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Child Caregiver I Salary in the United States

How much does a Child Caregiver I make in the United States?

As of October 01, 2026, the average salary for a Child Caregiver I in the United States is $32,973 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $16.

However, a Child Caregiver I's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $38,381
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $30,541 to $35,804
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $28,327
Salary Factors Salary-Boosting Skills Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Key Factors That Influence Child Caregiver I Salaries

A Child Caregiver 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.

How Experience Level Affects Child Caregiver I Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a Child Caregiver 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:

  • Child Care Center Teacher (0-0 years): $43,155
  • Child Caregiver I (0-1 years): $32,973
  • Child Caregiver II (1-3 years): $37,223
Job Role Years of Experience Average Salary
Child Care Center Teacher0-0 years$43,155
Child Caregiver I0-1 years$32,973
Child Caregiver II1-3 years$37,223
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How Do Child Caregiver I Salaries Vary from State to State?

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 Child Caregiver Is. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
  • District of Columbia: $36,508.
  • California: $36,369.
  • Massachusetts: $35,885.

Top Paying Cities for Child Caregiver Is

Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:

  • San Jose: $41,589
  • San Francisco: $41,133
  • Oakland: $40,267

What Skills Can Increase a Child Caregiver I's Salary?

Demanded Skills for the Role:

  • Commitment (Mentioned in 3.73% Job Postings): An agreement or pledge to do something in the future a commitment to improve conditions at the prison especially : an engagement to assume a financial obligation at a future date.
  • Child Development (Mentioned in 9.81% Job Postings): Child development refers to the sequence of physical, language, thought and emotional changes that occur in a child from birth to the beginning of adulthood.
  • Early Childhood Education (Mentioned in 4.68% Job Postings): Early childhood education, also known as nursery education, is a branch of education theory that relates to the teaching of children from birth up to the age of eight.
Skills Demand Percentage
Commitment 3.73%
Child Development 9.81%
Early Childhood Education 4.68%
See More Skills

What skills can make your compensation higher?

Mastering certain specialized skills can lead to a significant increase in pay. Here are examples of skills and the potential impact they can have on a Child Caregiver I's salary.

  • Motivating: Can increase your salary by up to 15%.
  • Coordination: Can increase your salary by up to 9%.
  • Problem Solving: Can increase your salary by up to 8%.
Skill Salary Salary % Increase
Motivating $37,919
15%
Coordination $35,941
9%
Problem Solving $35,611
8%
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Child Caregiver I Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

Child Caregiver I salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $35,307. While startup companies pay approximate $29,988.

Child Caregiver I Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $29,988
Growth Stage 51~500 $31,687
Established 501~5000 $34,116
Enterprise 5000+ $35,307

Child Caregiver I Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Child Caregiver I roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 60% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Healthcare and Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 30% above the average. In contrast, Child Caregiver positions in Hospitality & Leisure or Business Services typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Child Caregiver I as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for a Child Caregiver I

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Healthcare$42,865$21.030%
Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit$36,270$17.010%

Child Caregiver I Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Child Caregiver 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 October 01, 2026
$30,541
Average $32,973/year
$35,804
$2,545
Average $2,748/month
$2,984
$587
Average $634/week
$689
$15
Average $16/hour
$17
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $35,804 $2,984 $689 $17
Average $32,973 $2,748 $634 $16
25th Percentile $30,541 $2,545 $587 $15

Child Caregiver I Salary Growth & Career Path

Child Caregiver I

Next Role

For a Child Caregiver I, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the Child Caregiver II role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $37,223 - a projected growth of 13% over your current level.

Most common benefits for Child Caregiver I

  • Social Security
  • 401 (k)
  • Disability
  • Healthcare
  • Pension
  • Time Off (days)

Common company salaries for Child Caregiver I

Here are companies hiring for Child Caregiver I and their salaries, click below for more details.

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FAQ about Child Caregiver I

1. Where can a Child Caregiver I earn the most?

A Child Caregiver I's earning potential can vary widely depending on several factors, including location, industry, experience, education, and the specific employer. According to the latest salary data by Salary.com, a Child Caregiver I earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of a Child Caregiver I is $41,589.

2. What is the highest pay for Child Caregiver I?

The highest pay for Child Caregiver I is $38,381.

3. What is the lowest pay for Child Caregiver I?

The lowest pay for Child Caregiver I is $28,327.

4. What are the responsibilities of Child Caregiver I?

Cares for young children in a day care setting. Leads and monitors various play and learning activities including games, crafts, story time, and music. Performs daily tasks required to keep children happy, clean, safe, and occupied. Supervises snacks, meals, and naps. Completes any required documentation including attendance logs, sign in sheets, or medication administration records. Maintains a safe and secure play area. Typically requires a high school diploma or equivalent. Typically requires Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) certification. Typically reports to a supervisor. Works under the close direction of senior personnel in the functional area. Possesses a moderate understanding of general aspects of the job. May require 0-1 year of general work experience.

5. What industry pays the highest salary for Child Caregiver I?

The Healthcare industry offers the highest average compensation for Child Caregiver I roles, with salaries approximately 30% above the market median.

Where Does Our Salary Data Come From?

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.)

With the most extensive online, real-time compensation data available, Salary.com helps you pinpoint your exact pay target.

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