Early education is critical for setting children up for future success. As the importance of early education gains more attention, the demand for qualified daycare teachers and childcare workers also increases.
If you’re preparing to join this growing industry, you may be curious to know how much daycare teachers make.
In this guide, you’ll learn about the average childcare worker's salary, including how annual wages differ based on location and experience. We’ll also share tips on advancing your career and increasing your salary as an early childhood educator.
How much do daycare workers and teachers make?
Daycare worker salary ranges between $22,900 - $44,560, with a median pay of $15.41/hr or $32,050/yr as of May 2024 data. The Bureau of Labor Statistics cited the median daycare teacher salary in 2024 to be $37,120/yr. The 2024 median pay for teacher assistants in the childcare industry was $35,240/yr.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of childcare workers is projected to decline 3 percent from 2024 to 2034. Despite this projected decline, about 160,200 openings for childcare workers are expected each year, on average, over the decade — driven primarily by the need to replace workers who transfer to other occupations or exit the workforce. The BLS attributes the decline to slowing birth rates resulting in fewer young children requiring care, as well as the increasing cost of child care limiting overall demand.
In several online databases, the average salary reported for “daycare teacher” job titles was higher than the average salary reported for “daycare worker” job titles, with discrepancies ranging between $1,000 - $5,000 per year.
While these roles are virtually identical in function, the data shows that centers regarding their employees as “teachers” rather than “workers” offer greater compensation. If you’re an aspiring early childhood educator, you may want to consider this when evaluating jobs.
How can daycare workers supplement their wages?
Several state governments are stepping up to improve childcare worker compensation by introducing new programs that supplement their wages.
Arizona
The First Things First Bonus Program in Arizona rewards individuals for advancing their education in early childhood education or a related field. Scholars can receive larger bonus amounts as they achieve higher education levels. This program is a bonus layered onto scholarship participation, not a standalone wage program.
California
Many California counties offer stipends and financial incentives through their local Early Childhood Education Workforce Registries, often tied to professional development, education milestones, and working in subsidized childcare programs. While not a single statewide program, these are significant.
Connecticut
The Connecticut Office of Early Education's Qualified Workforce Incentives (QWI) helps to recruit and retain early childhood professionals. Eligible applicants with specific employment status can receive awards up to $2,600.
Florida
The Early Childhood Educator Incentive$ Florida program awards annual stipends of up to $5,000 to educators based on education level, certifications, and years of service in the early childhood education industry.
Georgia
Georgia offers the Quality Rated Workforce Bonus (QRWB), an annual bonus for staff at programs with a Quality Rated star rating. Full-time teachers and support staff at 1-, 2-, or 3-star rated programs can apply for a $500 annual bonus, provided they've worked at least 30 hours per week (or 15 hours per week for school-age-only staff) at the same program for at least 90 days.
Illinois
The Great START Wage Supplement Program in Illinois is designed to support and sustain the childcare workforce by providing wage supplements to eligible early childhood educators. Through the program, educators who meet specific educational and employment criteria receive financial supplements that help bridge the wage gap, making careers in early childhood education more sustainable and attractive.
Iowa
The Child Care WAGE$® Iowa salary supplement program is an initiative designed to address the issue of low wages among childcare professionals and to support the retention of highly qualified and experienced individuals in the field.
Administered by Iowa AEYC (Iowa Association for the Education of Young Children), this program provides salary supplements to eligible childcare providers who are part of Iowa's Quality Rating System (QRS). The supplements are based on the educational level of the providers and are paid in installments across the year, aiming to reward their commitment and encourage continued professional growth.
Maine
The Maine Early Childhood Workforce Salary Supplement System addresses the chronic underpayment within the childcare sector by offering salary supplements, helping to attract and retain skilled professionals. These supplements are awarded based on various criteria, including education level, experience, and role within the early childhood education field.
Minnesota
The Great Start Compensation Support Payments is a permanent program in Minnesota designed to support the childcare industry. Funds can be used to pay for increased compensation, benefits, or premium pay for employees who regularly care for children.
