Childcare Workers Salary in Lakeland, FL

BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics • May 2025 • Lakeland-Winter Haven, FL

Median annual salary $29,130 -9.1% vs national
Median hourly $14.01
10th percentile $26,380
90th percentile $40,140
Employed locally 420
National median $32,050

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Childcare Workers
in
Lakeland, FL
vs

    Salary percentile breakdown

    10th
    $26,380
    25th
    $27,950
    50th (median)
    $29,130
    75th
    $32,700
    90th
    $40,140

    Lakeland economic context

    Unemployment rate 4.20% 2024 annual avg • BLS LAUS
    Median household income $63,644 2023 • Census ACS
    Childcare Workers salary vs area income 46% Median Childcare Workers salary is 54% 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
    North Port-Bradenton-Sarasota, FL $47,730
    Ocala, FL $44,990
    Flagstaff, AZ $37,910
    Punta Gorda, FL $33,260
    Palm Bay-Melbourne-Titusville, FL $31,910
    Naples-Marco Island, FL $31,840

    Related occupations in Lakeland, FL

    OccupationMedian salary
    Amusement and Recreation Attendants$27,500
    Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists$28,200
    Animal Caretakers$29,220
    Recreation Workers$33,470
    Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors$36,320
    Ushers, Lobby Attendants, and Ticket Takers$27,200

    Frequently asked questions

    How much do Childcare Workers make per hour in Lakeland?

    The median hourly wage for Childcare Workers in Lakeland, FL is $14.01, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $17.43 or more per hour.

    Is Lakeland above or below average for Childcare Workers salaries?

    The median Childcare Workers salary in Lakeland, FL is 9.1% 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 Lakeland?

    Entry-level Childcare Workers (10th percentile) earn around $26,380 per year in Lakeland, FL. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $27,950.