Childcare Worker salary in Alabama
Childcare Workers in Alabama earn a median of $22,720 a year ($10.92 an hour), based on BLS data for 4,580 workers.
Pay ranges from $18,680 for the lowest-paid 10% to $32,330 for the top 10%. That is 35% lower than the national median of $34,980. Alabama ranks 50th of 51 states for childcare workers pay. There are 2.2 childcare workers per 1,000 jobs here — the job is less common than nationally (location quotient 0.65). The average (mean) salary is $25,120, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for childcare workers in Alabama
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $18,680 | $8.98 |
| 25th percentile | $21,540 | $10.36 |
| Median | $22,720 | $10.92 |
| 75th percentile | $28,090 | $13.51 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $32,330 | $15.54 |
| Average (mean) | $25,120 | $12.08 |
Half of childcare workers earn more than the median and half earn less. Percentiles show the spread: 10% earn less than the 10th percentile, and 10% earn more than the 90th.
Median paycheck, before taxes
| Pay period | Amount |
|---|---|
| Monthly | $1,893.33 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $946.67 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $873.85 |
| Weekly | $436.92 |
| Hourly | $10.92 |
Based on a full-time year of 2,080 hours. Convert any amount with the hourly to salary converter.
Childcare Worker salary in cities in Alabama
| Metro area | Median salary | Workers |
|---|---|---|
| Columbus, GA-AL | $26,150 | 510 |
| Huntsville, AL | $23,110 | 440 |
| Birmingham, AL | $23,070 | 920 |
| Montgomery, AL | $22,720 | 660 |
| Auburn-Opelika, AL | $22,640 | n/a |
| Mobile, AL | $22,350 | 370 |
| Daphne-Fairhope-Foley, AL | $22,280 | 180 |
| Decatur, AL | $22,170 | 100 |
| Tuscaloosa, AL | $22,040 | 150 |
| Dothan, AL | $21,910 | 140 |
| Gadsden, AL | $21,050 | 60 |
| Anniston-Oxford, AL | $20,730 | 140 |
Highest-paying states for childcare workers
| State | Median salary |
|---|---|
| District of Columbia | $47,340 |
| Washington | $41,680 |
| Massachusetts | $40,900 |
| Colorado | $40,750 |
| California | $40,020 |
| Oregon | $38,650 |
| Vermont | $38,030 |
| New York | $37,590 |
| New Hampshire | $37,080 |
| Hawaii | $37,030 |
Related jobs in Alabama
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Recreation Worker | $28,360 | $13.64 |
| Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors | $39,180 | $18.84 |
| Residential Advisor | $27,650 | $13.29 |
| Personal Care and Service Workers, All Other | $23,590 | $11.34 |
| Amusement and Recreation Attendants | $23,210 | $11.16 |
| Animal Caretaker | $28,330 | $13.62 |
| Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists | $29,150 | $14.02 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Entertainment and Recreation Workers, Except Gambling Services | $43,460 | $20.90 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Personal Service Workers | $40,810 | $19.62 |
| Manicurists and Pedicurists | $30,300 | $14.57 |
| Ushers, Lobby Attendants, and Ticket Takers | $22,360 | $10.75 |
| Skincare Specialist | $39,260 | $18.88 |
| Funeral Attendant | $30,310 | $14.57 |
| Morticians, Undertakers, and Funeral Arrangers | $44,930 | $21.60 |
More: Personal Care and Service Occupations · all salaries in Alabama
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 estimates, occupation code 39-9011. Wages include base pay, tips, commissions and shift pay, but not overtime, bonuses or benefits, and exclude the self-employed.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a childcare worker make in Alabama?
The median salary for childcare workers in Alabama is $22,720 a year, or $10.92 an hour. Pay ranges from $18,680 for the lowest-paid 10% to $32,330 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid childcare workers make in Alabama?
The top 10% of childcare workers in Alabama earn at least $32,330 a year. The top 25% earn $28,090 or more.
What is the starting pay for childcare workers in Alabama?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $18,680 a year, and a quarter of childcare workers earn $21,540 or less.
How many childcare workers work in Alabama?
About 4,580 childcare workers are employed in Alabama, not counting the self-employed.