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 $22,000 - $43,000, with the average total compensation falling around $30,370 per year as of May 2023 data. The Bureau of Labor Statistics cited the median daycare teacher salary in 2023 to be $37,130/year. The 2023 median pay for teacher assistants in the childcare industry was $32,160/year. 

The Bureau of Labor Statistics also projects that the employment of childcare workers will decline 2% from 2022 to 2032. Despite this declining employment, about 153,100 job openings for childcare workers are projected each year, on average, over the decade.

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. 

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 ranging from $250 to $2,000. 

Florida

The Early Childhood Educator Incentive$ Florida program provides bonuses and other monetary incentives to educators based on education level, certifications, and years of service in the early childhood education industry.

Georgia

The Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning (DECAL) Scholars program offers an annual salary bonus to professionals that stay with their current employer. The incentive payments range from $1,500 paid annually for one to three years with the same employer, and up to $2,500 paid annually for four or more years with the same employer. 

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.

Maryland

The Maryland Child Care Credential Program rewards providers who achieve various credential levels with financial bonuses, which serve as incentives for ongoing professional development. The program will stop accepting applications on June 30, 2024. 

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. 

Mississippi

Mississippi's Direct Incentive Program provides monthly incentives to teachers working at a qualified childcare program. At this time, owners and directors are not eligible. 

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.

New York

The Workforce Retention Grant in New York aims to retain skilled staff by providing bonus payments to childcare workers in caregiving roles. The funds range from $2,300 to $3,000 and providers can use these payments to supplement salaries and benefits. 

North Carolina

The Child Care WAGE$ Program provides salary supplements to low-paid teachers, directors, and childcare providers working with children from birth to five years old. Any childcare teacher earning $23/hour and below qualifies for the WAGE$ program. Participants receive two six-month installments, each after completing a six-month commitment period in the same childcare program. In 2022-2023, participants received an average six-month supplement of $1,219. 

North Dakota

The Workforce Retention Stipend provides eligible childcare workers with quarterly payments for up to 18 months or a maximum of $3,600, until funding ends on September 12, 2024.

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 Child Care Wage Supplement Program offers wage supplements to childcare professionals ranging from $400 to $2,200 per year based on education level and years of experience in the field. 

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.

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 $21,820 in low-cost living regions to $41,540 in high-cost living regions in the United States.

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2023

The average salaries in the top paying metropolitan areas all top the national average.

1. Metropolitan area	Average yearly pay for daycare workers	Average pay per hour for daycare workers
   North Port-Sarasota-Bradenton, FL	$47,020	$22.61
   San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA	$46,780	$22.49
   Ocala, FL	$45,120	$21.69
   San Jose, Sunnyvale, Santa Clara, CA	$43,340	$20.84
   Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA	$42,330	$20.35

2. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2023

How much is daycare 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 $14.50 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:

• Medical insurance 

• Dental insurance

• Paid time off 

• Retirement benefits 

Other common benefits include free childcare or tuition assistance, flexible scheduling, and professional development assistance. 

What do daycare workers do? 

Typically, daycare workers are responsible for teaching and maintaining a safe learning environment for young children. They mostly work for childcare agencies, centers, and individual home childcare programs to provide early childhood education. 

Below we cover more details on the different roles for daycare workers:

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 center is properly maintained. If there are additional employees to hire and train, directors usually oversee that process and create a smooth onboarding plan. Childcare center administrators also 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. However, specific requirements vary by state. For example, 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.

The state requirements for a preschool teacher vary. Some states require a high school diploma, while others will ask for 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. For instance, they assist with record keeping, planning activities, and assessing children's progress. 

Most teacher assistants work part-time. Their requirements are often an associate's degree or high school diploma, depending on the state. Most childcare centers also provide on-the-job training to teacher assistants 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 also help to create a fun and safe learning environment for children and monitor their progress.

Requirements and qualifications for daycare workers vary by state and the size and location of the childcare center. Some centers may require educational certifications or relevant professional experience.

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What are the typical responsibilities of a daycare worker? 

A daycare or childcare worker is responsible for providing a safe, nurturing, and educational environment for the children in their program. Their responsibilities include everything from helping children learn life skills to teaching developmentally appropriate lesson plans. More specifically, daycare workers: 

• Lead children in activities that teach new skills and follow state developmental guidelines 
• Keep a record of each child’s daily activities
• Communicate proactively with parents and families 
• Maintain clean, safe, and orderly childcare facilities
• Provide snacks and meals to children
• Help children with hygiene, such as changing diapers and washing their hands 
• Address behavioral issues

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. To learn more about degree programs that could be a great fit for you, check out NAEYC’s Early Childhood Higher Education Directory.

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.

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.

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