RateOrchard
METRO DATA PROFILE · 2024

Preschool Teachers salary in Washington, D.C., District of Columbia

Metro-level median, range, and employment from BLS Occupational Employment Statistics for the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area. Skills and task data from O*NET. State and national figures shown for context.

Adrian Serafin, founder and editor of RateOrchardBy Adrian SerafinFounderUpdated April 30, 2026
Median annual$43,860
Mean annual$49,700
Range (10th to 90th)$35,570 to $76,430
Washington, D.C., District of Columbia employment11,290
State vs national+14.9% vs national

Salary distribution

Where Washington, D.C. preschool teachers fall on the wage curve.

Annual wage distribution

Shaded band = interquartile range (where most full-time workers fall)

10TH$35,57025TH$36,800MEDIAN$43,86075TH$49,51090TH$76,430

The middle 50% of workers earn between $36,800 and $49,510, with a median of $43,860.

Typical entry

  • Education

    Associate's degree

  • Experience

    None

  • On-the-job training

    None

Top skills (O*NET)

  • 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

    4.0 / 5
  • Active Listening

    Basic skill

    3.9 / 5
  • Learning Strategies

    Cross-functional

    3.9 / 5

Common tasks (O*NET)

  1. 01

    Teach basic skills, such as color, shape, number and letter recognition, personal hygiene, and social skills.

  2. 02

    Adapt teaching methods and instructional materials to meet students' varying needs and interests.

  3. 03

    Establish and enforce rules for behavior and procedures for maintaining order.

  4. 04

    Provide a variety of materials and resources for children to explore, manipulate, and use, both in learning activities and in imaginative play.

  5. 05

    Serve meals and snacks in accordance with nutritional guidelines.

  6. 06

    Attend to children's basic needs by feeding them, dressing them, and changing their diapers.

  7. 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.

  8. 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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Frequently asked questions

What is the median salary for Preschool Teachers in Washington, D.C., District of Columbia?
According to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, the median annual wage for Preschool Teachers in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area is $43,860.
Does Washington, D.C. pay more than the District of Columbia state average for Preschool Teachers?
The Washington, D.C. metro median is -2.7% versus the District of Columbia state median of $45,090.
How does Washington, D.C. compare to the national median for Preschool Teachers?
The Washington, D.C. metro median is +14.9% versus the BLS national figure of $38,168.
What is the salary range for Preschool Teachers in Washington, D.C.?
BLS reports the 10th-percentile annual wage at $35,570 and the 90th-percentile at $76,430 for the Washington, D.C. 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.
Disclaimer

Information on this page is for general educational purposes only. It is not career, financial, or tax advice. BLS metro estimates reflect the Washington, D.C. 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.