Childcare Worker salary in Buffalo-Cheektowaga, NY
Childcare Workers in the Buffalo-Cheektowaga, NY metro area earn a median of $35,410 a year ($17.03 an hour), based on BLS data for 2,100 workers.
Pay ranges from $32,240 for the lowest-paid 10% to $44,010 for the top 10%. That is 1% higher than the national median of $34,980. Pay here is 6% lower than the New York statewide median of $37,590. There are 3.9 childcare workers per 1,000 jobs here — close to the national average. The average (mean) salary is $36,570, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for childcare workers in Buffalo-Cheektowaga, NY
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $32,240 | $15.50 |
| 25th percentile | $32,320 | $15.54 |
| Median | $35,410 | $17.03 |
| 75th percentile | $37,290 | $17.93 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $44,010 | $21.16 |
| Average (mean) | $36,570 | $17.58 |
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 | $2,950.83 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $1,475.42 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $1,361.92 |
| Weekly | $680.96 |
| Hourly | $17.03 |
Based on a full-time year of 2,080 hours. Convert any amount with the hourly to salary converter.
Childcare Worker salary in other metro areas nearby
| Metro area | Median salary | Workers |
|---|---|---|
| New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ | $37,870 | 48,780 |
| Ithaca, NY | $37,410 | 290 |
| Kingston, NY | $36,360 | 460 |
| Kiryas Joel-Poughkeepsie-Newburgh, NY | $36,230 | 1,810 |
| Albany-Schenectady-Troy, NY | $36,170 | 2,420 |
| Binghamton, NY | $35,890 | 640 |
| Glens Falls, NY | $35,460 | 220 |
| Utica-Rome, NY | $35,190 | 530 |
| Rochester, NY | $35,090 | 2,410 |
| Syracuse, NY | $34,380 | 1,020 |
| Elmira, NY | $34,170 | 90 |
| Watertown-Fort Drum, NY | $33,630 | 210 |
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 |
See Childcare Worker pay in every state or the New York statewide figures.
Related jobs in Buffalo-Cheektowaga, NY
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Recreation Worker | $33,640 | $16.17 |
| Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors | $47,920 | $23.04 |
| Personal Care and Service Workers, All Other | $33,330 | $16.02 |
| Residential Advisor | $44,300 | $21.30 |
| Amusement and Recreation Attendants | $33,730 | $16.22 |
| Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists | $32,950 | $15.84 |
| Animal Caretaker | $34,840 | $16.75 |
| Manicurists and Pedicurists | $32,240 | $15.50 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Personal Service Workers | $47,480 | $22.83 |
| Ushers, Lobby Attendants, and Ticket Takers | $33,270 | $15.99 |
| Skincare Specialist | $34,770 | $16.72 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Entertainment and Recreation Workers, Except Gambling Services | $46,930 | $22.56 |
| Tour and Travel Guides | $40,220 | $19.34 |
| Locker Room, Coatroom, and Dressing Room Attendants | $32,510 | $15.63 |
More: Personal Care and Service Occupations · all salaries in Buffalo-Cheektowaga, NY
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 Buffalo-Cheektowaga, NY?
The median salary for childcare workers in the Buffalo-Cheektowaga, NY metro area is $35,410 a year, or $17.03 an hour. Pay ranges from $32,240 for the lowest-paid 10% to $44,010 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid childcare workers make in Buffalo-Cheektowaga, NY?
The top 10% of childcare workers in the Buffalo-Cheektowaga, NY metro area earn at least $44,010 a year. The top 25% earn $37,290 or more.
What is the starting pay for childcare workers in Buffalo-Cheektowaga, NY?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $32,240 a year, and a quarter of childcare workers earn $32,320 or less.
How many childcare workers work in Buffalo-Cheektowaga, NY?
About 2,100 childcare workers are employed in the Buffalo-Cheektowaga, NY metro area, not counting the self-employed.