Childcare Workers Salary in Detroit, MI

BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics • May 2025 • Detroit-Warren-Dearborn, MI

Median annual salary $29,290 -8.6% vs national
Median hourly $14.08
10th percentile $24,480
90th percentile $38,260
Employed locally 6,170
National median $32,050

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Childcare Workers
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Detroit, MI
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    In Detroit, MI, childcare workers earn a median annual salary of $29,290 and a median hourly wage of $14.08. This is notably below the national median for this occupation, which stands at $32,050 annually. When compared to local household income in Detroit, where the area median household income is $75,123, it becomes evident that childcare workers earn significantly less than the average family in the region. Given the local unemployment rate of 4.50%, childcare workers face a competitive job market and may find their earning potential constrained by broader economic conditions.

    Entry-level childcare workers in Detroit typically start at the lower end of the salary spectrum, with earnings around the 10th percentile mark at $24,480 annually. As they gain experience and develop specialized skills, their income can increase to reach or even exceed the 75th percentile range, which is approximately $32,570 per year. The disparity in earnings between entry-level and experienced workers is primarily driven by factors such as years of experience, additional certifications, and responsibilities assumed within their roles. Experienced childcare workers who take on supervisory positions or work in specialized settings may see salaries rise to the 90th percentile, which can reach up to $38,260 annually.

    Salary percentile breakdown

    10th
    $24,480
    25th
    $26,790
    50th (median)
    $29,290
    75th
    $32,570
    90th
    $38,260

    Detroit economic context

    Unemployment rate 4.50% 2024 annual avg • BLS LAUS
    Median household income $75,123 2023 • Census ACS
    Childcare Workers salary vs area income 39% Median Childcare Workers salary is 61% below the area median household income

    Frequently asked questions

    How much do Childcare Workers make per hour in Detroit?

    The median hourly wage for Childcare Workers in Detroit, MI is $14.08, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $21.31 or more per hour.

    Is Detroit above or below average for Childcare Workers salaries?

    The median Childcare Workers salary in Detroit, MI is 8.6% below 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 Detroit?

    Entry-level Childcare Workers (10th percentile) earn around $24,480 per year in Detroit, MI. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $26,790.