Childcare worker salary
BLS occupation: Childcare Workers · also called daycare worker · Personal care and service · data for May 2025
Median salary $34,980 a year, US
Median hourly pay $16.82 an hour
Middle half earn $29,360–$38,570 25th to 75th percentile
Childcare workers employed 518,910 −2.0% projected by 2035
How much does a childcare worker make?
- The median childcare worker salary in the US is $34,980 a year ($16.82 an hour): half of the 518,910 childcare workers BLS counts earn more and half earn less. The average (mean) is $35,030.
- The middle half earn between $29,360 and $38,570. The lowest-paid 10% earn less than $24,260 and the top 10% more than $46,010.
- That is 31% less than the median for all US workers ($50,980).
- The District of Columbia pays childcare workers the most (median $47,340), followed by Washington ($41,680) and Massachusetts ($40,900). Mississippi pays the least ($22,050).
- After adjusting for prices, the pay goes furthest in the District of Columbia, where the median is worth $43,075 in typical US prices, then Colorado and Washington.
- In 0 of the 376 metro areas with data, the median childcare worker salary is enough to rent a typical home without spending more than 30% of income on rent.
- BLS projects the number of childcare workers to shrink 2.0% from 2025 to 2035 (all jobs: 3.5%), with about 150,300 openings a year. The typical entry education is a high school diploma or equivalent.
official From BLS's survey of employers: what childcare workers are actually paid, not job ads or self-reports. Adjusted figures are derived. How we calculate.
How does your pay compare?
Childcare worker salary range
Half of childcare workers earn between $29,360 and $38,570 a year
Yearly pay at each point of the range, US, May 2025. For comparison, the median for all US jobs is $50,980.
Lowest 10% earn under Yearly pay: $24,260
Lowest 25% earn under Yearly pay: $29,360
Median Yearly pay: $34,980
Top 25% earn over Yearly pay: $38,570
Top 10% earn over Yearly pay: $46,010
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025.
Show the numbers
| Yearly pay | |
|---|---|
| Lowest 10% earn under | $24,260 |
| Lowest 25% earn under | $29,360 |
| Median | $34,980 |
| Top 25% earn over | $38,570 |
| Top 10% earn over | $46,010 |
Childcare worker salary by state
The District of Columbia pays childcare workers the most; Mississippi the least
Median yearly pay by state compared with the US median ($34,980), May 2025. Blue = higher pay.
- 20%+ below US
- 10–20% below
- 3–10% below
- Within 3%
- 3–10% above
- 10–20% above
- 20%+ above US
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS May 2025.
Show the numbers
| State | Median pay |
|---|---|
| District of Columbia | $47,340 median |
| Washington | $41,680 median |
| Massachusetts | $40,900 median |
| Colorado | $40,750 median |
| California | $40,020 median |
| Oregon | $38,650 median |
| Vermont | $38,030 median |
| New York | $37,590 median |
| New Hampshire | $37,080 median |
| Hawaii | $37,030 median |
| Rhode Island | $36,940 median |
| Connecticut | $36,660 median |
| New Jersey | $36,390 median |
| Maine | $36,350 median |
| Alaska | $36,200 median |
| Maryland | $36,030 median |
| New Mexico | $35,840 median |
| Illinois | $35,830 median |
| Minnesota | $35,520 median |
| Montana | $35,120 median |
| Arizona | $35,100 median |
| Virginia | $34,330 median |
| Florida | $34,210 median |
| Delaware | $33,210 median |
| Wisconsin | $32,460 median |
| Utah | $31,630 median |
| Michigan | $30,970 median |
| Missouri | $30,790 median |
| Nebraska | $30,740 median |
| North Dakota | $30,290 median |
| Indiana | $30,180 median |
| Idaho | $30,160 median |
| Pennsylvania | $30,140 median |
| Nevada | $29,740 median |
| Ohio | $29,680 median |
| Tennessee | $29,660 median |
| South Carolina | $29,650 median |
| Kansas | $29,240 median |
| North Carolina | $29,140 median |
| Kentucky | $28,920 median |
| Texas | $28,570 median |
| Arkansas | $28,450 median |
| Iowa | $28,420 median |
| Wyoming | $28,250 median |
| Georgia | $28,020 median |
| South Dakota | $27,940 median |
| Oklahoma | $27,730 median |
| West Virginia | $27,710 median |
| Louisiana | $22,900 median |
| Alabama | $22,720 median |
| Mississippi | $22,050 median |
Where childcare worker pay goes furthest
A salary buys more where prices are low. We divide each state's median by its price level from the Bureau of Economic Analysis, so every figure is in typical US prices. derived
Childcare workers' pay goes furthest in the District of Columbia once prices are counted
Median pay ÷ the state's price level (BEA, 2024; US = 100), shown in typical US prices. Top 10 states.
US median
Source: BLS OEWS May 2025; BEA Regional Price Parities 2024. Our calculation.
