Childcare Worker salary in Delaware
Childcare Workers in Delaware earn a median of $33,210 a year ($15.97 an hour), based on BLS data for 1,230 workers.
Pay ranges from $31,200 for the lowest-paid 10% to $40,410 for the top 10%. That is 5% lower than the national median of $34,980. Delaware ranks 24th of 51 states for childcare workers pay. There are 2.5 childcare workers per 1,000 jobs here — the job is less common than nationally (location quotient 0.76). The average (mean) salary is $34,450, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for childcare workers in Delaware
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $31,200 | $15.00 |
| 25th percentile | $31,200 | $15.00 |
| Median | $33,210 | $15.97 |
| 75th percentile | $35,710 | $17.17 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $40,410 | $19.43 |
| Average (mean) | $34,450 | $16.56 |
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 | $2,767.50 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $1,383.75 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $1,277.31 |
| Weekly | $638.65 |
| Hourly | $15.97 |
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 Delaware
| Metro area | Median salary | Workers |
|---|---|---|
| Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD | $34,520 | 7,960 |
| Dover, DE | $31,200 | 90 |
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 Delaware
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Recreation Worker | $33,790 | $16.25 |
| Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors | $44,340 | $21.32 |
| Residential Advisor | $34,530 | $16.60 |
| Personal Care and Service Workers, All Other | $36,380 | $17.49 |
| Amusement and Recreation Attendants | $31,200 | $15.00 |
| Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists | $34,350 | $16.51 |
| Animal Caretaker | $33,910 | $16.30 |
| Manicurists and Pedicurists | $31,200 | $15.00 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Entertainment and Recreation Workers, Except Gambling Services | $59,790 | $28.75 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Personal Service Workers | $48,940 | $23.53 |
| Tour and Travel Guides | $33,210 | $15.97 |
| Gambling Dealer | $39,330 | $18.91 |
| Shampooer | $32,150 | $15.46 |
| Ushers, Lobby Attendants, and Ticket Takers | $31,200 | $15.00 |
More: Personal Care and Service Occupations · all salaries in Delaware
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 Delaware?
The median salary for childcare workers in Delaware is $33,210 a year, or $15.97 an hour. Pay ranges from $31,200 for the lowest-paid 10% to $40,410 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid childcare workers make in Delaware?
The top 10% of childcare workers in Delaware earn at least $40,410 a year. The top 25% earn $35,710 or more.
What is the starting pay for childcare workers in Delaware?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $31,200 a year, and a quarter of childcare workers earn $31,200 or less.
How many childcare workers work in Delaware?
About 1,230 childcare workers are employed in Delaware, not counting the self-employed.