Childcare Worker salary in Arizona
Childcare Workers in Arizona earn a median of $35,100 a year ($16.88 an hour), based on BLS data for 5,530 workers.
Pay ranges from $30,830 for the lowest-paid 10% to $45,660 for the top 10%. That is about the same as the national median of $34,980. Arizona ranks 21st of 51 states for childcare workers pay. There are 1.7 childcare workers per 1,000 jobs here — the job is less common than nationally (location quotient 0.51). The average (mean) salary is $36,350, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for childcare workers in Arizona
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $30,830 | $14.82 |
| 25th percentile | $32,560 | $15.65 |
| Median | $35,100 | $16.88 |
| 75th percentile | $38,320 | $18.43 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $45,660 | $21.95 |
| Average (mean) | $36,350 | $17.48 |
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 | $2,925 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $1,462.50 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $1,350 |
| Weekly | $675 |
| Hourly | $16.88 |
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 Arizona
| Metro area | Median salary | Workers |
|---|---|---|
| Flagstaff, AZ | $39,640 | 150 |
| Phoenix-Mesa-Chandler, AZ | $35,760 | 4,230 |
| Prescott Valley-Prescott, AZ | $34,930 | 80 |
| Lake Havasu City-Kingman, AZ | $33,790 | 60 |
| Tucson, AZ | $32,830 | 690 |
| Yuma, AZ | $32,150 | 60 |
| Sierra Vista-Douglas, AZ | $31,390 | 50 |
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 Arizona
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Recreation Worker | $35,800 | $17.21 |
| Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors | $47,980 | $23.07 |
| Residential Advisor | $41,480 | $19.94 |
| Personal Care and Service Workers, All Other | $48,900 | $23.51 |
| Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists | $36,810 | $17.70 |
| Amusement and Recreation Attendants | $33,570 | $16.14 |
| Animal Caretaker | $38,180 | $18.35 |
| Ushers, Lobby Attendants, and Ticket Takers | $32,510 | $15.63 |
| Tour and Travel Guides | $37,560 | $18.06 |
| Manicurists and Pedicurists | $35,290 | $16.97 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Entertainment and Recreation Workers, Except Gambling Services | $45,350 | $21.80 |
| Skincare Specialist | $50,470 | $24.27 |
| Gambling Dealer | $60,940 | $29.30 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Personal Service Workers | $47,690 | $22.93 |
More: Personal Care and Service Occupations · all salaries in Arizona
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 Arizona?
The median salary for childcare workers in Arizona is $35,100 a year, or $16.88 an hour. Pay ranges from $30,830 for the lowest-paid 10% to $45,660 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid childcare workers make in Arizona?
The top 10% of childcare workers in Arizona earn at least $45,660 a year. The top 25% earn $38,320 or more.
What is the starting pay for childcare workers in Arizona?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $30,830 a year, and a quarter of childcare workers earn $32,560 or less.
How many childcare workers work in Arizona?
About 5,530 childcare workers are employed in Arizona, not counting the self-employed.