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Childcare worker: pay, job outlook and how to become one

Updated October 28, 2026. Based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and O*NET data. Published by Humblebee.

$34,980median pay per year, or $16.82 an hour, May 2025[1]
  1. $24,260lowest 10% earn less
  2. $29,36025th percentile
  3. $34,980median
  4. $38,57075th percentile
  5. $46,010top 10% earn more
Middle half of workers in the inner band[4]Median for all US jobs, $50,980[5]

Childcare workers earned a median of $34,980 a year in May 2025[1]. Employment is projected to decline slightly over the next decade, though openings still come up each year[2][3].

Job growth, 2025–35
-2%[2]
Openings per year
150,300[3]
Typical entry education
High school diploma or equivalent[6]

How much do childcare workers make?

The median wage for childcare workers was $34,980 a year, or $16.82 an hour[1]. Half of workers earned more and half earned less[1]. The average was $35,030 a year, or $16.84 an hour[7]. For comparison, the median for all occupations was $50,980[5].

The range is fairly narrow.

Point in the range Annual wage Hourly wage
Lowest-paid 10% earned less than[4][8] $24,260 $11.66
Lowest-paid 25% earned less than[4][8] $29,360 $14.12
Median[1] $34,980 $16.82
Highest-paid 25% earned more than[4][8] $38,570 $18.55
Highest-paid 10% earned more than[4][8] $46,010 $22.12

A percentile is a boundary, and BLS publishes percentile wages rather than a starting salary[9]. These figures cover wage and salary workers. They leave out the self-employed, bonuses and benefits[10]. About 518,910 people held wage and salary jobs as childcare workers[11].

Pay by state and city

The District of Columbia had the highest median wage at $47,340, followed by Washington at $41,680, Massachusetts at $40,900, Colorado at $40,750 and California at $40,020[12]. Mississippi had the lowest published median at $22,050, just below Alabama at $22,720 and Louisiana at $22,900[12].

California had the most jobs at 52,780, followed by New York at 44,020, Texas at 34,160, New Jersey at 25,070 and Illinois at 23,900[13].

Among metro areas with at least 100 jobs, North Port-Bradenton-Sarasota had the highest median at $47,300[14]. San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara followed at $45,720 and San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont at $44,540[14]. The New York area had the most jobs at 48,780, with a median of $37,870[15].

Show median pay in 50 states and DC
StateMedian per yearJobs
District of Columbia[12]$47,3401,350
Washington$41,6804,340
Massachusetts$40,90013,140
Colorado$40,75013,310
California$40,02052,780
Oregon$38,6505,240
Vermont$38,030n/a
New York$37,59044,020
New Hampshire$37,0802,820
Hawaii$37,0301,870
Rhode Island$36,9401,800
Connecticut$36,66012,020
New Jersey$36,39025,070
Maine$36,3504,990
Alaska$36,2001,340
Maryland$36,0309,750
New Mexico$35,8404,120
Illinois$35,83023,900
Minnesota$35,52011,570
Montana$35,1202,190
Arizona$35,1005,530
Virginia$34,33013,930
Florida$34,21021,760
Delaware$33,2101,230
Wisconsin$32,4605,560
Utah$31,6304,830
Michigan$30,97014,010
Missouri$30,79012,430
Nebraska$30,7409,390
North Dakota$30,2904,030
Indiana$30,1808,280
Idaho$30,1604,430
Pennsylvania$30,14013,000
Nevada$29,7403,740
Ohio$29,68011,300
Tennessee$29,66013,650
South Carolina$29,65010,660
Kansas$29,2407,430
North Carolina$29,14012,550
Kentucky$28,9205,820
Texas$28,57034,160
Arkansas$28,4505,400
Iowa$28,4206,020
Wyoming$28,2501,110
Georgia$28,02021,040
South Dakota$27,9402,370
Oklahoma$27,7307,590
West Virginia$27,7101,930
Louisiana$22,9008,000
Alabama$22,7204,580
Mississippi$22,0505,420

How to become a childcare worker

The rules differ depending on the setting, the state and the employer. Some jobs ask for no formal schooling, and others ask for an early childhood education certificate[16].

