As of January 01, 2026, the average salary for a Daycare Administrator in the United States is $41,095 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $20.
However, a Daycare Administrator's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Daycare Administrator'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, education and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a Daycare Administrator'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:
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry Level Daycare Administrator | $40,195 |
| Intermediate Level Daycare Administrator | $40,570 |
| Senior Level Daycare Administrator | $43,179 |
| Specialist Level Daycare Administrator | $44,140 |
| Expert Level Daycare Administrator | $44,460 |
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 Daycare Administrators. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Planning | 3.87% |
| First Aid | 6.98% |
| Child Abuse | 1.3% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Coaching
|
$46,026 |
12%
|
|
IDEA
|
$44,793 |
9%
|
|
Special Education
|
$44,382 |
8%
|
|
Confidentiality
|
$43,149 |
5%
|
|
Staff Development
|
$43,149 |
5%
|
|
Pediatric
|
$42,738 |
4%
|
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Daycare Administrators enter the field with a No Diploma degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.
According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for a Daycare Administrator with a No Diploma is between $36,746 and $39,056).
Daycare Administrator Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 1.0% |
| High School | 27.5% |
| Associates | 24.5% |
| Bachelors | 39.7% |
| Masters | 7.2% |
| Doctorate | 0.2% |
Understanding how a Daycare Administrator'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, 2026Salaries for a Daycare Administrator can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $42,096 in 2023 to around $41,740 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Daycare Administrator salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
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|
| 2023 | $42,096 |
| 2024 | $42,213 |
| 2025 | $41,740 |
| 2026 |
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|
| 2027 |
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|
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