Childcare Workers Salary in Tennessee
Childcare Workers in Tennessee earn a median annual wage of $29,660 —15.2% below the national median of $34,980. That ranks TN #36 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 1.25× as concentrated as the national average, making Tennessee a strong market for this occupation.
Highest-paying states for childcare workers
All 51 states ranked by median annual wage. Tennessee 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 Tennessee
Occupations in the same job family, compared within Tennessee.
| Occupation | Tennessee median | U.S. median |
|---|---|---|
| Amusement and Recreation Attendants | $28,690 | $32,150 |
| Recreation Workers | $33,580 | $36,560 |
| Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors | $47,380 | $47,160 |
| Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists | $31,310 | $35,790 |
| Animal Caretakers | $30,550 | $35,360 |
| Manicurists and Pedicurists | $34,810 | $35,760 |
Frequently asked questions
How much do childcare workers make in Tennessee?
The median annual wage for childcare workers in Tennessee is $29,660, or $14.26 per hour. That is 15.2% below the national median of $34,980.
What is the entry-level childcare workers salary in Tennessee?
Workers at the 10th percentile earn $21,730 per year ($10.45/hour). The 25th percentile is $26,910.
How many people work as childcare workers in Tennessee?
About 13,650 people work in this occupation in Tennessee, or 4.2 per 1,000 jobs statewide.
Is Tennessee a good state for childcare workers?
Tennessee ranks #36 of 51 states by median wage for this occupation. Employment is 1.25x as concentrated as the national average, making Tennessee 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).