How much does a childcare worker make?
a year · about $17 an hour
A typical childcare worker in the United States makes $34,980 a year, about $17 an hour, below a typical US worker ($50,980) (median, May 2025, US Bureau of Labor Statistics).
What do they do?
They check the room, help with snacks and hygiene, then lead stories, games, art, and outdoor play with time to rest. They note each child’s meals and progress and share important updates with families.
Did you know? In many states, child-to-staff limits depend on age, so one childcare worker usually watches fewer babies and toddlers than older children.
Is that a lot?
Compared with jobs you knowIf 100 people had this job
Most earn between $24,260 and $46,010How do you become one?
In the U.S., a high-school diploma or equivalent is common, but some jobs need less; minimum ages vary by state. Apply to a center or home program, pass background checks, and complete training like CPR/first aid; some jobs require a CDA.
School needed: High school plus some training
Good for people who like helping and teaching and creating
Why does pay differ?
In the United States, experience, education or a CDA credential, employer type, and location can all affect pay. Part-time versus longer or overnight hours matter too; for home providers, earnings also depend on the number and ages of children in care.
Where does it pay most?
Highest in District of Columbia ($47,340), lowest in Mississippi ($22,050).
See every state
Top 5 and bottom 3 states, typical (median) yearly pay.
Jobs like this
In Japan, a childcare worker averages $28,509. Childcare worker salary in Japan
Data table and sources
| Lower earner (10th from bottom) | Typical person (median) | Higher earner (10th from top) | People in this job |
|---|---|---|---|
| $24,260 | $34,980 | $46,010 | about 519,000 |
| State | Typical person (median) | People in this job |
|---|---|---|
| District of Columbia | $47,340 | about 1,000 |
| Washington | $41,680 | about 4,000 |
| Massachusetts | $40,900 | about 13,000 |
| Colorado | $40,750 | about 13,000 |
| California | $40,020 | about 53,000 |
Official definition: Attend to children at schools, businesses, private households, and childcare institutions. Perform a variety of tasks, such as dressing, feeding, bathing, and overseeing play. Excludes “Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education” (25-2011) and “Teaching Assistants, Preschool, Elementary, Middle, and Secondary School, Except Special Education” (25-9042).
Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS May 2025 (bls.gov); descriptions and related jobs from O*NET 31.0. Figures as of May 2025, full-time yearly pay (hourly × 2,080 hours). bls.gov/oes · O*NET OnLine
Pages used for the text
- www.bls.gov/ooh/personal-care-and-service/childcare-workers.htm
- www.bls.gov/careeroutlook/2015/article/wage-differences.htm
- childcare.gov/consumer-education/regulated-child-care/staff-qualifications-and-r
- childcare.gov/consumer-education/regulated-child-care/staff-background-checks
- www.onetonline.org/link/summary/39-9011.00
Data: US BLS OEWS, May 2025 · 1 USD = 150 JPY