Childcare Worker salary in Detroit-Warren-Dearborn, MI
Childcare Workers in the Detroit-Warren-Dearborn, MI metro area earn a median of $31,060 a year ($14.93 an hour), based on BLS data for 5,810 workers.
Pay ranges from $27,210 for the lowest-paid 10% to $44,320 for the top 10%. That is 11% lower than the national median of $34,980. Pay here is about the same as the Michigan statewide median of $30,970. There are 3.1 childcare workers per 1,000 jobs here — close to the national average. The average (mean) salary is $33,840, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for childcare workers in Detroit-Warren-Dearborn, MI
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $27,210 | $13.08 |
| 25th percentile | $29,560 | $14.21 |
| Median | $31,060 | $14.93 |
| 75th percentile | $36,470 | $17.53 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $44,320 | $21.31 |
| Average (mean) | $33,840 | $16.27 |
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 | $2,588.33 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $1,294.17 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $1,194.62 |
| Weekly | $597.31 |
| Hourly | $14.93 |
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Traverse City, MI | $33,100 | 230 |
| Ann Arbor, MI | $32,700 | 760 |
| Lansing-East Lansing, MI | $32,000 | 920 |
| Flint, MI | $31,930 | 630 |
| Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI | $31,690 | 1,800 |
| Battle Creek, MI | $30,940 | 160 |
| Jackson, MI | $30,860 | 280 |
| Kalamazoo-Portage, MI | $30,420 | 410 |
| Midland, MI | $29,880 | 110 |
| South Bend-Mishawaka, IN-MI | $29,840 | 380 |
| Saginaw, MI | $29,490 | 290 |
| Muskegon-Norton Shores, MI | $29,260 | 270 |
| Monroe, MI | $29,210 | 110 |
| Bay City, MI | $28,660 | 90 |
| Niles, MI | $28,400 | 230 |
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 Michigan statewide figures.
Related jobs in Detroit-Warren-Dearborn, MI
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Recreation Worker | $34,400 | $16.54 |
| Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors | $46,880 | $22.54 |
| Residential Advisor | $41,460 | $19.93 |
| Personal Care and Service Workers, All Other | $32,150 | $15.46 |
| Amusement and Recreation Attendants | $29,320 | $14.10 |
| Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists | $34,960 | $16.81 |
| Animal Caretaker | $31,040 | $14.92 |
| Ushers, Lobby Attendants, and Ticket Takers | $32,840 | $15.79 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Entertainment and Recreation Workers, Except Gambling Services | $43,640 | $20.98 |
| Gambling Dealer | $29,120 | $14.00 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Personal Service Workers | $39,520 | $19.00 |
| Skincare Specialist | $47,000 | $22.60 |
| Locker Room, Coatroom, and Dressing Room Attendants | $29,890 | $14.37 |
| Funeral Attendant | $35,380 | $17.01 |
More: Personal Care and Service Occupations · all salaries in Detroit-Warren-Dearborn, MI
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 Detroit-Warren-Dearborn, MI?
The median salary for childcare workers in the Detroit-Warren-Dearborn, MI metro area is $31,060 a year, or $14.93 an hour. Pay ranges from $27,210 for the lowest-paid 10% to $44,320 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid childcare workers make in Detroit-Warren-Dearborn, MI?
The top 10% of childcare workers in the Detroit-Warren-Dearborn, MI metro area earn at least $44,320 a year. The top 25% earn $36,470 or more.
What is the starting pay for childcare workers in Detroit-Warren-Dearborn, MI?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $27,210 a year, and a quarter of childcare workers earn $29,560 or less.
How many childcare workers work in Detroit-Warren-Dearborn, MI?
About 5,810 childcare workers are employed in the Detroit-Warren-Dearborn, MI metro area, not counting the self-employed.