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Childcare Workers Salary in California
Last updated: 2025 BLS data · Page refreshed:
How much do Childcare Workers make in California?
Last updated: 2025 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics
$40,020
Median Annual Salary
▲
+4.7% vs 2024
$42,790
Mean Salary
$40,020
Median Salary
$19.24
Hourly Rate
52,780 people work as Childcare Workers in California
Childcare Workers salary by percentile in California
BLS-reported salary distribution — from entry-level (10th percentile) to top earners (90th percentile).
Childcare Workers in California earn a median salary of $40,020 per year ($3,335/month).
This is 22.0% above the national average of $32,803.
California ranks #5 out of 51 states for Childcare Workers pay.
Approximately 52,780 people work in this occupation across California.
Salaries increased by 4.7% compared to 2024.
About This Job: Childcare Workers
Attend to children at schools, businesses, private households, and childcare institutions. Perform a variety of tasks, such as dressing, feeding, bathing, and overseeing play.
Top Skills
Active Listening
3.88
Monitoring
3.88
Social Perceptiveness
3.88
Speaking
3.75
Service Orientation
3.75
Key Knowledge Areas
English Language
3.76
Customer and Personal Service
3.73
Psychology
3.43
Education and Training
3.36
Public Safety and Security
3.25
Typical Education: High School Diploma or Equivalent
(60.0% of workers)
Salaries for Childcare Workers in California range from $35,340 at the 10th percentile (entry level) to $52,670 at the 90th percentile (experienced). The middle 50% earn between $37,600 and $46,320.
Median $40,020
P10: $35,340P25: $37,600P75: $46,320P90: $52,670
10th
$35,340
25th
$37,600
Median
$40,020
75th
$46,320
90th
$52,670
Percentile
Annual Salary
Hourly Rate
Monthly
10th Percentile (Entry Level)
$35,340
$16.99
$2,945
25th Percentile
$37,600
$18.08
$3,133
Median (50th)
$40,020
$19.24
$3,335
75th Percentile
$46,320
$22.27
$3,860
90th Percentile (Experienced)
$52,670
$25.32
$4,389
Note: The mean (average) salary of $42,790 differs from the median because salary distributions are typically skewed by high earners.
The median annual salary for Childcare Workers in California is $40,020 as of 2025. The average (mean) salary is $42,790.
What is the salary range for a Childcare Workers in California?
Salaries for Childcare Workers in California range from $35,340 at the 10th percentile to $52,670 at the 90th percentile. The middle 50% earn between $37,600 and $46,320.
What is the starting salary for a Childcare Workers in California?
Entry-level Childcare Workers positions in California typically start around $35,340 (10th percentile). With some experience, salaries rise to $37,600 (25th percentile).
How many people work as Childcare Workers in California?
According to 2025 BLS data, approximately 52,780 people are employed as Childcare Workers in California.
What is the hourly rate for a Childcare Workers in California?
Based on a standard 2,080-hour work year, the median hourly rate for a Childcare Workers in California is approximately $19.24 per hour.
Salary data is sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, 2025 estimates. The OEWS survey covers approximately 1.1 million establishments nationwide.
Annual salaries are calculated based on a standard 2,080-hour work year. Actual compensation may vary based on experience, education, employer, and local market conditions. Figures do not include benefits, bonuses, or overtime pay.
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