Childcare Workers Salary in Chicago, IL-IN

BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics • May 2025 • Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN

Median annual salary $34,110 +6.4% vs national
Median hourly $16.40
10th percentile $29,340
90th percentile $42,930
Employed locally 16,910
National median $32,050

Compare Childcare Workers salary & buying power

Type a city below to see how Chicago, IL-IN stacks up on salary and cost of living.

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Childcare Workers
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Chicago, IL-IN
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    Salary percentile breakdown

    10th
    $29,340
    25th
    $30,440
    50th (median)
    $34,110
    75th
    $37,080
    90th
    $42,930

    Chicago economic context

    Unemployment rate 5.10% 2024 annual avg • BLS LAUS
    Median household income $88,850 2023 • Census ACS
    Childcare Workers salary vs area income 38% Median Childcare Workers salary is 62% below the area median household income

    Top-paying metros for Childcare Workers

    Metro areaMedian salary
    North Port-Bradenton-Sarasota, FL $47,730
    District of Columbia $45,400
    Ocala, FL $44,990
    San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA $44,970
    San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA $43,640
    Massachusetts nonmetropolitan area $42,810

    Nearby metros — Childcare Workers salary comparison

    Metro areaMedian salary
    Kahului-Wailuku, HI $38,460
    Bremerton-Silverdale-Port Orchard, WA $37,970
    Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA $37,540
    Sacramento-Roseville-Folsom, CA $36,290
    Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA $36,170
    Norwich-New London-Willimantic, CT $34,550

    Related occupations in Chicago, IL-IN

    OccupationMedian salary
    Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors $51,680
    Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists $35,560
    Recreation Workers $34,100
    Amusement and Recreation Attendants $31,350
    Animal Caretakers $35,090
    Ushers, Lobby Attendants, and Ticket Takers $30,490

    Frequently asked questions

    How much do Childcare Workers make per hour in Chicago?

    The median hourly wage for Childcare Workers in Chicago, IL-IN is $16.40, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $22.09 or more per hour.

    Is Chicago above or below average for Childcare Workers salaries?

    The median Childcare Workers salary in Chicago, IL-IN is 6.4% above the national median of $32,050. The national figure is from BLS OEWS 2025 data covering all US metropolitan areas.

    What is the entry-level salary for Childcare Workers in Chicago?

    Entry-level Childcare Workers (10th percentile) earn around $29,340 per year in Chicago, IL-IN. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $30,440.