In addition, the REETAIN Bonuses range from $500-$3,000 and are awarded to childcare professionals who commit to staying in their roles for one year after receiving the bonus. The bonuses are awarded based on education and as funds allow.
New Mexico
The state of New Mexico offers payment incentive programs including the Bilingual Incentive Program, which offers a one-time payment of $1,500 for certified bilingual/multilingual educators, and the Wage Supplement Program, an education-based wage supplement.
North Carolina
The Child Care WAGE$ Program provides education-based salary supplements to low-paid teachers, directors, and family child care educators working with children from birth to five years old. Eligibility is based on an income cap set by each local funding partnership, which can choose $19, $23, or $25 per hour as the qualifying threshold. Participants receive two six-month installments, each after completing a six-month commitment period in the same child care program.
Ohio
The POWER Ohio program, funded by the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services, aims to support workforce development by providing wage supplements to increase the current wage of early education professionals. Payments are tied to educational achievements and based on an individual’s role, education, and retention milestones with their current employer.
Oklahoma
The Oklahoma Registry Certificate of Achievement and Stipend Program recognizes and rewards early childhood professionals for their commitment to professional development. Eligible participants can receive a $600 stipend for completing 30 hours of approved courses in a specific area or obtaining a Child Development Associate (CDA) credential, provided they meet employment and facility requirements. Professionals can receive up to two stipends per calendar year.
Pennsylvania
The Child Care Staff Recruitment and Retention Program, established in Pennsylvania's 2025–26 state budget, provides approximately $450 annually per employee to licensed Child Care Works providers. The $25 million program is designed to support roughly 55,000 child care workers statewide in retaining and recruiting staff.
Tennessee
The Child Care WAGE$ Tennessee program offers annual salary supplements to childcare providers who meet specific education and employment criteria.
Utah
The Utah Office of Child Care and the Utah Registry for Professional Development offer financial incentives to early learning professionals as they achieve professional development milestones.
Vermont
Vermont's Early Childhood Professional Recognition bonuses offer financial incentives for educators who achieve certificates from the Vermont Early Childhood Professional Development System, Vermont early childhood and afterschool credentials, or Vermont Agency of Education licensure.
Virginia
The RecognizeB5: VQB5 Educator Incentive is a notable initiative in Virginia aimed at acknowledging and rewarding early childhood educators who participate in the state's quality measurement and improvement system, known as VQB5. This incentive program is designed to motivate and support educators in their professional development journeys by offering financial rewards.
Washington
The state of Washington has introduced bonus payments of up to $1,200 for childcare professionals who undergo specialized training in trauma-informed care.
Wisconsin
The Wisconsin Early Childhood Association (WECA) REWARD Wisconsin Stipend Program aims to support and retain dedicated childcare professionals. This program provides quarterly financial stipends to childcare workers based on their educational attainments and years of experience in the field.
Childcare and Preschool Staff Evaluation Forms
Use this template to evaluate and enhance the professional growth of your childcare team.
What is the average daycare worker’s salary based on geographic location?
The average salary of a childcare worker differs based on geographic location, ranging from $21,150-$27,930 in low-cost living regions to $35,140-$45,400 in high-cost living regions in the United States.
| Top paying states | Annual median wage for childcare workers | Hourly median wage for childcare workers |
| District of Columbia | $45,400 | $21.83 |
| Massachusetts | $39,290 | $18.89 |
| California | $38,220 | $18.38 |
| Vermont | $37,830 | $18.19 |
| Washington | $37,800 | $18.18 |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2024
The average salaries in the top paying metropolitan areas all top the national average.
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Metropolitan area Annual median wage for childcare workers Hourly median wage for childcare workers North Port-Bradenton-Sarasota, FL $47,730 $22.95 Ocala, FL $44,990 $21.63 San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA $44,970 $21.62 San Jose, Sunnyvale, Santa Clara, CA $43,640 $20.98 Massachusetts nonmetropolitan area $42,810 $20.58 - Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2024
How much is a daycare worker salary per hour?
