CredentialCompassJump to FAQ
Verified by MA Board of Education

Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education Licensing in Massachusetts

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

Last verified: Feb 18, 2026

Current

Application Fee

See agency

Exam Requirement

No exam required

Renewal Cycle

See board renewal rules

Licensing Blueprint for Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education in Massachusetts

Estimated timeline: Varies by board

Core Requirements

  1. 1

    Education: Specific course required.

  2. 2

    Experience: No experience required.

  3. 3

    Background/Criminal Review: No criminal record prohibitions.

  4. 4

    License Type: Stand-alone license.

  5. 5

    Educators, including teachers, support personnel, and administrators are required to hold a license issued by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education in order to be eligible to teach in Massachusetts Public Schools.

Exam and processing details

  • No exam required

Application Snapshot

  1. Licensing Authority

    Office of Educator Licensure

  2. Current Filing Fee

    See agency

  3. Renewal Cycle

    See board renewal rules

  4. Salary Position

    $45,030 median (21% above national)

  5. State Salary Rank

    #5 of 50 states

Step-by-Step Process (6)

  1. 1. Confirm eligibility prerequisites (Educators, including teachers, support personnel, and administrators are required to hold a license issued by the Massachusetts Departmen...).
  2. 2. Complete required education or training: Specific course required.
  3. 3. Document required supervised experience: No experience required.
  4. 4. Pass required examination steps: No exam required.
  5. 5. Prepare supporting documentation (background check: No criminal record prohibitions; Background/Criminal Review: No criminal record prohibitions.).
  6. 6. Submit the application to Office of Educator Licensure and monitor board communications.

Salary Insights in Massachusetts

With a median salary of $45,030, Preschool Teachers, Except Special Educations in Massachusetts earn 21% above the national median of $37,120. Massachusetts ranks #5 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is Varies by board.

State Hiring Climate (QCEW)

Rising

QoQ Employment Change

+2.1%

Average Weekly Wage

$1,805

Median annual salary

$45,030

Hourly estimate

$21.65
21% above national median

Difference: +$7,910

Percentile Distribution

Annual compensation
  • P1010th percentile$36,490
  • P2525th percentile$38,540
  • P50Median$45,030
  • P7575th percentile$49,810
  • P9090th percentile$72,920

State vs National Median

State: $45,030
National: $37,120

Total employment: 15,380 | Annual openings: N/A

Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education Salary Ranking

#5 of 50 statesfor Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education median salary
RankStateMedian Salary
#1Nebraska$50,270
#2New Jersey$46,570
#3California$45,880
#4New York$45,580
#5Massachusetts$45,030

Nearby States Comparison

Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education licensing across the region
StateMedian SalaryEducationExamTimeline
Massachusetts$45,030Specific course requiredNo exam requiredVaries by board
New Hampshire$37,500Specific course requiredNo exam required18 years
Vermont$44,760Degree requiredNo exam requiredVaries by board
New York$45,580Degree requiredState-approved examVaries by board
Connecticut$43,160Specific course requiredNo exam requiredVaries by board
Rhode Island$36,040Varies by state boardState-approved examVaries 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
Massachusetts54LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
New Hampshire50LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Vermont54LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
New York60MediumDocumented experience may be required. Background check or criminal history review is indicated.
Connecticut60MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Rhode Island72MediumBackground check or criminal history review is indicated.
  • License status indicator: Active.
  • Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.

Official Licensing Agency

Official website verified

Office of Educator Licensure

75 Pleasant St, Malden, MA, 02148

Phone: 7813886600

Related Careers in Massachusetts

ProfessionMedian SalaryEducationTimeline
Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary$83,490No educational requirementsVaries by board
Biological Science Teachers, Postsecondary$83,560No educational requirementsVaries by board
Business Teachers, Postsecondary$99,600No educational requirementsVaries by board
Education Teachers, Postsecondary$77,440No educational requirementsVaries by board

FAQ

How long does it take to become a Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education in Massachusetts?

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 exams are required for Preschool Teachers, Except Special Educations in Massachusetts?

Massachusetts lists No exam required as part of the licensure process for Preschool Teachers, Except Special Educations.

What education do you need to become a Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education in Massachusetts?

The board typically expects Specific course required for Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education licensure in Massachusetts.

What is the typical Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education salary in Massachusetts?

The median annual salary for Preschool Teachers, Except Special Educations in Massachusetts is $45,030. Salaries range from $36,490 (10th percentile) to $72,920 (90th percentile).

How does the Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education salary in Massachusetts compare to the national average?

Preschool Teachers, Except Special Educations in Massachusetts earn 21% above the national median of $37,120, with a state median of $45,030.

How many Preschool Teachers, Except Special Educations work in Massachusetts?

Massachusetts employs approximately 15,380 Preschool Teachers, Except Special Educations according to BLS data.

Can I transfer my Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education license to Massachusetts 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 Preschool Teachers, Except Special Educations in Massachusetts?

The licensing agency is Office of Educator Licensure. Review agency details at http://www.mass.gov/edu/government/departments-and-boards/ese/programs/educator-effectiveness/licensure/.

How often do you renew a Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education license in Massachusetts?

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