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As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for an Early Childhood Assistant in Illinois is $36,940 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $18.
However, an Early Childhood Assistant's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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Early Childhood Assistant Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $40,002 | $3,333 | $769 | $19 |
| Average | $36,940 | $3,078 | $710 | $18 |
| 25th Percentile | $32,717 | $2,726 | $629 | $16 |
ELMHURST PREPARATORY SCHOOL OF EARL - Elmhurst, IL
YMCA of Rock River Valley - Rockford, IL
YMCA of Rock River Valley - Rockford, IL
YMCA of Rock River Valley - Rockford, IL
An Early Childhood 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 and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of an Early Childhood 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 Early Childhood Assistant | $35,474 |
| Intermediate Level Early Childhood Assistant | $35,767 |
| Senior Level Early Childhood Assistant | $37,234 |
| Specialist Level Early Childhood Assistant | $38,427 |
| Expert Level Early Childhood Assistant | $39,047 |
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 Early Childhood Assistants. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:
For Early Childhood Assistant 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 Business Services sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 50% above the average. In contrast, Early Childhood Assistant positions in Hospitality & Leisure or Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Early Childhood Assistant as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Healthcare | $55,411 | $27.0 | 50% |
| Business Services | $44,328 | $21.0 | 20% |
Understanding how an Early Childhood 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.
| Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $40,002 | $3,333 | $769 | $19 |
| Average | $36,940 | $3,078 | $710 | $18 |
| 25th Percentile | $32,717 | $2,726 | $629 | $16 |
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Early Childhood Assistant job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
Jewish Community Center of Chicago
Lake Zurich, IL
Jewish Community Center of Chicago | Lake Zurich, IL
Job Description. Job Description. Reports to (title). Early Childhood Site Director. Job Summary. The Assistant Director of Early Childhood is responsible ... more
4 Days Ago
St Michael And All Angels Episcopal
Homewood, IL
St Michael And All Angels Episcopal | Homewood, IL
Job Description. Job Description. Benefits. 401(k) matching. Paid time off. Tuition assistance. Job Types: Full-time, Part-time. Pay: 16-22 dollars per hou... more
6 Days Ago
Life Long Learners Child Development Center Inc.
Downers Grove, IL
Life Long Learners Child Development Center Inc. | Downers Grove, IL
Job Description. Job Description. Benefits. Christmas Week Closed with Pay. Yearly Company Retreat. Holiday Party. 80 hours of PTO. Paid Holidays. Aflac. M... more
3 Days Ago
Joy of Learning Kids Academy
Lisle, IL
Joy of Learning Kids Academy | Lisle, IL
Job Description. Job Description. Joy of Learning Kids Academy (JOL). Starting your teaching career and looking for a school where your. ideas, energy, and... more
3 Days Ago
TOTS LAND INC
Chicago, IL
TOTS LAND INC | Chicago, IL
Job Description. Job Description. Minimum 6 ECE credit hours, or approved Illinois CDA credentials. Assistant teachers willing to obtain minimum educationa... more
3 Days Ago
Naperville Park District
Naperville, IL
Naperville Park District | Naperville, IL
Job Description. Job Description. Overview:Under the direct supervision of the Program Manager and Early Childhood Coordinator, the Early Childhood Instruc... more
4 Days Ago
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