Show the numbers
| Worth, in US prices | |
|---|---|
| District of Columbia | $43,075 |
| Colorado | $39,543 |
| Washington | $38,949 |
| New Mexico | $38,867 |
| Vermont | $38,823 |
| Massachusetts | $38,674 |
| Maine | $37,455 |
| Oregon | $37,393 |
| Montana | $37,107 |
| California | $36,145 |
Childcare worker pay in every state
| State | Median a year | Hourly | Lowest 10% | Top 10% | Employed | After cost of living |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| District of Columbia | $47,340 | $22.76 | $39,050 | $56,790 | 1,350 | $43,075 |
| Washington | $41,680 | $20.04 | $35,340 | $50,080 | 4,340 | $38,949 |
| Massachusetts | $40,900 | $19.66 | $34,130 | $49,790 | 13,140 | $38,674 |
| Colorado | $40,750 | $19.59 | $33,430 | $49,190 | 13,310 | $39,543 |
| California | $40,020 | $19.24 | $35,340 | $52,670 | 52,780 | $36,145 |
| Oregon | $38,650 | $18.58 | $32,580 | $46,450 | 5,240 | $37,393 |
| Vermont | $38,030 | $18.28 | $32,140 | $46,030 | – | $38,823 |
| New York | $37,590 | $18.07 | $33,630 | $46,970 | 44,020 | $34,831 |
| New Hampshire | $37,080 | $17.83 | $27,850 | $44,500 | 2,820 | $35,597 |
| Hawaii | $37,030 | $17.80 | $30,850 | $47,270 | 1,870 | $33,679 |
| Rhode Island | $36,940 | $17.76 | $31,410 | $45,140 | 1,800 | $36,117 |
| Connecticut | $36,660 | $17.63 | $34,940 | $44,760 | 12,020 | $35,383 |
| New Jersey | $36,390 | $17.50 | $32,220 | $44,800 | 25,070 | $33,445 |
| Maine | $36,350 | $17.48 | $31,200 | $46,020 | 4,990 | $37,455 |
| Alaska | $36,200 | $17.40 | $30,640 | $46,640 | 1,340 | $35,366 |
| Maryland | $36,030 | $17.32 | $31,570 | $47,280 | 9,750 | $34,328 |
| New Mexico | $35,840 | $17.23 | $29,880 | $42,190 | 4,120 | $38,867 |
| Illinois | $35,830 | $17.23 | $31,200 | $44,980 | 23,900 | $35,845 |
| Minnesota | $35,520 | $17.08 | $28,560 | $44,880 | 11,570 | $36,017 |
| Montana | $35,120 | $16.88 | $27,770 | $38,750 | 2,190 | $37,107 |
| Arizona | $35,100 | $16.88 | $30,830 | $45,660 | 5,530 | $34,864 |
| Virginia | $34,330 | $16.50 | $28,150 | $44,100 | 13,930 | $33,955 |
| Florida | $34,210 | $16.45 | $27,960 | $44,730 | 21,760 | $33,081 |
| Delaware | $33,210 | $15.97 | $31,200 | $40,410 | 1,230 | $33,274 |
| Wisconsin | $32,460 | $15.61 | $24,650 | $42,830 | 5,560 | $34,497 |
| Utah | $31,630 | $15.21 | $23,040 | $43,440 | 4,830 | $31,993 |
| Michigan | $30,970 | $14.89 | $27,210 | $39,340 | 14,010 | $32,188 |
| Missouri | $30,790 | $14.80 | $28,600 | $41,600 | 12,430 | $33,903 |
| Nebraska | $30,740 | $14.78 | $28,130 | $36,660 | 9,390 | $34,117 |
| North Dakota | $30,290 | $14.56 | $23,310 | $37,070 | 4,030 | $34,049 |
| Indiana | $30,180 | $14.51 | $23,880 | $38,250 | 8,280 | $32,337 |
| Idaho | $30,160 | $14.50 | $17,550 | $42,150 | 4,430 | $31,583 |
| Pennsylvania | $30,140 | $14.49 | $22,710 | $39,290 | 13,000 | $30,890 |
| Nevada | $29,740 | $14.30 | $27,520 | $38,560 | 3,740 | $29,746 |
| Ohio | $29,680 | $14.27 | $23,800 | $40,390 | 11,300 | $31,992 |
| Tennessee | $29,660 | $14.26 | $21,730 | $38,050 | 13,650 | $32,285 |
| South Carolina | $29,650 | $14.25 | $22,020 | $37,720 | 10,660 | $31,627 |
| Kansas | $29,240 | $14.06 | $22,810 | $37,280 | 7,430 | $32,464 |
| North Carolina | $29,140 | $14.01 | $22,840 | $40,990 | 12,550 | $30,893 |
| Kentucky | $28,920 | $13.90 | $21,860 | $39,550 | 5,820 | $32,077 |
| Texas | $28,570 | $13.74 | $21,750 | $37,290 | 34,160 | $29,436 |
| Arkansas | $28,450 | $13.68 | $23,940 | $33,640 | 5,400 | $32,725 |
| Iowa | $28,420 | $13.66 | $21,950 | $37,220 | 6,020 | $32,383 |
| Wyoming | $28,250 | $13.58 | $21,960 | $50,040 | 1,110 | $30,478 |
| Georgia | $28,020 | $13.47 | $22,170 | $36,980 | 21,040 | $29,099 |
| South Dakota | $27,940 | $13.43 | $26,500 | $37,840 | 2,370 | $31,540 |
| Oklahoma | $27,730 | $13.33 | $22,040 | $38,580 | 7,590 | $31,568 |
| West Virginia | $27,710 | $13.32 | $22,170 | $35,890 | 1,930 | $30,962 |
| Louisiana | $22,900 | $11.01 | $18,650 | $33,610 | 8,000 | $25,962 |
| Alabama | $22,720 | $10.92 | $18,680 | $32,330 | 4,580 | $25,579 |
| Mississippi | $22,050 | $10.60 | $18,230 | $33,600 | 5,420 | $25,359 |
After cost of living = median ÷ (BEA price level ÷ 100).
Childcare worker salary by city
Metro areas where BLS publishes childcare worker pay: 380 of 387. Rent share = typical rent (September 2026, Zillow) × 12 ÷ the median salary; under 30% is affordable by the usual rule.
