As of January 01, 2026, the average salary for a Daycare Aide in the United States is $42,166 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $20.
However, a Daycare Aide's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Daycare Aide'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 Aide'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 Aide | $41,244 |
| Intermediate Level Daycare Aide | $41,628 |
| Senior Level Daycare Aide | $44,305 |
| Specialist Level Daycare Aide | $45,291 |
| Expert Level Daycare Aide | $45,620 |
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 Aides. 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
|
$47,226 |
12%
|
|
IDEA
|
$45,961 |
9%
|
|
Special Education
|
$45,540 |
8%
|
|
Confidentiality
|
$44,275 |
5%
|
|
Staff Development
|
$44,275 |
5%
|
|
Pediatric
|
$43,853 |
4%
|
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Daycare Aides 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 Aide with a No Diploma is between $36,746 and $39,056).
Daycare Aide 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 Aide'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 Aide can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $43,194 in 2023 to around $42,828 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Daycare Aide salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
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|
| 2023 | $43,194 |
| 2024 | $43,314 |
| 2025 | $42,828 |
| 2026 |
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|
| 2027 |
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|
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Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.
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