As of March 01, 2026, the average salary for a Child Development Associate in the United States is $43,764 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $21.
However, a Child Development Associate's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Child Development 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, 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 Child Development Associates. 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
|
$49,016 |
12%
|
|
IDEA
|
$47,703 |
9%
|
|
Special Education
|
$47,265 |
8%
|
|
Confidentiality
|
$45,953 |
5%
|
|
Staff Development
|
$45,953 |
5%
|
|
Pediatric
|
$45,515 |
4%
|
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Child Development Associates 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 Child Development Associate with a No Diploma is between $36,746 and $39,056).
Child Development Associate 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 Child Development 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 March 01, 2026Salaries for a Child Development Associate can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $44,033 in 2023 to around $43,661 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Child Development Associate salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $44,033 |
| 2024 | $44,155 |
| 2025 | $43,661 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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