Childcare Workers Salary in San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA
Childcare Workers in San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA make a median of $37,970 a year, or about $18.26 an hour. The range runs from $34K at the entry level to $51K for experienced workers. Prices run high here (RPP 111.89), so that salary is closer to $33,935 in real purchasing power. A 2-bedroom apartment runs $3,001/month — about 114.5% of take-home, which is tight.
AffordMap analysis of BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (latest release, May 2024)
So what does $38K get you in San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad?
About childcare workers
Compensation breakdown
Annual earnings by percentile, San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA
Entry-level childcare workers (10th percentile) start around $34K. Mid-career wages sit at $38K.Top earners bring in $51K or more - a $17K 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 San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad numbers change.
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Frequently asked questions
How much do childcare workers make in San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA?
The median is $37,970 a year - that works out to about $18.26 an hour. The range is wide: entry-level workers start around $33,580, and experienced childcare workers can clear $50,650. These are BLS numbers, based on employer-reported data, not self-reported surveys.
Is $38K enough to live in San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad?
On that salary, you'd take home roughly $2,654/month after taxes. A 2-bedroom here rents for about $3,001/month (HUD Fair Market Rent), which eats 113.1% 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 San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad?
San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad has a Regional Price Parity of 111.89 (100 is the national average). Prices are above average here, so your dollar buys less than the same salary would in a cheaper metro. After cost-of-living adjustment, the median childcare workers salary is worth about $33,935 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.