Kindergarten Teachers, Except Special Education salary in Illinois
Kindergarten Teachers, Except Special Education in Illinois earn a median of $64,020 a year, based on BLS data for 4,660 workers.
Pay ranges from $46,040 for the lowest-paid 10% to $103,420 for the top 10%. That is 2% higher than the national median of $62,680. Illinois ranks 18th of 50 states for kindergarten teachers, except special education pay. There are 0.76 kindergarten teachers, except special education per 1,000 jobs here — close to the national average. The average (mean) salary is $71,160, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for kindergarten teachers, except special education in Illinois
| Pay level | Yearly |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $46,040 |
| 25th percentile | $53,010 |
| Median | $64,020 |
| 75th percentile | $81,390 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $103,420 |
| Average (mean) | $71,160 |
Half of kindergarten teachers, except special education earn more than the median and half earn less. Percentiles show the spread: 10% earn less than the 10th percentile, and 10% earn more than the 90th.
Median paycheck, before taxes
| Pay period | Amount |
|---|---|
| Monthly | $5,335 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $2,667.50 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $2,462.31 |
| Weekly | $1,231.15 |
BLS publishes only yearly pay for this job, because kindergarten teachers, except special education are usually paid a salary and may not work a full 2,080-hour year. Convert any amount with the hourly to salary converter.
Kindergarten Teachers, Except Special Education salary in cities in Illinois
| Metro area | Median salary | Workers |
|---|---|---|
| Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN | $70,250 | 3,350 |
| Rockford, IL | $65,310 | 100 |
| Bloomington, IL | $65,180 | 70 |
| Springfield, IL | $64,270 | 120 |
| Decatur, IL | $63,530 | 40 |
| St. Louis, MO-IL | $62,150 | 1,220 |
| Paducah, KY-IL | $61,530 | 60 |
| Davenport-Moline-Rock Island, IA-IL | $61,260 | 170 |
| Champaign-Urbana, IL | $60,970 | 100 |
| Peoria, IL | $60,140 | 160 |
| Kankakee, IL | $56,960 | 40 |
Highest-paying states for kindergarten teachers, except special education
| State | Median salary |
|---|---|
| Washington | $99,960 |
| Connecticut | $90,030 |
| Rhode Island | $85,470 |
| Massachusetts | $84,100 |
| California | $82,550 |
| District of Columbia | $81,500 |
| New York | $77,630 |
| Maryland | $75,910 |
| Minnesota | $75,500 |
| New Mexico | $74,380 |
See Kindergarten Teachers, Except Special Education pay in every state.
Related jobs in Illinois
More: Educational Instruction and Library Occupations · all salaries in Illinois
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 estimates, occupation code 25-2012. Wages include base pay, tips, commissions and shift pay, but not overtime, bonuses or benefits, and exclude the self-employed.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a kindergarten teachers, except special education make in Illinois?
The median salary for kindergarten teachers, except special education in Illinois is $64,020 a year. Pay ranges from $46,040 for the lowest-paid 10% to $103,420 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid kindergarten teachers, except special education make in Illinois?
The top 10% of kindergarten teachers, except special education in Illinois earn at least $103,420 a year. The top 25% earn $81,390 or more.
What is the starting pay for kindergarten teachers, except special education in Illinois?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $46,040 a year, and a quarter of kindergarten teachers, except special education earn $53,010 or less.
How many kindergarten teachers, except special education work in Illinois?
About 4,660 kindergarten teachers, except special education are employed in Illinois, not counting the self-employed.