As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Child Development Assistant in the United States is $56,037 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $27.
However, a Child Development Assistant's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Child Development Assistant'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 Child Development Assistant'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 Development Assistant | $55,424 |
| Intermediate Level Child Development Assistant | $55,792 |
| Senior Level Child Development Assistant | $57,041 |
| Specialist Level Child Development Assistant | $58,214 |
| Expert Level Child Development Assistant | $58,370 |
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 Development Assistants. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Written Communication | 5.28% |
| CPR | 6.47% |
| Case Management | 3.33% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Facilitation
|
$58,278 |
4%
|
|
Flexibility
|
$57,718 |
3%
|
|
Coordination
|
$57,718 |
3%
|
|
Leadership
|
$57,718 |
3%
|
|
Patient Care
|
$57,718 |
3%
|
|
Collaboration
|
$57,718 |
3%
|
For Child Development Assistant roles, the industry you choose can impact your earning potential by as much as 60% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the highest-paying industry, Healthcare, offers compensation 30% above the average. Conversely, Child Development Assistant positions in Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as this sector often view Child Development Assistant as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Healthcare | $72,848 | $35.0 | 30% |
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Child Development Assistants enter the field with a Associate's Degree 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 Child Development Assistant with a Associate's Degree is between $56,598 and $60,239).
Child Development Assistant Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 2.7% |
| High School | 2.7% |
| Associates | 3.6% |
| Bachelors | 60.5% |
| Masters | 31.7% |
| Doctorate | 1.5% |
Understanding how a Child Development Assistant'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 August 01, 2026Salaries for a Child Development Assistant can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $48,858 in 2023 to around $48,305 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Child Development Assistant salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $48,858 |
| 2024 | $48,882 |
| 2025 | $48,305 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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The Healthcare industry offers the highest average compensation for Child Development Assistant roles, with salaries approximately 30% above the market median.
Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.
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