Highest-paying metro areas
- North Port, FL $47,300
- San Jose, CA $45,720
- San Francisco, CA $44,540
- Denver, CO $44,320
- Seattle, WA $43,710
- Barnstable, MA $43,480
- Boulder, CO $43,380
- San Luis Obispo, CA $42,860
- Longview, WA $42,300
- Modesto, CA $41,920
Where the pay goes furthest
- North Port, FL $46,184
- Barnstable, MA $44,209
- Longview, WA $43,365
- Denver, CO $41,897
- San Jose, CA $41,404
- Boulder, CO $41,235
- Amherst-Northampton, MA $40,462
- Pittsfield, MA $40,387
- Modesto, CA $40,266
- El Centro, CA $40,158
All 380 metro areas
| Metro area | Median a year | Employed | After cost of living | Rent share |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| North Port, FL | $47,300 | 1,530 | $46,184 | 53% |
| San Jose, CA | $45,720 | 3,090 | $41,404 | 100% |
| San Francisco, CA | $44,540 | 8,260 | $38,525 | 93% |
| Denver, CO | $44,320 | 7,870 | $41,897 | 51% |
| Seattle, WA | $43,710 | 2,520 | $39,331 | 62% |
| Barnstable, MA | $43,480 | 270 | $44,209 | 71% |
| Boulder, CO | $43,380 | 1,060 | $41,235 | 61% |
| San Luis Obispo, CA | $42,860 | 370 | $39,467 | 78% |
| Longview, WA | $42,300 | 30 | $43,365 | 40% |
| Modesto, CA | $41,920 | 660 | $40,266 | 59% |
| Boston, MA | $41,590 | 10,440 | $38,415 | 86% |
| Napa, CA | $41,570 | 170 | $36,933 | 84% |
| Santa Rosa, CA | $41,260 | 620 | $38,280 | 78% |
| Amherst-Northampton, MA | $40,560 | 240 | $40,462 | – |
| Riverside, CA | $40,210 | 5,110 | $37,776 | 76% |
| Mount Vernon, WA | $40,150 | 60 | $39,193 | 65% |
| Stockton, CA | $40,010 | 810 | $38,072 | 73% |
| Los Angeles, CA | $39,890 | 16,530 | $35,125 | 88% |
| San Diego, CA | $39,800 | 4,420 | $35,572 | 89% |
| Flagstaff, AZ | $39,640 | 150 | $39,512 | 64% |
| Portland, OR | $39,590 | 3,020 | $37,554 | 55% |
| Salinas, CA | $39,520 | 530 | $36,243 | 84% |
| Worcester, MA | $39,300 | 1,230 | $38,333 | 64% |
| Vallejo, CA | $38,850 | 570 | $35,813 | 76% |
| Bellingham, WA | $38,820 | 130 | $37,567 | 60% |
| Bremerton, WA | $38,690 | 110 | $36,636 | 64% |
| Pittsfield, MA | $38,410 | 180 | $40,387 | 55% |
| Olympia, WA | $38,390 | 240 | $37,031 | 64% |
| Sacramento, CA | $38,390 | 2,280 | $35,990 | 71% |
| Santa Maria, CA | $38,390 | 790 | $35,286 | 102% |
| Oxnard, CA | $38,340 | 860 | $34,686 | 92% |
| El Centro, CA | $38,220 | 380 | $40,158 | 57% |
| Wenatchee, WA | $38,130 | 60 | $36,715 | 55% |
| Santa Cruz, CA | $38,050 | 330 | $34,624 | 109% |
| Burlington, VT | $38,030 | – | $37,672 | 82% |
| Bridgeport, CT | $38,020 | 3,720 | $35,578 | 91% |
| New York, NY | $37,870 | 48,780 | $33,643 | 112% |
| Kennewick, WA | $37,840 | 180 | $37,810 | 54% |
| Redding, CA | $37,820 | 240 | $37,563 | 52% |
| Washington, DC | $37,610 | 11,650 | $34,541 | 77% |
| Yuba City, CA | $37,550 | 220 | $36,025 | 65% |
| Bend, OR | $37,520 | 290 | $36,214 | 71% |
| Ithaca, NY | $37,410 | 290 | $36,209 | 64% |
| Salem, OR | $37,320 | 430 | $36,006 | 53% |
| Providence, RI | $37,230 | 2,880 | $36,581 | 70% |
| Spokane, WA | $37,230 | 290 | $37,102 | 49% |
| Visalia, CA | $37,190 | 680 | $37,255 | 56% |
| Colorado Springs, CO | $37,160 | 1,380 | $36,899 | 57% |
| Grants Pass, OR | $37,150 | 120 | $38,001 | 52% |
| Kahului, HI | $36,940 | 200 | $33,768 | 104% |
| Springfield, MA | $36,910 | 600 | $38,424 | 64% |
| Hanford, CA | $36,890 | 200 | $36,305 | 63% |
| Eugene, OR | $36,760 | 460 | $36,193 | 58% |
| Fairbanks, AK | $36,750 | 100 | $35,608 | 60% |
| Honolulu, HI | $36,710 | 1,410 | $33,084 | 99% |
| Greeley, CO | $36,690 | 490 | $36,626 | 55% |
| Chico, CA | $36,660 | 310 | $36,226 | 51% |
| Portland, ME | $36,620 | 2,460 | $35,952 | 75% |
| Chicago, IL | $36,610 | 17,540 | $35,340 | 71% |
| Merced, CA | $36,590 | 390 | $37,232 | 68% |
| New Haven, CT | $36,550 | 1,960 | $34,956 | 67% |
| Yakima, WA | $36,550 | 130 | $38,254 | 45% |
