Childcare Workers Salary in U.S.
Childcare Workers in U.S. make a median of $32,050 a year, or about $15.41 an hour. The range runs from $23K at the entry level to $45K for experienced workers.
AffordMap analysis of BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (latest release, May 2024)
So what does $32K get you in U.S.?
About childcare workers
Compensation breakdown
Annual earnings by percentile, U.S.
Entry-level childcare workers (10th percentile) start around $23K. Mid-career wages sit at $32K.Top earners bring in $45K or more - a $22K spread from bottom to top.
Childcare Workers pay across states
Median income ranked highest to lowest, compared to the national figure
| State | Median salary | vs. national | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| District of Columbia | $45K | +42% | 1,010 |
| Massachusetts | $39K | +23% | 12,370 |
| California | $38K | +19% | 47,190 |
| Vermont | $38K | +18% | 1,120 |
| Washington | $38K | +18% | 4,300 |
| New York | $37K | +14% | 42,780 |
| Hawaii | $36K | +14% | 1,860 |
| Oregon | $36K | +13% | 4,230 |
| Connecticut | $35K | +10% | 9,630 |
| Maryland | $35K | +10% | 8,910 |
| Arizona | $35K | +10% | 6,190 |
| Alaska | $35K | +9% | 1,260 |
| Rhode Island | $35K | +9% | 2,390 |
| Maine | $35K | +8% | 4,110 |
| New Hampshire | $35K | +8% | 2,530 |
Track childcare workers salary changes
BLS updates this data quarterly. We'll email you when U.S. numbers change.
Related careers in Personal Care
Frequently asked questions
How much do childcare workers make in U.S.?
The median is $32,050 a year - that works out to about $15.41 an hour. The range is wide: entry-level workers start around $22,900, and experienced childcare workers can clear $44,560. These are BLS numbers, based on employer-reported data, not self-reported surveys.
Is $32K enough to live in U.S.?
On that salary, you'd take home roughly $2,316/month after taxes. A 2-bedroom here rents for about $1,412/month, which eats 61% of your paycheck. That's above the 30% rule of thumb - housing will be a stretch at the median salary, though you can manage with roommates or a smaller place.
How far does a childcare workers salary go in U.S.?
U.S. has a Regional Price Parity of 100 (100 is the national average). That's right at the national average. After cost-of-living adjustment, the median childcare workers salary is worth about $32,050 in national-average purchasing power.
Where do childcare workers get paid the most?
The table above ranks every state by median pay for this role. Keep in mind that the highest-paying states tend to have the highest costs of living, so the top salary doesn't always mean the most money in your pocket.