Childcare Workers Salary in Washington, DC-VA-MD-WV

BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics • May 2025 • Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV

Median annual salary $35,460 +10.6% vs national
Median hourly $17.05
10th percentile $30,230
90th percentile $47,860
Employed locally 11,290
National median $32,050

Compare Childcare Workers salary & buying power

Type a city below to see how Washington, DC-VA-MD-WV stacks up on salary and cost of living.

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Childcare Workers
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    Salary percentile breakdown

    10th
    $30,230
    25th
    $32,320
    50th (median)
    $35,460
    75th
    $38,780
    90th
    $47,860

    Washington economic context

    Unemployment rate 3.00% 2024 annual avg • BLS LAUS
    Median household income $123,896 2023 • Census ACS
    Childcare Workers salary vs area income 29% Median Childcare Workers salary is 71% 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

    Related occupations in Washington, DC-VA-MD-WV

    OccupationMedian salary
    Amusement and Recreation Attendants $35,910
    Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors $44,690
    Animal Caretakers $35,760
    Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists $43,610
    Concierges $36,770
    Recreation Workers $36,990

    Frequently asked questions

    How much do Childcare Workers make per hour in Washington?

    The median hourly wage for Childcare Workers in Washington, DC-VA-MD-WV is $17.05, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $24.14 or more per hour.

    Is Washington above or below average for Childcare Workers salaries?

    The median Childcare Workers salary in Washington, DC-VA-MD-WV is 10.6% 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 Washington?

    Entry-level Childcare Workers (10th percentile) earn around $30,230 per year in Washington, DC-VA-MD-WV. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $32,320.