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Verified by NJ Board of Education

Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education Licensing in New Jersey

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

Last verified: Feb 18, 2026

Current

Application Fee

See agency

Exam Requirement

State-approved exam

Renewal Cycle

See board renewal rules

Licensing Blueprint for Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education in New Jersey

Estimated timeline: Varies by board

Core Requirements

  1. 1

    Background/Criminal Review: No criminal record prohibitions.

  2. 2

    License Type: Stand-alone license.

Application Snapshot

  1. Licensing Authority

    Department of Education • Office of Licensing and Credentials

  2. Current Filing Fee

    See agency

  3. Renewal Cycle

    See board renewal rules

  4. Salary Position

    $46,570 median (25% above national)

  5. State Salary Rank

    #2 of 50 states

Step-by-Step Process (5)

  1. 1. Meet New Jersey eligibility requirements for Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education licensure.
  2. 2. Complete approved education or training requirements.
  3. 3. Pass required state examinations.
  4. 4. Prepare supporting documentation (background check: No criminal record prohibitions; Background/Criminal Review: No criminal record prohibitions.).
  5. 5. Submit the application to Department of Education~Office of Licensing and Credentials and monitor board communications.

Salary Insights in New Jersey

With a median salary of $46,570, Preschool Teachers, Except Special Educations in New Jersey earn 25% above the national median of $37,120. New Jersey ranks #2 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is Varies by board.

State Hiring Climate (QCEW)

Rising

QoQ Employment Change

+2.4%

Average Weekly Wage

$1,565

Median annual salary

$46,570

Hourly estimate

$22.39
25% above national median

Difference: +$9,450

Percentile Distribution

Annual compensation
  • P1010th percentile$31,470
  • P2525th percentile$36,980
  • P50Median$46,570
  • P7575th percentile$62,230
  • P9090th percentile$78,010

State vs National Median

State: $46,570
National: $37,120

Total employment: 17,990 | Annual openings: N/A

Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education Salary Ranking

#2 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
New Jersey$46,570Varies by state boardState-approved examVaries by board
New York$45,580Degree requiredState-approved examVaries by board
Pennsylvania$34,250Specific course requiredState exam requiredVaries by board
Delaware$31,380Specific course requiredState 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
New Jersey72MediumBackground check or criminal history review is indicated.
New York60MediumDocumented experience may be required. Background check or criminal history review is indicated.
Pennsylvania60MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Delaware60MediumState-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

Department of Education • Office of Licensing and Credentials

PO Box 503, Trenton, NJ, 8625

Phone: 6092922070

Visit Official WebsiteCall BoardOpen in Maps

Related Careers in New Jersey

ProfessionMedian SalaryEducationTimeline
Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary$99,110No educational requirementsVaries by board
Biological Science Teachers, Postsecondary$100,870No educational requirementsVaries by board
Business Teachers, Postsecondary$105,230No educational requirementsVaries by board
Education Teachers, Postsecondary$74,990No educational requirementsVaries by board

FAQ

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

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 Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education salary in New Jersey?

The median annual salary for Preschool Teachers, Except Special Educations in New Jersey is $46,570. Salaries range from $31,470 (10th percentile) to $78,010 (90th percentile).

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

Preschool Teachers, Except Special Educations in New Jersey earn 25% above the national median of $37,120, with a state median of $46,570.

How many Preschool Teachers, Except Special Educations work in New Jersey?

New Jersey employs approximately 17,990 Preschool Teachers, Except Special Educations according to BLS data.

Can I transfer my Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education license to New Jersey 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 New Jersey?

The licensing agency is Department of Education / Office of Licensing and Credentials. Review agency details at https://www.nj.gov/education/license/.

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

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