Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education Salary in Illinois (2025)
✓ Sourced directly from BLS OES · Checked for accuracy at every rebuild · First published: 2026-08-25 · Last updated: 2026-10-25
BLS OES May 2025 · SOC 25-2011As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Links below are affiliate links.
Overview
The median wage for preschool teachers, except special education in Illinois is $40,910 per year (gross, before tax) — 7.3% above the US national median of $38,140 for this occupation. Figures are from BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2025). Around 22,000 people work in this occupation in Illinois. Negotiating an offer in Illinois? A good salary negotiation guide helps you make the case for the upper percentiles.
Illinois Salary Percentiles
| Percentile | Annual (gross) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 10th | $36,030 | Entry level / lowest decile |
| 25th | $37,750 | Early career |
| 50th (median) | $40,910 | Typical pay |
| 75th | $46,790 | Experienced |
| 90th | $60,890 | Senior / highest decile |
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Start $1 Trial →How Illinois Compares
| State | Median salary | vs national |
|---|---|---|
| District of Columbia | $62,150 | +63.0% |
| Vermont | $49,730 | +30.4% |
| Hawaii | $48,780 | +27.9% |
| New Jersey | $48,220 | +26.4% |
| Kansas | $47,750 | +25.2% |
| California | $47,400 | +24.3% |
| Nebraska | $47,040 | +23.3% |
| New York | $46,520 | +22.0% |
| Alaska | $46,130 | +20.9% |
| Massachusetts | $45,890 | +20.3% |
| Illinois | $40,910 | +7.3% |
All states for preschool teachers, except special education →
Recommended Gear & Prep
Interviewing in Illinois? Interview prep books cover the common question sets.
All salaries in Illinois · UK data for this occupation
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average salary for a preschool teachers, except special education in Illinois?
The median salary in Illinois is $40,910 per year (gross, before tax), based on BLS OES May 2025 data. The mean is $45,150.
How does Illinois pay compare to the US national average?
Illinois is 7.3% above the US national median of $38,140 for this occupation.
Which US state pays preschool teachers, except special education the most?
District of Columbia has the highest median pay for this occupation at $62,150 per year. See the state comparison table above for more.
Data: BLS OES, May 2025 · Page built 2026-10-25