Daycare Teacher Salary: Your Complete Guide
Daycare Teacher Salary: Your Complete Guide
How much do daycare workers make?
Daycare teacher salaries are a key factor in attracting and retaining qualified early childhood educators. Compensation varies widely based on experience, education, and location, directly impacting teacher retention and the quality of care provided to young children.
In the United States, the average daycare teacher salary ranges from $30,000 to $52,000, depending on their experience level, education, location, and hours per week.
| Percentile | Annual salary range |
|---|---|
| 10th | $30,000 – $34,000 |
| 25th | $34,000 – $37,000 |
| Median (50th) | $37,000 – $42,000 |
| 75th | $42,000 – $47,000 |
| 90th | $47,000 – $52,000 |
Daycare worker salary by experience level
Daycare teachers often see modest increases in their salaries for experience and education. Entry-level teachers typically earn less than those with more years in the field. Higher pay is essential for retaining skilled educators and ensuring quality care for children.
| Experience level | Average salary range |
|---|---|
| 0 – 1 years | $32,000 – $38,000 |
| 1 – 3 years | $33,000 – $40,000 |
| 4 – 6 years | $34,000 – $44,000 |
| 7 – 9 years | $36,000 – $48,000 |
| 10 – 14 years | $38,000 – $54,000 |
| 15+ years | $40,000 – $63,000 |
Education
The difference in pay for a daycare worker with a high school diploma versus a master's degree is modest, averaging about $1,000 to $5,000 more annually. Advanced degrees yield slightly higher salaries but not significantly more.
If you're interested in pursuing an advanced degree in education or early childhood education, you can earn a higher salary by working as a special education teacher, education director, school counselor, or instructional specialist.
Location
Location has a significant bearing on a daycare worker's pay, with some states and cities paying more than others. Daycares in lower-paying states pay less than $30,000, while those in areas with a high cost of living may pay more.
| State | Average annual salary |
|---|---|
| Alabama | $29,500 |
| Alaska | $43,300 |
| Arizona | $38,800 |
| Arkansas | $34,400 |
| California | $45,800 |
| Colorado | $39,800 |
| Connecticut | $45,300 |
| Delaware | $34,700 |
| District of Columbia | $49,300 |
| Florida | $34,300 |
| Georgia | $36,800 |
| Hawaii | $45,000 |
| Idaho | $32,200 |
| Illinois | $39,400 |
| Indiana | $33,800 |
| Iowa | $35,500 |
| Kansas | $34,800 |
| Kentucky | $36,600 |
| Louisiana | $33,600 |
| Maine | $39,800 |
| Maryland | $42,000 |
| Massachusetts | $46,300 |
| Michigan | $38,600 |
| Minnesota | $42,200 |
| Mississippi | $33,400 |
| Missouri | $35,000 |
| Montana | $34,700 |
| Nebraska | $34,200 |
| Nevada | $34,700 |
| New Hampshire | $36,800 |
| New Jersey | $46,300 |
| New Mexico | $36,800 |
| New York | $44,300 |
| North Carolina | $34,800 |
| North Dakota | $34,100 |
| Ohio | $36,400 |
| Oklahoma | $34,000 |
| Oregon | $43,600 |
| Pennsylvania | $37,000 |
| Rhode Island | $39,000 |
| South Carolina | $36,800 |
| South Dakota | $36,000 |
| Tennessee | $36,600 |
| Texas | $31,800 |
| Utah | $34,800 |
| Vermont | $44,400 |
| Virginia | $42,800 |
| Washington | $46,000 |
| West Virginia | $27,000 |
| Wisconsin | $36,200 |
| Wyoming | $31,400 |
Impact of compensation
Low pay is linked to high turnover among daycare teachers, which can disrupt child development and learning continuity. Centers paying under $10 per hour see turnover rates above 23%, while those paying $25 per hour or more have rates below 8%.
Daycare centers with low pay often experience the following negative consequences:
Higher staff turnover
Disrupted child-teacher relationships
Lower program quality and student outcomes
Additional benefits
In addition to salary, many daycare centers offer paid time off (PTO) and other benefits. Popular perks for employees include:
Paid holidays and PTO
Health insurance
Professional development and training
Opportunities for advancement and leadership roles
Flexible work schedules
Supportive team environments
Daycare teacher job description & duties
Early childhood educators are essential in nurturing young children during their critical developmental stages. They support the growth of foundational physical, cognitive, and social-emotional skills that children rely on throughout their entire lives.
Responsibilities
A daycare teacher’s role encompasses several key duties, such as:
Developing lesson plans and preparing activity materials
Assessing children’s progress through regular evaluations
Ensuring the safety of children within the classroom
Maintaining communication with families
Recognizing learning or behavioral challenges and planning appropriate interventions
Requirements
Although specific experience and education requirements differ by location and program, previous experience working with young children is crucial for daycare teachers.
Some daycare centers require a degree in early childhood education, along with a solid understanding of child development and modern teaching techniques. Strong communication, time management, and organizational skills are also essential.
Negotiating for a higher salary
Always negotiate your salary when applying for a daycare teacher position, especially if you bring a degree, experience, or strong references. Employers often have flexibility in their budgets, and your qualifications may justify a higher offer than what's listed in the job description.
Even if you're early in your career, it's important to negotiate. The worst outcome is a simple "no." Remember to consider the full compensation package, including benefits, when discussing your offer.
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.