| Fresno, CA | $36,480 | 1,520 | $35,709 | 68% |
| Bozeman, MT | $36,460 | 280 | $35,567 | 72% |
| Santa Fe, NM | $36,440 | 130 | $36,895 | 64% |
| Fort Collins, CO | $36,420 | 740 | $36,014 | 65% |
| Kingston, NY | $36,360 | 460 | $36,104 | 67% |
| Albuquerque, NM | $36,340 | 2,190 | $38,034 | 49% |
| Minneapolis, MN | $36,310 | 7,740 | $34,640 | 57% |
| Anchorage, AK | $36,280 | 860 | $34,415 | 63% |
| Poughkeepsie-Newburgh, NY | $36,230 | 1,810 | $33,110 | 75% |
| Manchester, NH | $36,210 | 910 | $34,271 | 72% |
| Bakersfield, CA | $36,190 | 1,690 | $35,872 | 60% |
| Albany, NY | $36,170 | 2,420 | $36,328 | 56% |
| Walla Walla, WA | $36,040 | 60 | $36,582 | 49% |
| Norwich, CT | $35,950 | 810 | $35,791 | 70% |
| Hartford, CT | $35,920 | 3,630 | $34,960 | 67% |
| Binghamton, NY | $35,890 | 640 | $38,648 | 54% |
| Corvallis, OR | $35,800 | 110 | $34,417 | 61% |
| Phoenix, AZ | $35,760 | 4,230 | $34,612 | 58% |
| Billings, MT | $35,740 | 440 | $38,214 | 47% |
| Waterbury, CT | $35,670 | 1,350 | $35,749 | – |
| Albany, OR | $35,640 | 150 | $34,907 | 55% |
| Trenton, NJ | $35,640 | 1,140 | $34,542 | 85% |
| Medford, OR | $35,620 | 220 | $35,117 | 62% |
| Missoula, MT | $35,510 | 330 | $36,819 | 55% |
| Helena, MT | $35,500 | 150 | $37,105 | 56% |
| Glens Falls, NY | $35,460 | 220 | $37,379 | 49% |
| Buffalo, NY | $35,410 | 2,100 | $36,945 | 49% |
| Grand Junction, CO | $35,390 | 220 | $37,067 | 59% |
| Pueblo, CO | $35,230 | 140 | $38,393 | 45% |
| Jacksonville, FL | $35,210 | 1,660 | $35,393 | 57% |
| Utica, NY | $35,190 | 530 | $37,970 | 49% |
| Springfield, IL | $35,170 | 380 | $37,921 | 41% |
| Ocala, FL | $35,150 | 330 | $36,909 | 54% |
| Lexington, KY | $35,100 | 850 | $37,787 | 55% |
| Rochester, NY | $35,090 | 2,410 | $36,162 | 52% |
| Champaign, IL | $34,990 | 530 | $37,744 | 47% |
| Prescott Valley, AZ | $34,930 | 80 | $35,550 | 65% |
| Baltimore, MD | $34,860 | 3,630 | $33,363 | 67% |
| Bangor, ME | $34,820 | 490 | $36,080 | 52% |
| Farmington, NM | $34,820 | 240 | $39,700 | 48% |
| Miami, FL | $34,750 | 6,150 | $30,441 | 92% |
| Decatur, IL | $34,740 | 100 | $39,289 | 37% |
| Punta Gorda, FL | $34,730 | 120 | $34,549 | 64% |
| Naples, FL | $34,670 | 270 | $33,595 | 90% |
| Green Bay, WI | $34,650 | 460 | $37,224 | 39% |
| Deltona, FL | $34,620 | 620 | $34,841 | 61% |
| Mankato, MN | $34,590 | 300 | $38,030 | 43% |
| Lewiston, ME | $34,570 | 460 | $36,491 | 55% |
| Atlantic City, NJ | $34,540 | 530 | $34,939 | 71% |
| Philadelphia, PA | $34,520 | 7,960 | $33,660 | 66% |
| Rochester, MN | $34,510 | 650 | $37,998 | 55% |
| Madison, WI | $34,450 | 680 | $35,411 | 62% |
| Nashville, TN | $34,450 | 5,280 | $35,760 | 63% |
| Syracuse, NY | $34,380 | 1,020 | $35,909 | 57% |
| Sebastian, FL | $34,300 | 80 | $34,890 | 74% |
| Las Cruces, NM | $34,270 | 610 | $37,988 | 52% |
| Lexington Park, MD | $34,250 | 260 | $33,992 | 71% |
| Elmira, NY | $34,170 | 90 | $36,198 | 40% |
| Charlottesville, VA | $34,130 | 350 | $34,424 | 72% |
| St. Cloud, MN | $34,030 | 480 | $38,833 | 43% |
| Port St. Lucie, FL | $33,930 | 410 | $33,853 | 82% |
| Lake Havasu City, AZ | $33,790 | 60 | $35,909 | 55% |
| Salt Lake City, UT | $33,790 | 2,010 | $33,499 | 58% |
| Watertown, NY | $33,630 | 210 | $38,351 | 53% |
| Richmond, VA | $33,570 | 2,610 | $34,305 | 61% |
| Rockford, IL | $33,560 | 500 | $36,417 | 46% |
| Tampa, FL | $33,530 | 3,420 | $33,234 | 71% |
| Coeur d'Alene, ID | $33,510 | 350 | $34,092 | 65% |
| Salisbury, MD | $33,510 | 200 | $35,046 | 70% |
| Palm Bay, FL | $33,460 | 540 | $33,458 | 68% |
| Vineland, NJ | $33,390 | 400 | $34,793 | 59% |
| Peoria, IL | $33,340 | 600 | $36,545 | 42% |
| St. Louis, MO | $33,320 | 5,710 | $35,041 | 51% |
| Lawton, OK | $33,300 | 260 | $38,748 | 41% |
| Milwaukee, WI | $33,280 | 1,840 | $34,332 | 56% |
| Bloomington, IL | $33,140 | 520 | $35,430 | 47% |
