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Personal Care · North Carolina

How to Become a Childcare Workers in North Carolina

Childcare Workers in North Carolina earn a median salary of $28,480/year, which is 11% below the national average. North Carolina has a state income tax of ~4.5%. After taxes and rent, a childcare workers takes home approximately $558/month. Most positions require High school diploma or equivalent.

$28K
Median salary in North Carolina
-11%
vs. national average
4.5%
State income tax
12,200
Employed in North Carolina

What a childcare workers can afford in North Carolina

Gross annual salary$28,480
Est. monthly take-home (after fed + 4.5% state tax)$1,970/mo
Median 2BR rent (North Carolina)-$1,412/mo
Rent as % of take-home71.7% (above 30% guideline)
Cost-of-living adjusted salary$28,480/yr (RPP: 100)
Monthly remaining after rent$558/mo

Becoming a childcare workers in North Carolina

1

Meet education requirements

Childcare Workers positions in North Carolina typically require High school diploma or equivalent. Programs are available at colleges and training institutions across North Carolina. Research accredited programs in your area.

2

Gain required experience

Many childcare workers positions in North Carolina require hands-on experience through internships, apprenticeships, or entry-level roles. Look for training programs and mentorship opportunities in your metro area.

3

Obtain North Carolina licensure or certification

North Carolina may require specific licensing or professional certification for childcare workerss. Requirements vary by state — contact the North Carolina Department of Labor or relevant licensing board for current requirements, exam schedules, and application procedures.

4

Find positions in North Carolina

North Carolina employs 12,200 childcare workers. The highest concentrations are in Asheville and Durham-Chapel Hill.

Childcare Workers salary by metro area in North Carolina

Metro areaMedianHourlyEmployment
Asheville$33K$15.74/hr480
Durham-Chapel Hill$30K$14.56/hr690
Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia$29K$13.87/hr4,010
Winston-Salem$29K$13.84/hr850
Raleigh-Cary$28K$13.6/hr2,090
Greensboro-High Point$28K$13.54/hr840
Wilmington$28K$13.48/hr510
Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton$28K$13.47/hr290
Fayetteville$28K$13.44/hr360
Pinehurst-Southern Pines$28K$13.3/hr130
Goldsboro$27K$13.11/hr110
Burlington$27K$13.11/hr120
Rocky Mount$27K$13.09/hr130
Greenville$27K$12.94/hr210
Jacksonville$27K$12.85/hr140

Childcare Workers salary range in North Carolina

10th percentile (entry)
$22K
25th percentile
$23K
Median (50th)
$28K
75th percentile
$34K
90th percentile (senior)
$38K
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Full childcare workers salary breakdown in North Carolina
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Frequently asked questions

How much does a childcare workers make in North Carolina?

The median childcare workers salary in North Carolina is $28,480 per year ($13.69/hr). This is 11% below the national median of $32,050. Salaries range from $21,860 to $37,940.

What are the requirements to become a childcare workers in North Carolina?

Childcare Workers positions in North Carolina typically require High school diploma or equivalent. North Carolina may have specific licensing or certification requirements. Check with the North Carolina licensing board or department of labor for current requirements.

Can a childcare workers afford to live in North Carolina?

At the median salary of $28,480, a childcare workers in North Carolina would take home approximately $1,970/month after taxes. With median 2-bedroom rent at $1,412/month, that's 71.7% of take-home pay going to housing. This exceeds the recommended 30% guideline.

What are the best cities for childcare workers in North Carolina?

The highest paying metro areas for childcare workers in North Carolina are Asheville ($32,730), Durham-Chapel Hill ($30,280), Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia ($28,840). However, cost of living varies significantly between metros — a higher salary may not mean more purchasing power.

Does North Carolina have state income tax for childcare workers?

Yes, North Carolina has a state income tax rate of approximately 4.5%. On a $28,480 salary, this means roughly $1,282/year in state income tax. Use our take-home pay calculator for a detailed breakdown.