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Management · California

How to Become a Education and Childcare Administrators, Preschool and Daycare in California

Education and Childcare Administrators, Preschool and Daycares in California earn a median salary of $65,420/year, which is 16% above the national average. California has a state income tax of ~3.6%. After taxes and rent, a education and childcare administrators, preschool and daycare takes home approximately $2,928/month. Most positions require Bachelor's degree.

$65K
Median salary in California
+16%
vs. national average
3.6%
State income tax
8,290
Employed in California

What a education and childcare administrators, preschool and daycare can afford in California

Gross annual salary$65,420
Est. monthly take-home (after fed + 3.6% state tax)$4,340/mo
Median 2BR rent (California)-$1,412/mo
Rent as % of take-home32.5% (above 30% guideline)
Cost-of-living adjusted salary$65,420/yr (RPP: 100)
Monthly remaining after rent$2,928/mo

Becoming a education and childcare administrators, preschool and daycare in California

1

Meet education requirements

Education and Childcare Administrators, Preschool and Daycare positions in California typically require Bachelor's degree. Programs are available at colleges and training institutions across California. Research accredited programs in your area.

2

Gain required experience

Many education and childcare administrators, preschool and daycare positions in California require hands-on experience through internships, apprenticeships, or entry-level roles. Look for training programs and mentorship opportunities in your metro area.

3

Obtain California licensure or certification

California may require specific licensing or professional certification for education and childcare administrators, preschool and daycares. Requirements vary by state — contact the California Department of Labor or relevant licensing board for current requirements, exam schedules, and application procedures.

4

Find positions in California

California employs 8,290 education and childcare administrators, preschool and daycares. The highest concentrations are in San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara and San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont.

Education and Childcare Administrators, Preschool and Daycare salary by metro area in California

Metro areaMedianHourlyEmployment
San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara$77K$37.08/hr680
San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont$77K$36.82/hr1,490
Salinas$75K$35.91/hr70
Modesto$74K$35.41/hr90
Fresno$63K$30.51/hr170
Bakersfield-Delano$63K$30.28/hr140
San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad$63K$30.06/hr690
Visalia$62K$30.03/hr50
Santa Maria-Santa Barbara$62K$29.93/hr100
Santa Rosa-Petaluma$62K$29.87/hr130
Oxnard-Thousand Oaks-Ventura$62K$29.86/hr170
Merced$62K$29.75/hr30
Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim$62K$29.75/hr2,810
Santa Cruz-Watsonville$62K$29.62/hr70
Vallejo$61K$29.53/hr90

Education and Childcare Administrators, Preschool and Daycare salary range in California

10th percentile (entry)
$46K
25th percentile
$58K
Median (50th)
$65K
75th percentile
$82K
90th percentile (senior)
$121K
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Education and Childcare Administrators, Preschool and Daycare careers in other states

Frequently asked questions

How much does a education and childcare administrators, preschool and daycare make in California?

The median education and childcare administrators, preschool and daycare salary in California is $65,420 per year ($31.45/hr). This is 16% above the national median of $56,270. Salaries range from $46,190 to $120,760.

What are the requirements to become a education and childcare administrators, preschool and daycare in California?

Education and Childcare Administrators, Preschool and Daycare positions in California typically require Bachelor's degree. California may have specific licensing or certification requirements. Check with the California licensing board or department of labor for current requirements.

Can a education and childcare administrators, preschool and daycare afford to live in California?

At the median salary of $65,420, a education and childcare administrators, preschool and daycare in California would take home approximately $4,340/month after taxes. With median 2-bedroom rent at $1,412/month, that's 32.5% of take-home pay going to housing. This exceeds the recommended 30% guideline.

What are the best cities for education and childcare administrators, preschool and daycares in California?

The highest paying metro areas for education and childcare administrators, preschool and daycares in California are San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara ($77,120), San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont ($76,580), Salinas ($74,690). However, cost of living varies significantly between metros — a higher salary may not mean more purchasing power.

Does California have state income tax for education and childcare administrators, preschool and daycares?

Yes, California has a state income tax rate of approximately 3.6%. On a $65,420 salary, this means roughly $2,332/year in state income tax. Use our take-home pay calculator for a detailed breakdown.