| Traverse City, MI | $33,100 | 230 | $35,450 | 67% |
| Sheboygan, WI | $33,030 | 120 | $35,133 | 49% |
| Tucson, AZ | $32,830 | 690 | $33,882 | 54% |
| Kankakee, IL | $32,820 | 210 | $34,048 | 49% |
| Topeka, KS | $32,790 | 540 | $36,917 | 46% |
| Ann Arbor, MI | $32,700 | 760 | $32,415 | 70% |
| Crestview, FL | $32,570 | 150 | $33,567 | 73% |
| Racine, WI | $32,460 | 110 | $33,826 | 54% |
| Cape Coral, FL | $32,310 | 460 | $31,568 | 68% |
| Davenport, IA | $32,300 | 810 | $36,260 | 37% |
| Allentown, PA | $32,220 | 910 | $32,230 | 69% |
| Asheville, NC | $32,150 | 520 | $33,314 | 64% |
| Fayetteville, NC | $32,150 | 430 | $34,954 | 54% |
| Panama City, FL | $32,150 | 180 | $33,043 | 65% |
| Yuma, AZ | $32,150 | 60 | $34,680 | 53% |
| Winchester, VA | $32,090 | 150 | $33,271 | 68% |
| Pensacola, FL | $32,060 | 390 | $32,809 | 65% |
| Lansing, MI | $32,000 | 920 | $33,687 | 49% |
| Flint, MI | $31,930 | 630 | $34,321 | 39% |
| Charleston, SC | $31,870 | 1,860 | $31,566 | 77% |
| Kansas City, MO | $31,770 | 6,660 | $34,330 | 58% |
| Hagerstown, MD | $31,750 | 310 | $33,715 | 61% |
| Dubuque, IA | $31,730 | 370 | $36,334 | 40% |
| Grand Rapids, MI | $31,690 | 1,800 | $33,167 | 61% |
| Sebring, FL | $31,630 | 80 | $34,206 | 58% |
| Provo, UT | $31,610 | 1,020 | $32,179 | 67% |
| Sierra Vista, AZ | $31,390 | 50 | $35,174 | 49% |
| Omaha, NE | $31,330 | 4,940 | $34,087 | 54% |
| Great Falls, MT | $31,320 | 240 | $32,340 | 55% |
| Ogden, UT | $31,310 | 900 | $31,201 | 63% |
| Dover, DE | $31,200 | 90 | $31,998 | 68% |
| Orlando, FL | $31,200 | 3,380 | $30,764 | 74% |
| Appleton, WI | $31,140 | 260 | $33,694 | 46% |
| Dallas, TX | $31,110 | 8,660 | $30,178 | 64% |
| Lewiston, ID | $31,080 | 160 | $34,094 | 57% |
| Detroit, MI | $31,060 | 5,810 | $30,968 | 58% |
| Burlington, NC | $31,030 | 170 | $33,295 | 52% |
| Durham, NC | $30,970 | 800 | $31,741 | 64% |
| Duluth, MN | $30,960 | 450 | $34,877 | 52% |
| Oshkosh, WI | $30,950 | 140 | $33,305 | 50% |
| Battle Creek, MI | $30,940 | 160 | $34,172 | 44% |
| Gainesville, FL | $30,870 | 320 | $31,913 | 64% |
| Jackson, MI | $30,860 | 280 | $33,624 | 46% |
| St. George, UT | $30,840 | 260 | $31,689 | 72% |
| Muncie, IN | $30,800 | 340 | $34,941 | 41% |
| Staunton, VA | $30,780 | 140 | $33,777 | 56% |
| Lakeland, FL | $30,770 | 360 | $31,676 | 71% |
| Hilton Head Island, SC | $30,740 | 220 | $31,362 | 77% |
| La Crosse, WI | $30,730 | 330 | $33,486 | 53% |
| Lafayette, IN | $30,720 | 380 | $32,880 | 58% |
| Carson City, NV | $30,710 | 70 | $31,295 | 81% |
| Bismarck, ND | $30,650 | 770 | $33,672 | 51% |
| Indianapolis, IN | $30,650 | 2,760 | $32,029 | 60% |
| Boise, ID | $30,630 | 1,970 | $31,131 | 75% |
| Scranton, PA | $30,630 | 600 | $32,740 | 53% |
| Lancaster, PA | $30,620 | 420 | $31,163 | 62% |
| Springfield, OH | $30,610 | 60 | $33,830 | 47% |
| Reno, NV | $30,520 | 910 | $30,214 | 81% |
| Youngstown, OH | $30,520 | 460 | $34,922 | 41% |
| Cleveland, OH | $30,460 | 2,620 | $32,431 | 57% |
| Eau Claire, WI | $30,450 | 210 | $32,814 | 45% |
| Kalamazoo, MI | $30,420 | 410 | $32,075 | 51% |
| Charlotte, NC | $30,390 | 3,790 | $31,218 | 69% |
| York, PA | $30,310 | 470 | $31,573 | 55% |
| Kenosha, WI | $30,290 | 150 | $29,955 | – |
| Columbus, OH | $30,280 | 2,580 | $31,717 | 60% |
| Logan, UT | $30,280 | 230 | $31,566 | 57% |
| Fayetteville, AR | $30,210 | 1,060 | $33,070 | 62% |
| Grand Forks, ND | $30,210 | 410 | $34,859 | 45% |
| Wausau, WI | $30,210 | 130 | $32,606 | 38% |
| Cincinnati, OH | $30,150 | 2,390 | $31,614 | 61% |
| Louisville, KY | $30,150 | 1,720 | $32,394 | 53% |
| Akron, OH | $30,140 | 600 | $32,280 | 52% |
| Winston-Salem, NC | $30,060 | 820 | $32,659 | 61% |
| Fort Wayne, IN | $30,050 | 680 | $32,461 | 51% |
| Twin Falls, ID | $30,050 | 210 | $32,625 | 62% |