Some states and employers require a nationally recognized credential. The Child Development Associate (CDA) credential is the one BLS names, and it must be renewed every 3 years[20]. Head Start and Early Head Start programs have their own education and certification rules[21]. Nannies are not covered by state education rules, but some employers prefer formal instruction in childhood education[22].

Workers with postsecondary education or an early childhood credential may qualify for higher level positions[17]. A bachelor's degree plus a couple of years on the job can lead to a role as a preschool or childcare center director[23].

In an O*NET survey of 68 childcare workers, 39% said a high school diploma or equivalent is required, 23% said an associate's degree and 14% said less than a high school diploma[24].

What childcare workers do

Childcare workers look after children at schools, businesses, private homes and childcare institutions. Their work includes dressing, feeding, bathing and overseeing play[25]. Typical tasks include:

BLS names communication and decision-making skills as important[27][28].

Where they work

Child daycare services employed 29% of childcare workers in 2025, the largest employer group listed[29]. About 24.2% were self-employed[30]. Family childcare workers care for children in their own homes, and nannies usually work in their employers' homes[31].

Schedules vary, and part-time work is common[32]. Childcare centers usually stay open year round with long hours, and some use staggered shifts[33]. Family childcare providers may work long or irregular hours and sometimes offer evening and overnight care[34]. Full-time nannies may work more than 40 hours a week[35]. Some states limit how many children each staff member can care for, and the limits depend on the children's ages[36].

Job outlook

BLS projects employment to decline 2% from 2025 to 2035, from about 1,010,300 to 990,400 jobs[2]. Employment in all occupations is projected to grow 3.5%[37]. These counts include self-employed workers[2].

BLS still projects about 150,300 openings a year[3]. They include jobs left by people who retire or change occupations, not only new jobs[3]. Each year 7.1% of workers leave the labor force and 8.2% move to a different occupation[38].

Is it a good fit?

The median pay is below the all-occupations median, and the range is narrow[1][5][4]. Entry usually needs a high school diploma and short on-the-job training[6]. The requirements depend on your state and setting[16]. Employment is projected to shrink slightly, yet openings are frequent[2][3]. The facts suggest the job suits people who communicate well and can use good judgment in tricky situations[27][28].

Related occupations from O*NET, with BLS median pay and projected growth[39].

Frequently asked questions

How much does a childcare worker make an hour?
The median was $16.82 an hour in May 2025[1]. The lowest-paid 10% earned less than $11.66 and the highest-paid 10% earned more than $22.12[8].
What education do you need to be a childcare worker?
BLS lists a high school diploma or equivalent as typical entry education[6]. Requirements vary by state, setting and employer[16].
Is childcare worker in demand?
BLS projects a 2% decline from 2025 to 2035, but about 150,300 openings a year[2][3].
What is the highest paying state for childcare workers?
The District of Columbia had the highest median at $47,340[12]. Washington was next at $41,680[12].
Do childcare workers need a license?
Some states require childcare centers to be licensed, and some require CPR and first aid certification for staff[19].

