As of January 01, 2026, the average salary for a Childcare Teacher in the United States is $43,309 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $21.
However, a Childcare Teacher's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Childcare Teacher'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 Childcare Teacher'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 Childcare Teacher | $40,923 |
| Intermediate Level Childcare Teacher | $41,304 |
| Senior Level Childcare Teacher | $43,961 |
| Specialist Level Childcare Teacher | $44,939 |
| Expert Level Childcare Teacher | $45,265 |
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 Childcare Teachers. 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
|
$48,506 |
12%
|
|
IDEA
|
$47,207 |
9%
|
|
Special Education
|
$46,774 |
8%
|
|
Confidentiality
|
$45,474 |
5%
|
|
Staff Development
|
$45,474 |
5%
|
|
Pediatric
|
$45,041 |
4%
|
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Childcare Teachers 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 Childcare Teacher with a No Diploma is between $36,746 and $39,056).
Childcare Teacher 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 Childcare Teacher'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 Childcare Teacher can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $42,858 in 2023 to around $42,495 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Childcare Teacher salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $42,858 |
| 2024 | $42,977 |
| 2025 | $42,495 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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Compensation PlanningHere are companies hiring for Childcare Teacher and their salaries, click below for more details.
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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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