As of January 01, 2026, the average salary for a Child Care Associate in the United States is $32,736 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $16.
However, a Child Care Associate's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Child Care Associate'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 Child Care Associate'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 Child Care Associate | $32,348 |
| Intermediate Level Child Care Associate | $32,819 |
| Senior Level Child Care Associate | $33,236 |
| Specialist Level Child Care Associate | $33,361 |
| Expert Level Child Care Associate | $33,444 |
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 Child Care Associates. 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
|
$37,646 |
15%
|
|
Coordination
|
$35,682 |
9%
|
|
Problem Solving
|
$35,355 |
8%
|
|
Accountability
|
$35,355 |
8%
|
|
Customer Service
|
$35,027 |
7%
|
|
Leadership
|
$34,700 |
6%
|
Understanding how a Child Care Associate'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 Child Care Associate can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $36,300 in 2023 to around $35,317 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Child Care Associate salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
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|
| 2023 | $36,300 |
| 2024 | $35,700 |
| 2025 | $35,317 |
| 2026 |
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|
| 2027 |
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|
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