (median)
    $30,440
    75th
    $36,280
    90th
    $44,960

    Columbia economic context

    Unemployment rate 3.10% 2024 annual avg • BLS LAUS
    Median household income $69,463 2023 • Census ACS
    Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education salary vs area income 44% Median Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education salary is 56% below the area median household income

    Top-paying metros for Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education

    Metro areaMedian salary
    Northern New Mexico nonmetropolitan area $61,180
    Northwest Nebraska nonmetropolitan area $60,480
    Atlantic City-Hammonton, NJ $59,110
    Vineland, NJ $58,830
    South Nebraska nonmetropolitan area $58,520
    Alaska nonmetropolitan area $55,060

    Nearby metros — Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education salary comparison

    Metro areaMedian salary
    Atlantic City-Hammonton, NJ $59,110
    San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA $49,190
    Modesto, CA $48,630
    Brunswick-St. Simons, GA $46,090
    North Valley-Northern Mountains Region of California nonmetropolitan area $45,380
    Eastern Sierra-Mother Lode Region of California nonmetropolitan area $45,320

    Related occupations in Columbia, MO

    OccupationMedian salary
    Teaching Assistants, Postsecondary $30,820
    Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education $47,640
    Teaching Assistants, Except Postsecondary $28,100
    Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education $48,630
    Substitute Teachers, Short-Term $29,500
    Middle School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education $50,490

    Frequently asked questions

    How much do Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education make per hour in Columbia?

    The median hourly wage for Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education in Columbia, MO is $14.63, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $26.55 or more per hour.

    Is Columbia above or below average for Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education salaries?

    The median Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education salary in Columbia, MO is 18% below the national median of $37,120. The national figure is from BLS OEWS 2025 data covering all US metropolitan areas.

    What is the entry-level salary for Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education in Columbia?

    Entry-level Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education (10th percentile) earn around $26,310 per year in Columbia, MO. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $28,570.