Childcare Workers Salary in Illinois
Childcare Workers in Illinois earn a median annual wage of $35,830 —2.4% above the national median of $34,980. That ranks IL #18 of 51 covered states and territories for this occupation.
Wage distribution
How earnings are spread across workers in this occupation, from the 10th to the 90th percentile.
Employment is 1.17× as concentrated as the national average, making Illinois a strong market for this occupation.
Highest-paying states for childcare workers
All 51 states ranked by median annual wage. Illinois is highlighted.
| # | State | Median annual | Median hourly | Employment | Location quotient |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | District of Columbia | $47,340 | $22.76 | 1,350 | 0.58 |
| 2 | Washington | $41,680 | $20.04 | 4,340 | 0.37 |
| 3 | Massachusetts | $40,900 | $19.66 | 13,140 | 1.08 |
| 4 | Colorado | $40,750 | $19.59 | 13,310 | 1.39 |
| 5 | California | $40,020 | $19.24 | 52,780 | 0.87 |
| 6 | Oregon | $38,650 | $18.58 | 5,240 | 0.80 |
| 7 | Vermont | $38,030 | $18.29 | — | — |
| 8 | New York | $37,590 | $18.07 | 44,020 | 1.36 |
| 9 | New Hampshire | $37,080 | $17.83 | 2,820 | 1.24 |
| 10 | Hawaii | $37,030 | $17.80 | 1,870 | 0.89 |
Related occupations in Illinois
Occupations in the same job family, compared within Illinois.
| Occupation | Illinois median | U.S. median |
|---|---|---|
| Amusement and Recreation Attendants | $32,770 | $32,150 |
| Recreation Workers | $35,480 | $36,560 |
| Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors | $46,800 | $47,160 |
| Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists | $34,040 | $35,790 |
| Animal Caretakers | $35,570 | $35,360 |
| Manicurists and Pedicurists | $37,050 | $35,760 |
Frequently asked questions
How much do childcare workers make in Illinois?
The median annual wage for childcare workers in Illinois is $35,830, or $17.23 per hour. That is 2.4% above the national median of $34,980.
What is the entry-level childcare workers salary in Illinois?
Workers at the 10th percentile earn $31,200 per year ($15.00/hour). The 25th percentile is $32,510.
How many people work as childcare workers in Illinois?
About 23,900 people work in this occupation in Illinois, or 3.9 per 1,000 jobs statewide.
Is Illinois a good state for childcare workers?
Illinois ranks #18 of 51 states by median wage for this occupation. Employment is 1.17x as concentrated as the national average, making Illinois a strong market for this occupation.
Which state pays childcare workers the most?
District of Columbia has the highest median wage at $47,340 per year, followed by Washington ($41,680) and Massachusetts ($40,900).