How much does a kindergarten teacher earn?

Kindergarten teachers play a truly important role in the care and development of children. They probably have one of the most influential professions, as they look after future generations. But many people ask themselves: what is the salary of a nursery school teacher? In this article, you will find out everything you need to know about earning potential, how salaries vary according to experience and region and what career opportunities are available.

The average salary of a nursery school teacher

The salary of a kindergarten teacher varies depending on the federal state, professional experience and institution. On average, kindergarten teachers earn around €3,250 to €4,245 gross per month, according to the Federal Employment Agency's 2024 salary atlas. 

Important factors influencing your salary include

• Federal state: In the new federal states, the average salary is lower than in the old federal states. In Bavaria, Baden-Württemberg and Rhineland-Palatinate, for example, salaries are higher than in other regions of Germany (remuneration atlas).
• Institution provider: Public institutions usually pay according to the collective agreement, but private kindergartens may offer higher or lower salaries.
• Professional experience and qualifications: The longer you have been in the job, the higher the salary.
• Further training and specialization: Salaries often increase with further training in the field of language support or inclusive education.

Tip: If you want to know what the average salary looks like in another industry or region, read our article on the average salary in Berlin and the average salary in Germany.

Promotion opportunities and salary increases for educators

As a nursery school teacher, there are attractive opportunities to advance your career and improve your salary. Salaries vary depending on the position and qualifications:

1. Group leader or deputy head of a daycare center: These roles entail more responsibility, such as pedagogical planning and communication with parents. Your salary as a group leader is in the same range as your salary as an educator (€3,250 to €4,289 on average), whereas as a deputy head of a daycare center your salary increases slightly: €3,367 to €4,641 gross per month according to Gehalt.de (2024).
2. Further training and specializations: With specializations, e.g. in language support, integration education or special concepts (Montessori, Waldorf), you can improve your chances of a salary increase. These specializations can increase your monthly salary to around €3,975 gross per month (Montessori teacher salary according to Stepstone, 2024). 
3. Head of a daycare center: As a daycare center manager, you have extensive responsibility, for example in administration and personnel management. The salary here is usually between €3,304 and €4,882 gross per month (according to Gehalt.de 2024), depending on the provider and location. This position usually requires professional experience, management skills and stress resistance!
4. Technical advisor or training manager: In advisory roles such as technical advisor or training manager, you will support other educators and institutions. Such positions offer salaries in the range of €2,597 to €4,138 gross per month (Stepstone, 2024) and often require additional qualifications and experience.

These career steps not only offer you a salary increase, but also varied development opportunities in the educational field.

Additional earning opportunities for nursery school teachers

In addition to the regular salary, there are some additional earning opportunities that many educators take advantage of:

• Supplements for shift or weekend work: Some kindergartens offer special programs outside regular opening hours. 
• Parent work or additional offers: In some facilities, educators can generate additional income by supervising special programs (e.g. language support, sports clubs).
• Secondary employment: Some educators also tutor or look after children outside of their working hours for another employer.

Working as an educator in Germany and earning well, even if you're not German

Many foreigners choose to pursue a career as an educator in Germany, as it is a popular profession for many who love children, but also a profession in which there is a shortage of labor in Germany. For people of foreign origin, it is important to have a valid work permit and very good German language skills. You can find more information on this in our article on work permits for foreigners in Germany.

The salary as a nursery school teacher offers a solid basis, but can vary depending on experience, qualifications and place of work. That's why we advise you to work on your career, continue your education and take advantage of opportunities to increase your salary.

If you are looking for a new job, whether in kindergarten or in another industry, visit WorkerHero. WorkerHero is the perfect platform for professionals in the blue and gray areas, even for those who do not (yet) speak perfect German. Here you will find numerous job offers - quickly and easily.

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