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Verified by MN Board of Education

Kindergarten Teachers, Except Special Education Licensing in Minnesota

Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for kindergarten teachers, except special education in Minnesota, including See agency and board contact links.

Last verified: Feb 21, 2026

Current

Application Fee

See agency

Exam Requirement

State-approved exam

Renewal Cycle

See board renewal rules

Licensing Blueprint for Kindergarten Teachers, Except Special Education in Minnesota

Estimated timeline: Varies by board

Core Requirements

  1. 1

    License Type: Register with licensing agency.

  2. 2

    The Professional Educator Licensing and Standards Board (PELSB) is responsible for (1) developing the teacher??s code of ethics

    • (2) adopting rules to license public school teachers
    • (3) adopting rules for and approving teacher preparation programs
    • (4) issuing or denying license applications (5) suspending, revoking, or denying a license based on qualifying grounds
    • and (6) verification of district and charter school licensure compliance.
  3. 3

    Apply for a License.

  4. 4

    The Tiered Licensure Structure Infographic gives a general overview of the requirements for each tier license level.

  5. 5

    Each tiered application provides.

  6. 6

    Fingerprint cards.

  7. 7

    Apply for a Substitute Teaching License.

Application Snapshot

  1. Licensing Authority

    Minnesota Department of Education • MDE

  2. Current Filing Fee

    See agency

  3. Renewal Cycle

    See board renewal rules

  4. Salary Position

    $65,970 median (7% above national)

  5. State Salary Rank

    #11 of 50 states

Step-by-Step Process (5)

  1. 1. Meet Minnesota eligibility requirements for Kindergarten Teachers, Except Special Education licensure.
  2. 2. Complete approved education or training requirements.
  3. 3. Pass required state examinations.
  4. 4. Prepare supporting documentation (The Professional Educator Licensing and Standards Board (PELSB) is responsible for (1) developing the teacher??s code of ethics; (2) adop...; Each tiered application provides.).
  5. 5. Submit the application to Minnesota Department of Education~MDE and monitor board communications.

Salary Insights in Minnesota

With a median salary of $65,970, Kindergarten Teachers, Except Special Educations in Minnesota earn 7% above the national median of $61,430. Minnesota ranks #11 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is Varies by board.

State Hiring Climate (QCEW)

Rising

QoQ Employment Change

+3%

Average Weekly Wage

$1,407

Median annual salary

$65,970

Hourly estimate

$31.72
7% above national median

Difference: +$4,540

Percentile Distribution

Annual compensation
  • P1010th percentile$46,360
  • P2525th percentile$54,350
  • P50Median$65,970
  • P7575th percentile$82,980
  • P9090th percentile$97,920

State vs National Median

State: $65,970
National: $61,430

Total employment: 2,640 | Annual openings: N/A

Kindergarten Teachers, Except Special Education Salary Ranking

#11 of 50 statesfor Kindergarten Teachers, Except Special Education median salary
RankStateMedian Salary
#1Rhode Island$86,390
#2California$84,550
#3Washington$84,500
#4Connecticut$83,920
#5Massachusetts$82,440

Nearby States Comparison

Kindergarten Teachers, Except Special Education licensing across the region
StateMedian SalaryEducationExamTimeline
Minnesota$65,970Varies by state boardState-approved examVaries by board
Wisconsin$59,130Degree requiredState-approved examVaries by board
Iowa$55,420Degree requiredNo exam requiredVaries by board
South Dakota$48,110Varies by state boardState-approved examVaries by board
North Dakota$53,950No educational requirementsNo exam requiredVaries by board

License by Endorsement

Transfer requirements are state-specific. Use this quick matrix as a planning signal, then verify final endorsement rules with each board.

StateReciprocity ScoreTierNotes
Minnesota78HighBoard-specific review required.
Wisconsin72MediumBackground check or criminal history review is indicated.
Iowa54LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
South Dakota78HighBoard-specific review required.
North Dakota54LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
  • License status indicator: Active.
  • Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.

Official Licensing Agency

Official website verified

Minnesota Department of Education • MDE

1500 Highway 36 West, Roseville, MN, 55113

Phone: 6515828200

Visit Official WebsiteCall BoardOpen in Maps

Related Careers in Minnesota

ProfessionMedian SalaryEducationTimeline
Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary$76,540Varies by state boardVaries by board
Biological Science Teachers, Postsecondary$84,310Varies by state boardVaries by board
Business Teachers, Postsecondary$83,360Varies by state boardVaries by board
Education Teachers, Postsecondary$75,750Varies by state boardVaries by board

FAQ

How long does it take to become a Kindergarten Teachers, Except Special Education in Minnesota?

Most applicants finish the licensing path in about Varies by board, but timing can change based on education track, exam scheduling, and board processing.

What is the typical Kindergarten Teachers, Except Special Education salary in Minnesota?

The median annual salary for Kindergarten Teachers, Except Special Educations in Minnesota is $65,970. Salaries range from $46,360 (10th percentile) to $97,920 (90th percentile).

How does the Kindergarten Teachers, Except Special Education salary in Minnesota compare to the national average?

Kindergarten Teachers, Except Special Educations in Minnesota earn 7% above the national median of $61,430, with a state median of $65,970.

How many Kindergarten Teachers, Except Special Educations work in Minnesota?

Minnesota employs approximately 2,640 Kindergarten Teachers, Except Special Educations according to BLS data.

Can I transfer my Kindergarten Teachers, Except Special Education license to Minnesota from another state?

Transfer requirements vary by board. License status indicator: Active. Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.

Who is the licensing agency for Kindergarten Teachers, Except Special Educations in Minnesota?

The licensing agency is Minnesota Department of Education / MDE. Review agency details at http://education.state.mn.us/MDE/index.html.

How often do you renew a Kindergarten Teachers, Except Special Education license in Minnesota?

Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.