| Janesville, WI | $30,040 | 140 | $32,059 | 52% |
| Minot, ND | $30,040 | 260 | $34,518 | 50% |
| Fargo, ND | $30,030 | 1,380 | $33,047 | 44% |
| Midland, TX | $30,010 | 240 | $31,331 | 63% |
| Grand Island, NE | $30,000 | 320 | $34,619 | 54% |
| Harrisburg, PA | $29,950 | 890 | $30,360 | 59% |
| Kokomo, IN | $29,930 | 120 | $33,386 | 44% |
| Evansville, IN | $29,880 | 400 | $32,646 | 44% |
| Midland, MI | $29,880 | 110 | $32,506 | 56% |
| Lincoln, NE | $29,860 | 1,920 | $32,605 | 51% |
| Pittsburgh, PA | $29,840 | 2,560 | $31,520 | 59% |
| South Bend, IN | $29,840 | 380 | $32,135 | 51% |
| Tallahassee, FL | $29,840 | 260 | $31,772 | 59% |
| Elkhart, IN | $29,790 | 130 | $32,981 | 48% |
| Virginia Beach, VA | $29,790 | 2,830 | $30,416 | 76% |
| Des Moines, IA | $29,760 | 1,720 | $32,453 | 52% |
| Harrisonburg, VA | $29,710 | 170 | $31,309 | 68% |
| Las Vegas, NV | $29,670 | 2,500 | $29,606 | 70% |
| Gettysburg, PA | $29,640 | 40 | $31,076 | 56% |
| Savannah, GA | $29,630 | 920 | $31,122 | 72% |
| Springfield, MO | $29,610 | 920 | $33,426 | 51% |
| Goldsboro, NC | $29,590 | 130 | $33,449 | 62% |
| Knoxville, TN | $29,590 | 1,800 | $31,965 | 70% |
| Sandusky, OH | $29,570 | 80 | $33,120 | 74% |
| Houston, TX | $29,530 | 8,690 | $29,940 | 67% |
| Reading, PA | $29,530 | 390 | $30,424 | 63% |
| Bloomington, IN | $29,510 | 170 | $31,036 | 71% |
| Lynchburg, VA | $29,500 | 280 | $33,011 | 52% |
| Saginaw, MI | $29,490 | 290 | $32,445 | 43% |
| San Antonio, TX | $29,440 | 3,100 | $31,082 | 58% |
| Spartanburg, SC | $29,430 | 620 | $32,323 | 60% |
| Hot Springs, AR | $29,360 | 180 | $34,247 | 51% |
| Sioux City, IA | $29,330 | 280 | $33,926 | 53% |
| Jacksonville, NC | $29,310 | 120 | $31,829 | 65% |
| Fond du Lac, WI | $29,270 | 90 | $31,939 | 46% |
| Muskegon, MI | $29,260 | 270 | $31,626 | 53% |
| Greensboro, NC | $29,240 | 900 | $31,487 | 58% |
| Cape Girardeau, MO | $29,210 | 140 | $33,934 | 42% |
| Monroe, MI | $29,210 | 110 | $31,243 | 52% |
| Tulsa, OK | $29,190 | 1,640 | $32,719 | 57% |
| Iowa City, IA | $29,170 | 460 | $31,877 | 72% |
| Owensboro, KY | $29,150 | 170 | $32,897 | 51% |
| Dayton, OH | $29,140 | 700 | $31,437 | 54% |
| St. Joseph, MO | $29,130 | 260 | $33,722 | 41% |
| Wheeling, WV | $29,110 | 150 | $32,959 | 36% |
| Roanoke, VA | $29,100 | 530 | $31,084 | 58% |
| Blacksburg, VA | $29,090 | 250 | $31,377 | 68% |
| Lawrence, KS | $29,090 | 240 | $32,235 | 64% |
| Columbia, MO | $29,070 | 470 | $32,503 | 60% |
| Wilmington, NC | $29,040 | 480 | $30,118 | 72% |
| Johnson City, TN | $29,030 | 330 | $33,016 | 62% |
| Toledo, OH | $29,000 | 700 | $31,710 | 52% |
| Michigan City, IN | $28,970 | 70 | $31,598 | 50% |
| Elizabethtown, KY | $28,940 | 90 | $31,952 | 54% |
| Chattanooga, TN | $28,860 | 1,190 | $31,553 | 63% |
| Memphis, TN | $28,860 | 2,780 | $31,309 | 58% |
| Columbia, SC | $28,850 | 1,670 | $30,802 | 65% |
| Myrtle Beach, SC | $28,850 | 410 | $30,809 | 72% |
| Atlanta, GA | $28,840 | 13,220 | $28,823 | 77% |
| Little Rock, AR | $28,800 | 1,550 | $32,228 | 51% |
| Lima, OH | $28,790 | 80 | $32,107 | 50% |
| Brunswick, GA | $28,760 | 180 | $32,791 | 70% |
| Augusta, GA | $28,730 | 2,000 | $31,261 | 61% |
| Raleigh, NC | $28,680 | 2,070 | $29,218 | 70% |
| Bay City, MI | $28,660 | 90 | $31,179 | 43% |
| Jefferson City, MO | $28,600 | 350 | $32,509 | 42% |
| Joplin, MO | $28,600 | 300 | $33,365 | 52% |
| Manhattan, KS | $28,590 | 210 | $31,710 | 53% |
| Jonesboro, AR | $28,550 | 500 | $33,246 | 52% |
| Lebanon, PA | $28,520 | 90 | $30,596 | 61% |
| Cleveland, TN | $28,510 | 250 | $32,368 | 59% |
| Austin, TX | $28,470 | 3,400 | $29,031 | 68% |
| Hickory, NC | $28,460 | 250 | $32,163 | 67% |
| Greenville, SC | $28,440 | 1,740 | $30,495 | 66% |
| Clarksville, TN | $28,420 | 770 | $31,249 | 57% |
| Niles, MI | $28,400 | 230 | $30,746 | 59% |