Facts and sources

  1. BLS OEWS, May 2025: the median wage for Childcare Workers in the US was $34,980 per year and $16.82 per hour. Half of workers earned more and half earned less. BLS OEWS, May 2025
  2. BLS Employment Projections: employment of Childcare Workers is projected to decline 2% from 2025 to 2035, from about 1,010,300 to 990,400 jobs (a change of -19,900). These counts include self-employed workers. BLS Employment Projections
  3. BLS Employment Projections: about 150,300 openings for Childcare Workers are projected each year, on average, from 2025 to 2035. Openings include jobs that open when workers retire or move to other occupations, not only new jobs. BLS Employment Projections
  4. BLS OEWS, May 2025, annual wage percentiles for Childcare Workers: 10th percentile $24,260, 25th percentile $29,360, 75th percentile $38,570, 90th percentile $46,010. The 10th percentile means 10% of workers earned less. BLS OEWS, May 2025
  5. BLS OEWS, May 2025: the median annual wage for all occupations in the US was $50,980. BLS OEWS, May 2025
  6. BLS Employment Projections, typical path into Childcare Workers: education needed for entry: High school diploma or equivalent; work experience in a related occupation: None; typical on-the-job training: Short-term on-the-job training. BLS Employment Projections
  7. BLS OEWS, May 2025: the mean (average) wage for Childcare Workers was $35,030 per year and $16.84 per hour. BLS OEWS, May 2025
  8. BLS OEWS, May 2025, hourly wage percentiles for Childcare Workers: 10th percentile $11.66, 25th percentile $14.12, 75th percentile $18.55, 90th percentile $22.12. BLS OEWS, May 2025
  9. BLS OEWS FAQ: a percentile wage is a boundary. The median (50th percentile) separates the highest-paid 50% from the lowest-paid 50% of workers in the occupation. OEWS publishes percentile wages, not a starting salary. BLS OEWS, May 2025
  10. BLS OEWS FAQ: OEWS covers part-time and full-time workers paid a wage or salary. It does not cover the self-employed, owners and partners in unincorporated firms, household workers or unpaid family workers. OEWS wages do not include nonproduction bonuses or employer costs of benefits such as health insurance or retirement contributions. BLS OEWS, May 2025
  11. BLS OEWS, May 2025: about 518,910 people were employed as Childcare Workers in the US (wage and salary jobs, not counting self-employed workers). BLS OEWS, May 2025
  12. Median annual wage for Childcare Workers in every state with published data, May 2025 (table on this page). BLS OEWS, May 2025
  13. BLS OEWS, May 2025, states with the most Childcare Workers jobs: California 52,780; New York 44,020; Texas 34,160; New Jersey 25,070; Illinois 23,900. BLS OEWS, May 2025
  14. BLS OEWS, May 2025, metro areas with the highest median annual wage for Childcare Workers (areas with at least 100 jobs): North Port-Bradenton-Sarasota, FL $47,300; San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA $45,720; San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA $44,540; Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO $44,320; Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA $43,710; Barnstable Town, MA $43,480; Boulder, CO $43,380; San Luis Obispo-Paso Robles, CA $42,860. BLS OEWS, May 2025
  15. BLS OEWS, May 2025, metro areas with the most Childcare Workers jobs: New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ 48,780 (median $37,870); Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN 17,540 (median $36,610); Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA 16,530 (median $39,890); Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA 13,220 (median $28,840); Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV 11,650 (median $37,610); Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH 10,440 (median $41,590). BLS OEWS, May 2025
  16. Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  17. Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Education. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  18. Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Training. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  19. Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Licenses, Certifications, and Registrations. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  20. Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Licenses, Certifications, and Registrations. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  21. Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Education. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  22. Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Education. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  23. Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Advancement. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  24. O*NET 39-9011.00 survey of workers (68 respondents), education level they say is required: High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED) 39%, Associate's Degree or other 2-year degree 23%, Less than a High School Diploma 14%, Some College Courses 10%, Bachelor's Degree 9%, Post-Secondary Certificate 6% (levels under 5% not listed). O*NET OnLine
  25. O*NET description of Childcare Workers. O*NET OnLine
  26. O*NET task list for Childcare Workers. O*NET OnLine
  27. Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Important Qualities. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  28. Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Important Qualities. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  29. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook, largest employers of childcare workers in 2025: Child daycare services 29%. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  30. BLS Employment Projections: 24.2% of Childcare Workers were self-employed in 2025. BLS Employment Projections
  31. Occupational Outlook Handbook, Work Environment. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  32. Occupational Outlook Handbook, Work Environment: Work Schedules. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  33. Occupational Outlook Handbook, Work Environment: Work Schedules. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  34. Occupational Outlook Handbook, Work Environment: Work Schedules. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  35. Occupational Outlook Handbook, Work Environment: Work Schedules. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  36. Occupational Outlook Handbook, Work Environment. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  37. BLS Employment Projections: employment in all occupations is projected to grow 3.5% from 2025 to 2035. BLS Employment Projections
  38. BLS Employment Projections, 2025-35 annual average for Childcare Workers: 7.1% of workers leave the labor force each year and 8.2% move to a different occupation. BLS Employment Projections
  39. Related occupations (O*NET) with BLS pay, growth and entry education. O*NET OnLine

Notes are for reading the data only. They are not facts and cannot be cited: use the wage_scope and percentile_meaning facts instead. OEWS employment (jobs in May 2025) and Employment Projections employment (2025, includes self-employed) are different measures and can differ. O*NET education shares come from a small survey of workers in the occupation, not from all workers.

This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerFacts has modified all or some of this information. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.