Most childcare workers work 40 hours a week, although working part-time is also common. Early childhood educators employed at larger centers typically work normal business hours. In contrast, those working at in-home daycares tend to work longer to accommodate the schedules of working families.
Some childcare workers may also work during evenings and weekends, depending on the service hours of their program. Although some childcare teacher jobs are salaried, most early educators earn an hourly wage. The average hourly wage for a childcare worker is around $15.41 per hour.
What are the most common benefits for daycare workers?
Depending on their employer, childcare teachers and workers may be eligible for benefits packages. The most common benefits for daycare workers include:
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Medical insurance
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Dental insurance
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Paid time off
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Retirement benefits
Other common benefits include free childcare or tuition assistance, flexible scheduling, and professional development assistance.
What do daycare workers do?
Daycare workers are responsible for providing a safe, nurturing, and educational environment for the children in their care. Their day-to-day responsibilities include leading activities that teach new skills and follow state developmental guidelines, keeping records of each child's daily activities, communicating proactively with parents and families, maintaining clean and orderly childcare facilities, providing snacks and meals, helping children with hygiene tasks like handwashing and diaper changes, and addressing behavioral issues as they arise.
The specific scope of these responsibilities depends on the role. Below are the most common positions in a daycare or early childhood program:
Childcare center administrators
Childcare center administrators or directors typically manage the daily operations of a daycare center, including setting curriculum, managing budgets, and supervising teachers. They develop and implement policies and procedures, and also communicate with families. Administrators also establish the fee for services rendered and ensure the facility is properly maintained, and oversee hiring, training, and onboarding for new staff. Childcare center administrators make sure their learning programs and curriculum comply with the educational standards set by the state.
The qualifications for this role include a bachelor’s degree in early childhood education and experience working in a preschool or childcare setting, though specific requirements vary by state. Some states may require a nationally accredited certification in addition to or instead of a degree.
Preschool teachers
Preschool teachers work with children around ages 3 to 5 years old and teach the foundational skills that contribute to their learning and growth. They develop lesson plans, manage the classroom, and assess each child's progress in key developmental areas throughout the year.
State requirements for preschool teachers vary. Some states require only a high school diploma, while others require a college degree and a certification from the National Child Care Association (NCCA) or the Council for Professional Recognition.
Teacher assistants
Teacher assistants work under the supervision of teachers to provide additional educational support to children, including record keeping, planning activities, and assessing children's progress. Most teacher assistants work part-time. Requirements often include an associate's degree or high school diploma, depending on the state, and most childcare centers also provide on-the-job training to support their professional growth.
Childcare workers
Childcare workers support the professional staff by organizing learning activities, tending to children's basic needs like preparing meals, and monitoring children's behavior in the classroom. They help create a fun and safe learning environment and monitor each child's progress. Requirements and qualifications vary by state and by the size and location of the childcare center; some centers require educational certifications or relevant professional experience.
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How do I increase my salary as a daycare worker?
The various job functions for daycare workers mean there’s room for advancing within the industry. Typically, more experience and education equals a higher salary or position.
Here are a few ways you can invest in your professional development, advance your career, and potentially earn a higher average salary as a childcare teacher:
- Advance your education
- Get a Child Development Associate (CDA) credential
- Pursue related career opportunities
Advance your education
Educational requirements for daycare workers vary by state and childcare program, but most entry-level positions require a high school diploma. A study by Zippia found that 42% of childcare workers have a high school diploma, 27% hold a bachelor’s degree, and 17% have an associate’s degree. Of the daycare workers who pursued higher education, 11% majored in psychology, 10% majored in general studies, and 9% majored in business.
Typically, the more education you have as a childcare teacher, the more opportunities you’ll have for increased pay. The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that childcare workers with postsecondary education or an early childhood education credential may qualify for higher level positions.
