As of January 01, 2026, the average salary for a Day Care Worker I in the United States is $33,100 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $16.
However, a Day Care Worker I's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Day Care Worker I's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a Day Care Worker I's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:
| Job Role | Years of Experience | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Children's Day Care Center Teacher | 0-0 years | $43,177 |
| Day Care Worker I | 0-1 years | $33,006 |
| Day Care Worker II | 1-3 years | $37,229 |
What Am I Worth?
Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Day Care Worker Is. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Commitment | 3.73% |
| Child Development | 9.81% |
| Early Childhood Education | 4.68% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Motivating
|
$38,065 |
15%
|
|
Coordination
|
$36,079 |
9%
|
|
Problem Solving
|
$35,748 |
8%
|
|
Accountability
|
$35,748 |
8%
|
|
Customer Service
|
$35,417 |
7%
|
|
Leadership
|
$35,086 |
6%
|
Understanding how a Day Care Worker I's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.
Last Updated on January 01, 2026For a Day Care Worker I, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the Day Care Worker II role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $37,300 - a projected growth of 13% over your current level.
Salaries for a Day Care Worker I can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $36,834 in 2023 to around $35,837 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Day Care Worker I salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
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|
| 2023 | $36,834 |
| 2024 | $36,225 |
| 2025 | $35,837 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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Daycare can be expensive due to the need for low staff-to-child ratios, ensuring that each child receives focused attention. This requires hiring qualified staff, whose salaries range from $30,500 to $37,600 annually. The investment in skilled caregivers is essential for providing a nurturing environment for babies and toddlers.
The average salary for a Day Care Worker ranges from $30,500 to $37,600, with a mid-salary of $33,800. This reflects the growing demand for quality childcare, which is essential as families face increasing daycare costs. The average weekly daycare cost is currently $321, highlighting the financial commitment required for childcare services.
Daycare workers in the US typically earn between $30,500 and $37,600 annually. The minimum salary is around $30,500, while the mid-range salary is approximately $33,800. The maximum salary can reach up to $37,600, reflecting the varying levels of experience and responsibilities in the field.
Daycare workers earn varying salaries across states, with the average annual salary ranging from $30,500 to $37,600. In states like New York and Massachusetts, salaries are around $36,355 and $36,292, respectively, indicating competitive pay within the broader range of $30,500 to $37,600 for daycare workers.
When comparing the costs of a nanny versus daycare, it's important to consider the average salaries. A nanny typically earns around $827 weekly, while daycare workers have salaries ranging from $30,500 to $37,600 annually. This translates to an average weekly cost of approximately $587 to $724 for daycare services, making daycare a more affordable option compared to hiring a nanny.
Day care workers earn between $30,500 and $37,600 annually, with a median salary of $33,800. Families typically allocate about 18.6% of their income to child care expenses, which can significantly impact their overall budget.
Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.
We offer detailed salary information across multiple percentiles for your reference. (Click here to learn Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial for Achieving Pay Equity.)
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