As of July 01, 2026, the average salary for an Early Care Educator in the United States is $42,302 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $20.
However, an Early Care Educator's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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An Early Care Educator'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.
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 Early Care Educators. 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
|
$47,378 |
12%
|
|
IDEA
|
$46,109 |
9%
|
|
Special Education
|
$45,686 |
8%
|
|
Confidentiality
|
$44,417 |
5%
|
|
Staff Development
|
$44,417 |
5%
|
|
Pediatric
|
$43,994 |
4%
|
For Early Care Educator roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 100% (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 50% above the average. In contrast, Early Care Educator positions in Hospitality & Leisure or Business Services typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Early Care Educator as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Healthcare | $63,453 | $31.0 | 50% |
| Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit | $50,763 | $24.0 | 20% |
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Early Care Educators 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 an Early Care Educator with a No Diploma is between $36,746 and $39,056).
Early Care Educator 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 an Early Care Educator'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 July 01, 2026Salaries for an Early Care Educator can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $41,881 in 2023 to around $41,526 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Early Care Educator salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $41,881 |
| 2024 | $41,997 |
| 2025 | $41,526 |
| 2026 |
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|
| 2027 |
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|
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