| Morgantown, WV | $28,370 | 210 | $30,400 | 57% |
| Rapid City, SD | $28,330 | 300 | $31,774 | 62% |
| Hinesville, GA | $28,250 | 130 | $30,075 | 74% |
| Wichita, KS | $28,210 | 1,490 | $31,716 | 51% |
| Terre Haute, IN | $28,200 | 210 | $32,120 | 42% |
| Kingsport, TN | $28,190 | 320 | $32,610 | 57% |
| Pocatello, ID | $28,190 | 240 | $31,708 | 46% |
| Cedar Rapids, IA | $28,170 | 380 | $31,665 | 52% |
| Rocky Mount, NC | $28,130 | 140 | $31,962 | 54% |
| Greenville, NC | $28,110 | 220 | $31,798 | 63% |
| Cheyenne, WY | $28,070 | 220 | $29,091 | 65% |
| Erie, PA | $28,030 | – | $30,819 | 48% |
| Sioux Falls, SD | $28,030 | 1,140 | $30,928 | 54% |
| Weirton, WV | $27,970 | 70 | $31,418 | 35% |
| Fort Smith, AR | $27,940 | 360 | $32,531 | 46% |
| Idaho Falls, ID | $27,920 | 530 | $29,573 | 62% |
| Casper, WY | $27,860 | 170 | $29,692 | 62% |
| Ames, IA | $27,850 | 260 | $31,352 | 50% |
| Gainesville, GA | $27,800 | 260 | $28,729 | 73% |
| Morristown, TN | $27,800 | 110 | $32,189 | 67% |
| Florence, SC | $27,780 | 410 | $32,014 | 65% |
| Pinehurst, NC | $27,740 | 150 | $31,403 | 81% |
| Sumter, SC | $27,660 | 300 | $31,425 | 64% |
| New Orleans, LA | $27,630 | 1,850 | $29,839 | 68% |
| Parkersburg, WV | $27,620 | 90 | $31,723 | 46% |
| Waterloo, IA | $27,580 | 380 | $31,680 | 45% |
| Jackson, TN | $27,540 | 300 | $32,202 | 61% |
| Altoona, PA | $27,520 | 160 | $30,746 | 44% |
| Williamsport, PA | $27,460 | 140 | $29,735 | 48% |
| Charleston, WV | $27,370 | 210 | $30,851 | 53% |
| College Station, TX | $27,250 | 350 | $29,961 | 66% |
| Amarillo, TX | $27,230 | 370 | $29,656 | 58% |
| Corpus Christi, TX | $27,210 | 570 | $29,362 | 63% |
| Odessa, TX | $27,210 | 200 | $28,979 | 70% |
| Chambersburg, PA | $27,030 | 140 | $28,560 | 59% |
| Athens, GA | $27,010 | 410 | $28,936 | 79% |
| Abilene, TX | $26,810 | 130 | $29,669 | 89% |
| Paducah, KY | $26,800 | 90 | $31,132 | 52% |
| San Angelo, TX | $26,780 | 190 | $28,966 | 59% |
| Mansfield, OH | $26,770 | 110 | $30,122 | 40% |
| Waco, TX | $26,760 | 280 | $28,914 | 64% |
| Lubbock, TX | $26,650 | 620 | $29,184 | 60% |
| Canton, OH | $26,610 | 340 | $29,763 | 51% |
| Johnstown, PA | $26,570 | 160 | $30,921 | 40% |
| Sherman, TX | $26,400 | 70 | $28,154 | 62% |
| Enid, OK | $26,300 | 100 | $31,210 | 51% |
| Columbus, GA | $26,150 | 510 | $29,285 | 62% |
| Tyler, TX | $26,050 | 300 | $28,267 | 60% |
| Killeen, TX | $25,960 | 480 | $28,486 | 60% |
| Baton Rouge, LA | $25,550 | 1,650 | $28,145 | 64% |
| Huntington, WV | $25,360 | 540 | $28,681 | 51% |
| Oklahoma City, OK | $25,090 | 2,900 | $27,752 | 66% |
| Bowling Green, KY | $24,960 | 210 | $27,678 | 58% |
| Texarkana, TX | $24,680 | 190 | $29,377 | 61% |
| Wichita Falls, TX | $24,120 | 170 | $26,946 | 65% |
| Macon, GA | $23,910 | 340 | $27,008 | 61% |
| Warner Robins, GA | $23,590 | 440 | $25,152 | 77% |
| El Paso, TX | $23,410 | 810 | $26,037 | 78% |
| Longview, TX | $23,410 | 300 | $26,161 | 59% |
| Victoria, TX | $23,280 | 180 | $25,913 | 60% |
| Huntsville, AL | $23,110 | 440 | $24,830 | 72% |
| Albany, GA | $23,080 | 390 | $26,326 | 56% |
| Birmingham, AL | $23,070 | 920 | $25,173 | 73% |
| Beaumont, TX | $22,940 | 470 | $25,476 | 68% |
| Montgomery, AL | $22,720 | 660 | $25,334 | 73% |
| Auburn, AL | $22,640 | – | $25,747 | 85% |
| Slidell, LA | $22,610 | 570 | $24,384 | – |
| Rome, GA | $22,600 | 220 | $25,066 | 67% |
| Shreveport, LA | $22,590 | 610 | $26,650 | 68% |
| Valdosta, GA | $22,510 | 400 | $25,501 | 71% |
| Eagle Pass, TX | $22,480 | 130 | $26,824 | 62% |
| Alexandria, LA | $22,350 | 280 | $26,084 | 55% |
| Laredo, TX | $22,350 | 330 | $25,703 | 61% |
| Mobile, AL | $22,350 | 370 | $25,369 | 69% |
| McAllen, TX | $22,310 | 750 | $25,974 | 60% |
| Brownsville, TX | $22,290 | 490 | $25,926 | 81% |
| Gulfport, MS | $22,290 | 610 | $24,765 | 77% |
