Childcare Worker salary in Chattanooga, TN-GA
Childcare Workers in the Chattanooga, TN-GA metro area earn a median of $28,860 a year ($13.88 an hour), based on BLS data for 1,190 workers.
Pay ranges from $21,970 for the lowest-paid 10% to $35,460 for the top 10%. That is 17% lower than the national median of $34,980. Pay here is 3% lower than the Tennessee statewide median of $29,660. There are 4.4 childcare workers per 1,000 jobs here — the job is 1.3× more common than nationally. The average (mean) salary is $29,240, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for childcare workers in Chattanooga, TN-GA
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $21,970 | $10.56 |
| 25th percentile | $26,910 | $12.94 |
| Median | $28,860 | $13.88 |
| 75th percentile | $32,220 | $15.49 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $35,460 | $17.05 |
| Average (mean) | $29,240 | $14.06 |
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 | $2,405 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $1,202.50 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $1,110 |
| Weekly | $555 |
| Hourly | $13.88 |
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN | $34,450 | 5,280 |
| Savannah, GA | $29,630 | 920 |
| Knoxville, TN | $29,590 | 1,800 |
| Johnson City, TN | $29,030 | 330 |
| Memphis, TN-MS-AR | $28,860 | 2,780 |
| Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA | $28,840 | 13,220 |
| Brunswick-St. Simons, GA | $28,760 | 180 |
| Augusta-Richmond County, GA-SC | $28,730 | 2,000 |
| Cleveland, TN | $28,510 | 250 |
| Clarksville, TN-KY | $28,420 | 770 |
| Hinesville, GA | $28,250 | 130 |
| Kingsport-Bristol, TN-VA | $28,190 | 320 |
| Gainesville, GA | $27,800 | 260 |
| Morristown, TN | $27,800 | 110 |
| Jackson, TN | $27,540 | 300 |
| Athens-Clarke County, GA | $27,010 | 410 |
| Columbus, GA-AL | $26,150 | 510 |
| Macon-Bibb County, GA | $23,910 | 340 |
| Warner Robins, GA | $23,590 | 440 |
| Albany, GA | $23,080 | 390 |
| Rome, GA | $22,600 | 220 |
| Valdosta, GA | $22,510 | 400 |
| Dalton, GA | $22,260 | 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 Tennessee statewide figures.
Related jobs in Chattanooga, TN-GA
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors | $46,630 | $22.42 |
| Recreation Worker | $32,240 | $15.50 |
| Residential Advisor | $32,750 | $15.74 |
| Animal Caretaker | $30,320 | $14.58 |
| Amusement and Recreation Attendants | $26,450 | $12.72 |
| Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists | $30,380 | $14.61 |
| Tour and Travel Guides | $30,120 | $14.48 |
| Skincare Specialist | $36,590 | $17.59 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Personal Service Workers | $43,840 | $21.08 |
| Ushers, Lobby Attendants, and Ticket Takers | $27,030 | $12.99 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Entertainment and Recreation Workers, Except Gambling Services | $43,880 | $21.10 |
| Entertainment Attendants and Related Workers, All Other | $27,480 | $13.21 |
| Morticians, Undertakers, and Funeral Arrangers | $46,200 | $22.21 |
| Concierge | $35,350 | $17.00 |
More: Personal Care and Service Occupations · all salaries in Chattanooga, TN-GA
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 Chattanooga, TN-GA?
The median salary for childcare workers in the Chattanooga, TN-GA metro area is $28,860 a year, or $13.88 an hour. Pay ranges from $21,970 for the lowest-paid 10% to $35,460 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid childcare workers make in Chattanooga, TN-GA?
The top 10% of childcare workers in the Chattanooga, TN-GA metro area earn at least $35,460 a year. The top 25% earn $32,220 or more.
What is the starting pay for childcare workers in Chattanooga, TN-GA?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $21,970 a year, and a quarter of childcare workers earn $26,910 or less.
How many childcare workers work in Chattanooga, TN-GA?
About 1,190 childcare workers are employed in the Chattanooga, TN-GA metro area, not counting the self-employed.