Many schools and training programs also offer continuing education courses that could benefit new and experienced childcare professionals. These courses cover a breadth of early childhood education subjects, from child development to health and safety. One popular online program that many childcare providers use is the Child Care Education Institute (CCEI), which offers training for directors and daycare staff.
Get a Child Development Associate (CDA) credential
Another great way to advance your career in early childhood education is to obtain a Child Development Associate (CDA) credential.
Getting a credential requires a fair amount of work and time, including passing the CDA exam, undergoing an observation period, and submitting a professional portfolio. However, having a CDA credential can give you a competitive edge and help you negotiate for higher pay.
A CDA credential can also be a stepping stone for higher degrees in early childhood education. Many degree programs will offer credits to students with CDA credentials, so putting the time and effort into acquiring the credential can certainly pay off in the long run. You can learn more about how to apply for a CDA credential on the CDA website.
Pursue related career opportunities
If you’re an experienced childcare worker, you can explore other career paths that offer more leadership opportunities and higher salaries. For example, some daycare staff advance to higher positions in their field, such as supervising or administrative roles within their programs.
Other childcare workers transition to different but related roles, such as curriculum designers, licensing specialists, and early childhood education consultants. There are many ways to make a difference in early education, and being a childcare worker lays an excellent foundation for exploring other roles in the early childhood education field.
If you’re looking to build your resume or advance your career in the early education industry, NAEYC offers some great professional development tips that any early childhood educator can benefit from.
Childcare Staff Management: Recruitment, Retention, and Compliance
Frequently asked questions about daycare worker salary
How much do daycare workers make per hour?
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median hourly wage for childcare workers was $15.41 as of May 2024, with the lowest 10 percent earning less than $11.01/hr and the highest 10 percent earning more than $21.42/hr. Salary aggregators that draw on job posting data tend to report higher figures — Glassdoor reports an average of $39,797/yr for "daycare worker" roles as of May 2026, while ZipRecruiter puts the average at $30,188/yr as of March 2026.
What is the difference between a daycare worker and a daycare teacher?
"Daycare worker" and "daycare teacher" are often used interchangeably to describe the same role. However, salary data shows job postings using the title "teacher" tend to offer higher compensation than those using "worker," with discrepancies typically ranging from $1,000 to $5,000 per year. Centers that designate their staff as teachers rather than workers often signal higher program quality expectations, and the pay tends to reflect that.
What state pays daycare workers the most?
The highest-paying states for childcare workers are concentrated in the Northeast and West — including Massachusetts, New York, California, and Connecticut — largely due to higher costs of living, stronger state funding for early childhood programs, and stricter licensing standards. Several of these states also have active wage supplement programs that add to base pay.
Is being a daycare worker a good career?
Daycare work offers meaningful daily impact on children's early development and strong, consistent community demand. However, compensation remains well below the national median for all workers ($49,500 in May 2024), and the BLS projects a 3 percent employment decline from 2024 to 2034, driven by slowing birth rates and rising child care costs. Despite the projected decline, about 160,200 childcare worker openings are expected annually over the decade, largely due to turnover. Workers who pursue additional credentials, such as a Child Development Associate (CDA) or state-specific certifications, tend to access higher-paying and more stable positions.
How can daycare workers increase their salary?
The most effective paths to higher pay include obtaining formal credentials (a CDA credential or an associate's or bachelor's degree in early childhood education), pursuing state wage supplement programs, advancing to a lead teacher or director role, or moving to a higher-paying state or publicly funded program. Directors of preschool and childcare centers earn a median of $56,270/yr — significantly more than entry-level childcare workers.
What benefits do daycare workers typically receive?
Common benefits in the field include medical and dental insurance, paid time off, and retirement benefits. Many programs also offer free childcare or tuition assistance, flexible scheduling, and professional development support. Benefits vary significantly by employer type and program size, with publicly funded programs and larger centers generally offering stronger packages than smaller private or in-home providers.
Bottom line
Working at a childcare center can be a rewarding career path and provide plenty of opportunities for growth as an educator. With more skills and experience, you can advance in your responsibilities and attract a higher salary.
