Childcare Workers Salary in San Francisco, CA
BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics • May 2025 • San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA
Compare Childcare Workers salary & buying power
Type a city below to see how San Francisco, CA stacks up on salary and cost of living.
In San Francisco, California, childcare workers earn a median annual salary of $44,970, which is significantly higher than the national median for this occupation at $32,050. When compared to local household income figures, childcare workers' earnings represent approximately 34% of the area's median household income, which stands at $133,780. This suggests that while childcare workers earn more than their counterparts nationally, they still earn less relative to the broader San Francisco economy, reflecting a disparity between typical wages in this field and those seen across various sectors within the city.
For entry-level childcare workers in San Francisco, earnings start around the 10th percentile at $37,310 annually. In contrast, experienced professionals working at higher skill levels or in more specialized settings may earn up to the 90th percentile, reaching salaries of approximately $63,350 per year. The significant difference between these two figures is driven by factors such as experience, level of responsibility, additional certifications, and the specific setting—whether it be private homes or institutional childcare centers. Such variance reflects both the value placed on skilled childcare providers in a high-cost living area like San Francisco and the broader economic dynamics affecting employment opportunities within the city's tight labor market.
Salary percentile breakdown
San Francisco economic context
Frequently asked questions
How much do Childcare Workers make per hour in San Francisco?
The median hourly wage for Childcare Workers in San Francisco, CA is $21.62, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $27.60 or more per hour.
Is San Francisco above or below average for Childcare Workers salaries?
The median Childcare Workers salary in San Francisco, CA is 40.3% 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 San Francisco?
Entry-level Childcare Workers (10th percentile) earn around $37,310 per year in San Francisco, CA. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $38,410.