Salary distribution
Where San Jose preschool teachers fall on the wage curve.
Shaded band = interquartile range (where most full-time workers fall)
The middle 50% of workers earn between $46,750 and $58,350, with a median of $48,220.
Typical entry
Education
Associate's degree
Experience
None
On-the-job training
None
Top skills (O*NET)
- 4.0 / 5
Speaking
Basic skill
- 4.0 / 5
Instructing
Technical
- 4.0 / 5
Oral Expression
Ability
- 4.0 / 5
Speech Clarity
Ability
- 4.0 / 5
Oral Comprehension
Ability
- 4.0 / 5
Education and Training
Knowledge
- 3.9 / 5
Active Listening
Basic skill
- 3.9 / 5
Learning Strategies
Cross-functional
Common tasks (O*NET)
- 01
Teach basic skills, such as color, shape, number and letter recognition, personal hygiene, and social skills.
- 02
Adapt teaching methods and instructional materials to meet students' varying needs and interests.
- 03
Establish and enforce rules for behavior and procedures for maintaining order.
- 04
Provide a variety of materials and resources for children to explore, manipulate, and use, both in learning activities and in imaginative play.
- 05
Serve meals and snacks in accordance with nutritional guidelines.
- 06
Attend to children's basic needs by feeding them, dressing them, and changing their diapers.
- 07
Meet with parents and guardians to discuss their children's progress and needs, determine their priorities for their children, and suggest ways that they can promote learning and development.
- 08
Organize and lead activities designed to promote physical, mental, and social development, such as games, arts and crafts, music, storytelling, and field trips.
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Explore coursesOther metros in California
How the San Jose metro compares to other major California metro areas for preschool teachers.
- San Francisco$49,190
- San Diego$45,370
- Los Angeles$44,610
- Riverside$43,720
- Sacramento$42,250
Frequently asked questions
- What is the median salary for Preschool Teachers in San Jose, California?
- According to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, the median annual wage for Preschool Teachers in the San Jose metropolitan area is $48,220.
- Does San Jose pay more than the California state average for Preschool Teachers?
- The San Jose metro median is +5.1% versus the California state median of $45,880.
- How does San Jose compare to the national median for Preschool Teachers?
- The San Jose metro median is +26.3% versus the BLS national figure of $38,168.
- What is the salary range for Preschool Teachers in San Jose?
- BLS reports the 10th-percentile annual wage at $45,380 and the 90th-percentile at $70,010 for the San Jose metro area.
- What education is required for Preschool Teachers?
- BLS lists the typical entry-level education as Associate's degree. Many employers also weigh prior experience and credentials.
Information on this page is for general educational purposes only. It is not career, financial, or tax advice. BLS metro estimates reflect the San Jose CBSA boundary for the reference year shown and may not match individual offers, employer-specific ranges, or current market conditions. Confirm with a licensed professional before making career or compensation decisions.