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Childcare Workers Salary in California
Ranked #2 of 51 · CA
Salary Distribution (10th–90th percentile)
About 80% of childcare workerss in California earn between $35,340 and $52,670. The blue band is the middle 50% (P25–P75); the dot marks the median.
Compared to the U.S.
The mean childcare workers salary in California is $42,790, about 22.2% above the U.S. average ($35,030). That works out to roughly $21/hr at 2,080 hours per year.
Metro Areas in California
| Metro area | Median | Mean | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA | $45,720 | $48,450 | 3,090 |
| San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA | $44,540 | $46,100 | 8,260 |
| Eastern Sierra-Mother Lode Region of California nonmetropolitan area | $43,030 | $42,790 | 200 |
| San Luis Obispo-Paso Robles, CA | $42,860 | $41,570 | 370 |
| Modesto, CA | $41,920 | $42,600 | 660 |
| Napa, CA | $41,570 | $42,870 | 170 |
| Santa Rosa-Petaluma, CA | $41,260 | $43,840 | 620 |
| Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA | $40,210 | $42,870 | 5,110 |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do childcare workers make in California?
The median childcare workers salary in California is $40,020 per year (mean $42,790), and about 80% earn between $35,340 and $52,670.
How much do childcare workers make per hour in California?
Roughly $21 per hour, based on a mean annual wage of $42,790 and 2,080 work hours per year.
Is California a high-paying state for childcare workers?
California ranks #2 of 51 states for childcare workers pay. Its mean salary of $42,790 is about 22.2% above the U.S. average of $35,030.
Which metro areas in California pay childcare workers the most?
The highest-paying metro areas in California for childcare workers are San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($45,720), San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA ($44,540), Eastern Sierra-Mother Lode Region of California nonmetropolitan area ($43,030), by median annual wage.