| Daphne, AL | $22,280 | 180 | $23,529 | 92% |
| Dalton, GA | $22,260 | 210 | $24,776 | 76% |
| Decatur, AL | $22,170 | 100 | $25,421 | 59% |
| Hammond, LA | $22,150 | 350 | $26,225 | 71% |
| Houma, LA | $22,100 | 260 | $25,969 | 71% |
| Tuscaloosa, AL | $22,040 | 150 | $25,125 | 91% |
| Dothan, AL | $21,910 | 140 | $26,135 | 66% |
| Lafayette, LA | $21,840 | 940 | $25,043 | 76% |
| Lake Charles, LA | $21,820 | 240 | $25,416 | 75% |
| Jackson, MS | $21,770 | 1,600 | $24,447 | 81% |
| Hattiesburg, MS | $21,590 | 290 | $24,637 | 72% |
| Gadsden, AL | $21,050 | 60 | $24,576 | 61% |
| Anniston, AL | $20,730 | 140 | $24,119 | 56% |
What the median childcare worker salary pays per paycheck
| Period | Before taxes |
|---|---|
| Year | $34,980 |
| Month | $2,915 |
| Every two weeks | $1,345 |
| Week | $673 |
| Hour | $16.82 |
Gross pay, 52 weeks a year, 2,080 hours. Hourly to salary calculator.
Becoming a childcare worker: education and job outlook
| Typical entry education | High school diploma or equivalent |
|---|---|
| Work experience needed | None |
| On-the-job training | Short-term on-the-job training |
| Projected change in jobs, 2025–35 | −2.0% (all jobs: +3.5%) |
| Openings a year (average) | 150,300 |
| Self-employed | 24.2% |
official BLS Employment Projections, 2025–35. Openings include workers who retire or change jobs. What the work involves: BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook.
Similar jobs
| Job | Median a year | Typical education |
|---|---|---|
| Hairstylist | $35,790 | Postsecondary certificate |
| Esthetician | $45,330 | Postsecondary certificate |
| Personal trainer | $47,160 | High school diploma |
| Nail tech | $35,760 | Postsecondary certificate |
| Embalmer | $58,780 | Associate's degree |
| Funeral director | $55,010 | Associate's degree |
Questions about childcare worker pay
How much does a childcare worker make an hour?
The median is $16.82 an hour. The lowest-paid 10% earn under $11.66 and the top 10% over $22.12.
How much does a childcare worker make a month?
About $2,915 a month before taxes at the median salary of $34,980, or $1,345 every two weeks.
What state pays childcare workers the most?
The District of Columbia, with a median of $47,340. Washington ($41,680), Massachusetts ($40,900), Colorado ($40,750) and California ($40,020) follow.
Where do childcare workers make the most after cost of living?
The District of Columbia: its median of $47,340 is worth $43,075 at typical US prices. Colorado, Washington and New Mexico come next.
How much do entry-level childcare workers make?
BLS does not report pay by experience. The lowest-paid 10% of childcare workers earn under $24,260 a year, and the lowest-paid quarter under $29,360, which is a reasonable guide to starting pay.
What education do you need to become a childcare worker?
BLS lists the typical entry-level education as a high school diploma or equivalent. Work experience in a related job: none. On-the-job training: short-term on-the-job training.
Sources and limits
- Pay and employment: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 estimates, occupation 39-9011 (Childcare Workers). Downloaded 2026-10-24.
- OEWS counts wage and salary workers at employers, including tips and commissions but not overtime pay, bonuses that are not tied to production, or benefits. It leaves out the self-employed. BLS does not publish figures above $239,200 a year or for states and metro areas with too few workers.
- Cost of living: BEA Regional Price Parities, 2024 (US = 100). Rents: Zillow Observed Rent Index, September 2026; Data Provided by Zillow Group.
- Outlook and education: BLS Employment Projections, 2025–35.
- Pay is not broken down by experience, employer or specialty (for example, ER or pediatric nursing); BLS does not publish those splits.