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Child Care Workers

Earnings

Earnings for child care workers depend on their education level, the type of employer, the number of children being cared for, and geographic location. Those who work in formal child-care settings usually earn higher wages. According to the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL), the mean annual earnings for child care workers in May 2023 were $32,070 for full-time work, or approximately $15.42 per hour. The DOL reports that child care workers earned the following mean annual salaries based on employer:

  • elementary and secondary schools: $35,600
  • individual and family services: $35,140
  • religious organizations: $33,330
  • child care services: $30,360
  • civic and social organizations: $29,960

The department also reports that 10 percent of child care workers earned less than $10.79 per hour (approximately $22,450 annually based on a 40-hour workweek). At the high end of the pay scale, 10 percent of child care workers made more than $20.80 per hour (approximately $43,270 annually based on a 40-hour workweek). Fifty percent of child care workers earned between $13.00 and $17.41 an hour (or $27,040 to $36,200 annually).

Few child care workers receive full benefits from their employers. Some large day care centers and preschools, however, do offer limited health care coverage and vacation pay.