Childcare Workers Salary in North Carolina
Childcare Workers in North Carolina earn a median annual wage of $29,140 —16.7% below the national median of $34,980. That ranks NC #39 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 only 0.76× as concentrated as the national average — this occupation is relatively scarce in North Carolina.
Highest-paying states for childcare workers
All 51 states ranked by median annual wage. North Carolina 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 North Carolina
Occupations in the same job family, compared within North Carolina.
| Occupation | North Carolina median | U.S. median |
|---|---|---|
| Amusement and Recreation Attendants | $26,680 | $32,150 |
| Recreation Workers | $32,720 | $36,560 |
| Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors | $46,450 | $47,160 |
| Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists | $38,410 | $35,790 |
| Animal Caretakers | $30,870 | $35,360 |
| Manicurists and Pedicurists | $34,740 | $35,760 |
Frequently asked questions
How much do childcare workers make in North Carolina?
The median annual wage for childcare workers in North Carolina is $29,140, or $14.01 per hour. That is 16.7% below the national median of $34,980.
What is the entry-level childcare workers salary in North Carolina?
Workers at the 10th percentile earn $22,840 per year ($10.98/hour). The 25th percentile is $24,270.
How many people work as childcare workers in North Carolina?
About 12,550 people work in this occupation in North Carolina, or 2.5 per 1,000 jobs statewide.
Is North Carolina a good state for childcare workers?
North Carolina ranks #39 of 51 states by median wage for this occupation. Employment is only 0.76x as concentrated as the national average, so this occupation is relatively scarce in North Carolina.
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).