Daycare Director Salary: How Much Does a Daycare Director Make?
Daycare Director Salary: How Much Does a Daycare Director Make?
Average daycare director salary
A daycare director oversees the entire operation of a childcare center. The position requires managing budgets, hiring and developing staff, creating educational programming, communicating with families, and ensuring compliance with all levels of regulation. Directors also have to maintain a safe environment and handle day-to-day financial duties.
The average annual salary for a daycare director is $40,000 to $65,000 per year for the majority of directors in the United States. However, depending on experience level and location, it could range from $37,000 to $99,000 per year. New professionals earn lower salaries compared to those with more years in the field.
| Experience level | Average salary range |
|---|---|
| 0 – 1 years | $37,000 – $62,000 |
| 1 – 3 years | $40,000 – $65,000 |
| 4 – 6 years | $50,000 – $70,000 |
| 7 – 9 years | $53,000 – $80,000 |
| 10+ years | $60,000 – $99,000 |
Daycare assistant director salary
A daycare assistant director earns an average salary of $40,000 to $58,000 per year. This role supports the daycare director by helping manage daily operations, overseeing staff in their absence, and assisting with compliance and program implementation.
Compared to the daycare director, the assistant director has fewer administrative responsibilities and less decision-making authority. However, the assistant director acts as a key leader within the center and often serves as the director's right hand, gaining valuable experience for future career advancement.
Daycare owner salary
A daycare owner makes $36,000 to $100,000+ per year or $3,000 to $8,300+ per month on average, depending on the location and the facility type. At-home daycares charge less in tuition and have fewer students than larger centers, so owners tend to make less money, but they also have lower overhead costs.
Daycare or preschool director salary by location
A daycare director's compensation depends greatly on where they work:
Midwest / South: In rural areas and regions with a lower cost of living, directors might see annual wages starting at $39,000.
Larger cities: High-cost regions such as New York City may offer salaries of $80,000+ per year. In the District of Columbia, the median salary is closer to $76,000.
East vs. West Coast: Among metropolitan areas, Newark and Jersey City lead at $79,000, closely followed by West Coast metros in Seattle and San Jose at over $77,000.
Factors that affect daycare director pay
Several factors impact the salary a daycare center offers:
Education
Education can influence both your career trajectory and compensation as a daycare director. Many states or employers prefer directors with a bachelor's or higher degree, often in early childhood education, business, or nursing. About 56% of directors hold a bachelor's degree, 14% a master's, and 19% an associate's degree.
A higher level of education can be beneficial when you are negotiating your salary. Continuing education and certifications, such as those from NAEYC, help strengthen both skills and earning potential.
Benefits
Many directors receive more than just a base salary. The most common benefits include medical and dental insurance, paid time off, retirement plans such as a 401(k), and occasionally free or discounted childcare. Directors may also have access to tuition assistance, flexible work schedules, and support for professional development.
Most benefit packages are designed to attract and retain experienced professionals.
Some organizations offer further education and training opportunities.
Directors may be able to negotiate for additional benefits, especially with advanced qualifications.
Facility type & size
The size and type of a childcare facility significantly influence a daycare director's salary. Larger centers with more children and staff have bigger budgets, enabling higher pay. Accredited facilities, centers with multiple locations, or those affiliated with larger organizations tend to offer better compensation than small, independent centers.
Specialized programs, such as those offering bilingual education, special needs care, or advanced curricula, often require directors with additional expertise, which can boost salary.
What to expect when applying for a daycare director position
When interviewing for a daycare director position, expect questions about your previous experience, certification, program management, and handling of challenging situations like difficult parents or staff conflicts. Knowing how to articulate your understanding of educational frameworks and regulatory requirements will help you make a strong impression.
Responsibilities
A daycare director ensures the smooth operation and high standard of a childcare center. They foster an environment that is safe, nurturing, and structured to help children and their families thrive. Specific responsibilities include:
Overseeing daily operations for the entire daycare center
Developing and implementing policies and procedures to ensure safety and well-being of children
Hiring, training, scheduling, and supervising teaching and administrative staff
Ensuring compliance with all local, state, and federal regulations
Creating and maintaining positive and nurturing educational programs
Communicating regularly and effectively with parents and guardians
Managing the center's budget, billing, and overall financial health
Organizing and maintaining accurate records and enrollment information
Promoting the staff's professional development and conducting staff evaluations
Collaborating with community organizations to enhance center services
Requirements
To apply for a daycare director position, you need proven experience in early childhood education or a related field, usually supported by a bachelor's or associate's degree. States often require directors to hold a valid childcare credential and current licensure.
Strong leadership, organizational skills, and a clear understanding of child development and legal regulations are essential for success in this important role.
For more information, check out our guide on How to Become a Daycare Director.
Tips for negotiating a higher salary
Daycare directors have several ways to negotiate for higher pay or improve their compensation over time:
Advancing education or obtaining additional certificates to increase qualifications
Pursuing roles at larger centers or ones with multiple locations, which often offer higher salaries
Transitioning to program ownership (adds both responsibility and greater earning potential)
Seeking NAEYC accreditation for the center, which supports brand recognition and allows for higher tuition rates
Using our proprietary cost database, in-depth research, and collaboration with industry experts, we deliver accurate, up-to-date pricing and insights you can trust, every time.