Childcare Worker salary in District of Columbia
Childcare Workers in District of Columbia earn a median of $47,340 a year ($22.76 an hour), based on BLS data for 1,350 workers.
Pay ranges from $39,050 for the lowest-paid 10% to $56,790 for the top 10%. That is 35% higher than the national median of $34,980. District of Columbia ranks 1st of 51 states for childcare workers pay, one of the best-paying states for this job. There are 1.9 childcare workers per 1,000 jobs here — the job is less common than nationally (location quotient 0.58). The average (mean) salary is $48,360, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for childcare workers in District of Columbia
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $39,050 | $18.77 |
| 25th percentile | $40,300 | $19.38 |
| Median | $47,340 | $22.76 |
| 75th percentile | $56,040 | $26.94 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $56,790 | $27.30 |
| Average (mean) | $48,360 | $23.25 |
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 | $3,945 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $1,972.50 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $1,820.77 |
| Weekly | $910.38 |
| Hourly | $22.76 |
Based on a full-time year of 2,080 hours. Convert any amount with the hourly to salary converter.
Buying a home? On a $47,340 salary, see how much house you can afford in District of Columbia at today's mortgage rates, or work out a payment with the mortgage calculator.
Childcare Worker salary in cities in District of Columbia
| Metro area | Median salary | Workers |
|---|---|---|
| Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV | $37,610 | 11,650 |
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 District of Columbia
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors | $39,210 | $18.85 |
| Residential Advisor | $38,480 | $18.50 |
| Recreation Worker | $46,460 | $22.34 |
| Personal Care and Service Workers, All Other | $43,880 | $21.10 |
| Concierge | $38,230 | $18.38 |
| Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists | $54,570 | $26.23 |
| Ushers, Lobby Attendants, and Ticket Takers | $37,930 | $18.24 |
| Animal Caretaker | $44,210 | $21.25 |
| Baggage Porters and Bellhops | $38,170 | $18.35 |
| Tour and Travel Guides | $49,210 | $23.66 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Entertainment and Recreation Workers, Except Gambling Services | $62,090 | $29.85 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Personal Service Workers | $56,670 | $27.24 |
| Shampooer | $38,870 | $18.69 |
| Amusement and Recreation Attendants | $37,960 | $18.25 |
More: Personal Care and Service Occupations · all salaries in District of Columbia
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 District of Columbia?
The median salary for childcare workers in District of Columbia is $47,340 a year, or $22.76 an hour. Pay ranges from $39,050 for the lowest-paid 10% to $56,790 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid childcare workers make in District of Columbia?
The top 10% of childcare workers in District of Columbia earn at least $56,790 a year. The top 25% earn $56,040 or more.
What is the starting pay for childcare workers in District of Columbia?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $39,050 a year, and a quarter of childcare workers earn $40,300 or less.
How many childcare workers work in District of Columbia?
About 1,350 childcare workers are employed in District of Columbia, not counting the self-employed.