Child Care Workers

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 in formal child-care settings usually earn higher wages. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, the median annual earnings for child care workers in May 2018 were $23,240 for full-time work, or approximately $11.17 per hour. The department also reports that 10 percent of child care workers earned less than $8.53 per hour (approximately $17,750 annually based on a 40-hour workweek). At the high end of the pay scale, 10 percent of child care workers made more than $16.55 per hour (approximately $34,430 annually based on a 40-hour workweek). 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.