Preschool Teacher Salary in Kerala

Are you planning to go for a teaching job in Kerala? While the higher education sector is going through a challenging time in 2025, seeking a job as a preschool teacher can be the best option for you. As preschool education is the foundation of academic training, the career does not go out of demand. If you are up for a preschool teacher position, you must be wondering how much you can make with the qualification and experience you have.

The job demands a great deal of dedication and presence of mind along with passion for nurturing young minds. So, it is important that you choose an option that ensures a rewarding and stable future in this career. Here is a comprehensive breakdown of the salary offered based on qualifications, experience and other factors.

Average Salary of Preschool Teachers in Kerala

Being a state that emphasises on mandatory education, the number of educational institutions here is high. The pay scale of preschool teachers can vary from one institution to another. The salary can also vary based on other significant factors like the qualifications and experience of the candidates. The government-aided organizations follow a fixed salary pattern as well.

The average pay scale ranges from 8000 rupees to 20000 rupees per month in established or branded institutions. Here is the breakdown:

The location you choose can also influence variation in the salary. Schools located in Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Kochi and Kasaragod typically offer higher salaries than others  as most of them follow international curriculum and have higher fee structure. 

Be aware that your salary is not solely based on your experience.

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Salary by Qualification for Preschool Teachers 

Like in every profession, the training and qualifications heavily influence your earning potential in the teaching career. As far as preschool teachers are concerned, Montessori TTC is a go-to option. The basic qualification required is a minimum of SSLC but with a recognized pre primary teacher training certificate. The major certifications include:

Montessori Teacher Training Certificate (Montessori TTC)

This is the highly sought after category in the early childhood education sector. The certificate stands as a credibility booster for you. Being the highly valued qualification, this certification can land you on jobs with attractive salaries.

Montessori-trained fresher: 

An entry-level Montessori teacher can earn from 10,000 to 14,000 rupees per month depending on the institution and city they find a job in.

Montessori + Graduate Degree (BA/B.Ed): 

While stepping into the mid level range your salary can rise from 14,000 to 18,000 per month with potential to vary further.

Montessori + Teaching Experience: 

Experienced preschool Montessori teachers can expect on average 16,000 to 22,000 rupees per month especially in high-end preschools. It can go higher in internationally recognized institutions.

Having a recognized Montessori TTC from institutions accredited by AMS or IMTC can significantly boost your hiring options and salary prospects.

Diploma in Early Childhood Education (DECE) 

With a specialization in pre-primary education like DECE you can expect a higher salary than the typical range. In addition to this, teachers with a bachelor’s degree might earn around 14000 rupees per month, and those with a master’s degree can potentially earn around 18000 per month.

Nursery Teachers Education Course (NTEC)

This is a two year full time diploma course offered by the Government of Kerala for pre primary level training. This course certificate will have a good score while taking up preschool teacher roles.

Without any valued or recognized certifications, you cannot find a job in a decent institution or have any significant career growth. So, opt which suits best for you and become a certified professional.

Get your Diploma in Early Childhood Care and Education

Freelance & Home-Based Preschool Teaching Income

Is freelancing as a teacher a new thing for you? Well, giving tuitions online is one thing and managing younger kids on your own is another. With the evolving scene in the education sector along with the global transformations, it is now possible to have flexibility in work arrangements. If you wish to have a job from the comforts of your house or you have plans to build your own independent venture, this is for you.

Freelance Tutoring

This has been an age old practice but this time it is more of a recognized and certified version. Having the most advanced technology and devices with you is an added advantage for you as a teacher. The covid pandemic has exposed how compatible this option is and there is a remarkable increase in jobs in this sector. The real time interactive nature of one-on-one tutoring can be offered to your preschoolers as well. Like the regular tutoring you can focus on the foundational skills, language development and even activity based learning without any hassle. Your expertise, duration and even the location will dictate the payment you get for this method. Most online platforms offer an average ranging from 150 rupees to 500 rupees per hour for various subjects which applies to preschool tutoring as well.

Home-Based Preschool Setup

If you have an independent profession in your mind and the resources for it, this can be the best choice. With the right setup, licensing and marketing you can establish a preschool or daycare that will help you grow as your own brand. The quality of service you provide will bring more students thereby causing a hike in your income. You cannot name a fixed figure but on an average preschools charge a student 5000 rupees per month in Kerala. Imagine yourself in your own institution with around 20 students with this payscale. Promising, right?

While these offer independence, you need to hone your marketing and client interaction skills before you get into freelancing. You need to make yourself visible and stand out in a way the parents feel you are the right choice for their kids.

Conclusion

A career as a preschool teacher can have significant positive turns once you opt for the best certifications like Montessori TTC. If you are entering this profession out of immense passion, the modest salary in the initial stage of your career can be manageable. The sector you choose can also work in your favor or against it. So it is important that you think things through before you begin. 

Whether you are a complete fresher about to step into this career or launching your own preschool venture, you are taking up a role that leaves a lasting impact on the life of the young kids. Make sure that you go with the qualifications and experience that leave you fulfilled as well as reward you with the best income options.