Back to School 2026: Early Childhood Teachers in High-Cost Metros Earn Just $2-$4 Above Minimum Wage

Heading into the 2026-2027 academic year, ZipRecruiter analyzed active U.S. teaching job listings nationwide, combining compensation and posting data with localized minimum wage policies. Examining pay scales alongside local wage floors highlights where teacher compensation keeps pace with living costs and where early education staffing shortages are most acute.