As of January 01, 2026, the average salary for a Day Care Director in the United States is $143,192 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $69.
However, a Day Care Director's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Day Care Director'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 Day Care Director'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 Day Care Director | $132,954 |
| Intermediate Level Day Care Director | $134,660 |
| Senior Level Day Care Director | $136,082 |
| Specialist Level Day Care Director | $138,357 |
| Expert Level Day Care Director | $141,201 |
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 Day Care Directors. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Leadership | 6.91% |
| First Aid | 2.99% |
| Performance Review | 2.15% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Triage
|
$161,807 |
13%
|
|
Assisted Living
|
$158,943 |
11%
|
|
Effective Communication
|
$153,215 |
7%
|
|
Coaching
|
$150,352 |
5%
|
|
Delegation
|
$148,920 |
4%
|
|
Scheduling
|
$147,488 |
3%
|
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Day Care Directors enter the field with a Bachelor'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 Day Care Director with a Bachelor's Degree is between $132,829 and $142,932).
Day Care Director Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 5.5% |
| High School | 5.5% |
| Associates | 17.8% |
| Bachelors | 38.4% |
| Masters | 37.0% |
| Doctorate | 1.4% |
Understanding how a Day Care Director'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 Day Care Director can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $133,449 in 2023 to around $132,755 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Day Care Director salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
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|
| 2023 | $133,449 |
| 2024 | $133,733 |
| 2025 | $132,755 |
| 2026 |
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|
| 2027 |
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|
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