Early Childhood Education Jobs in Oregon

Early childhood educators in Oregon have long enjoyed abundant job opportunities and salaries that exceed the national average. And thanks to a recently signed education funding bill, opportunities for the state’s educators serving the youngest learners will be better than ever.

In 2019, Governor Kate Brown signed a landmark ‘business taxes for education’ bill, calling it a “once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to invest in our education system.” The business tax (.57% on business sales above $1 million) is expected to raise more than $1 billion each year – with 20% of the money raised going toward programs serving toddlers and preschoolers.

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Oregon Salary Rankings

in the US for Special Education Teachers, Preschool

in the US for Kindergarten Teachers, Except Special Education

in the US for Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School

#11

in the US for Childcare Workers

#28

in the US for Education Administrators, Preschool and Childcare

#37

in the US for Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education

Early Childhood Jobs in Oregon

With teacher salaries here consistently coming in above the national average, Oregon has long demonstrated a commitment to education. And with the addition of more than 700 teacher positions in 2016 to improve class sizes, Oregon further cemented its standing as a national leader for educational excellence.

Pursue a career in early childhood education in the gem of the Pacific Northwest and you’ll enjoy not just a competitive salary, but also plenty of professional opportunities due to a persistent demand for qualified teachers.

Occupation	Total Employed	Median Annual Salary	% of US Median
Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education	7,100	$30,400	88%
Childcare Workers	6,720	$24,740	101%
Child, Family, and School Social Workers	3,720	$51,510	104%
Kindergarten Teachers, Except Special Education	1,050	$72,830	125%
Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School	1,360	$76,880	104%
Education Administrators, Preschool and Childcare	–	$47,540	88%
Special Education Teachers, Preschool	290	$75,600	123%
= Salary below nat’l. avg. = Salary above nat’l. avg.

Teachers of young learners in Oregon are among the top paid in the nation. In fact, Oregon’s kindergarten teachers, special ed teachers in preschool settings, and special ed teachers in kindergarten and elementary school settings all rank in the top five for the salaries they earn.

Childcare Workers – There are 6,720 childcare workers in Oregon, and these professionals earn an average salary of $24,740, which is slightly above the national average of $24,610. Employment among Oregon’s childcare workers is projected to increase by 15.7% – that’s much higher than the national projected growth rate of 7% for this occupation.

Child, Family, and School Social Workers – Oregon’s 3,720 child, family, and school social workers earn an average salary of $51,510, or about $2,000 above the national average. The number of jobs for Oregon’s child, family, and school social workers should rise by 13.3% through 2026.

Kindergarten Teachers, Except Special Education – The 1,050 kindergarten teachers working in Oregon earn an average salary of $72,830 – that’s more than $14,000 above the national average. Kindergarten teacher jobs in Oregon are projected to increase by 8.8% through 2026.

Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education – Oregon’s 7,100 preschool teachers earn an average salary of $30,400. There are about seven times more preschool teachers than kindergarten teachers in the state. Employment among Oregon’s preschool teachers should increase by 16.1% through 2026 – that’s much higher than the national projected growth rate of 10% for these early childhood education professionals.

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City-Level Job Stats

The Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA metro area takes the top spot for earning potential in Oregon, with everyone from preschool teachers to kindergarten teachers earning more than their colleagues in other areas of the state. For example, kindergarten teachers in this metro region earn an average salary of $74,460 – that’s $17,000-$28,000 more than their peers in the Salem or Medford metro regions.

The coastal Oregon nonmetropolitan region also shines bright, as it is ranked first in the nation for average kindergarten teacher pay, coming it at $72,050.

Preschool Teachers

Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA – 4,580 licensed teachers with an average salary of $30,970
Salem – 420 licensed teachers with an average salary of $29,850
Eugene-Springfield – 850 licensed teachers with an average salary of $27,060
Bend – 400 licensed teachers with an average salary of $29,650
Medford – 270 licensed teachers with an average salary of $30,640
Corvallis – 200 licensed teachers with an average salary of $29,230

Kindergarten Teachers

Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA – 1,120 licensed teachers with an average salary of $74,460
Salem –average salary of $57,260
Medford –90 licensed teachers with an average salary of $46,460

Special Education Teachers – Preschool

Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA –average salary of $83,260

Special Education Teachers – Kindergarten and Elementary School

Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA – 1,040 licensed teachers with an average salary of $78,350
Salem – 180 licensed teachers with an average salary of $60,920
Medford – 50 licensed teachers with an average salary of $56,220

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