Education and Childcare Administrators, Preschool and Daycare Salary Guide 2025
If you're overseeing a preschool or daycare center, your paycheck likely falls around $59,300. That's the national median for Education and Childcare Administrators, Preschool and Daycare, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The mean wage is $64,800, or about $29 an hour, but the range is wide: from $38,580 at the 10th percentile to $98,240 at the 90th.
How much Education and Childcare Administrators, Preschool and Daycare earn
Pay varies significantly by experience and location. The typical range runs from $38,580 to $98,240. Nationwide, 73,660 people hold this job. Most work full-time, but many centers also employ part-time administrators.
The highest wages cluster on the coasts. In New York, the average hits $96,810. New Jersey pays $78,770, and the District of Columbia $77,850. Alaska ($75,540) and Washington ($70,470) round out the top five.
At the other end, Arkansas averages $44,990, Kentucky $44,530, and Alabama $41,780.
Pay by state
Where you work matters enormously. New York tops the list at $96,810—nearly 2.3 times the pay in Alabama ($41,780). New Jersey ($78,770), Washington D.C. ($77,850), Alaska ($75,540), and Washington ($70,470) follow. The lowest-paying states are all in the South: Arkansas ($44,990), Kentucky ($44,530), and Alabama ($41,780).
State averages come from the BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS).
How to become Education and Childcare Administrators, Preschool and Daycare
Most positions require a bachelor’s degree in early childhood education, child development, or a related field. Some states mandate a master’s degree for directors of larger centers or programs receiving public funding.
State licensing is nearly universal. Requirements include coursework in child development, administration, and often a certain number of hours of supervised experience. Many states require passing a background check and completing continuing education.
Typical entry is through teaching or assistant director roles. Many directors start as lead teachers. Experience with budgeting, staff supervision, and regulatory compliance is critical.
- Earn a bachelor’s degree in early childhood education or a related field.
- Complete state-specific licensing or certification (e.g., Child Development Associate or state director credential).
- Gain 2–5 years of experience in early childhood education, often as a teacher or assistant director.
- Pass background checks and any required exams.
Job outlook
Employment is projected to shrink by 2.5% from 2024 to 2034, a decline largely driven by lower birth rates and fewer children entering center-based care. Despite the drop, about 5,500 openings per year are expected due to workers retiring or leaving the field.
Competition will be strongest in high-paying states, but demand remains steady in areas serving low-income families or those with subsidized pre-K programs.
Frequently asked questions
What is the median salary for Education and Childcare Administrators, Preschool and Daycare?
The national median salary is $59,300 per year. The mean is $64,800, about $29 per hour. The typical range is $38,580 to $98,240.
What education do you need to become a preschool or daycare administrator?
A bachelor’s degree in early childhood education or a related field is standard. Many states also require a master’s degree or specific director credential. Licensing, background checks, and experience as a teacher or assistant director are usually required.
Is the job outlook positive for Education and Childcare Administrators?
No. Employment is expected to decline 2.5% from 2024 to 2034 due to falling birth rates. However, about 5,500 openings per year will still occur from turnover.
Which states pay the most for preschool and daycare administrators?
New York ($96,810), New Jersey ($78,770), District of Columbia ($77,850), Alaska ($75,540), and Washington ($70,470) are the highest-paying states. Arkansas ($44,990), Kentucky ($44,530), and Alabama ($41,780) pay the least.
Salary figures are U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates (OEWS / Employment Projections). For informational purposes only; not career or financial advice. See the full Education and Childcare Administrators, Preschool and Daycare data.