Childcare Worker salary in Indiana
Childcare Workers in Indiana earn a median of $30,180 a year ($14.51 an hour), based on BLS data for 8,280 workers.
Pay ranges from $23,880 for the lowest-paid 10% to $38,250 for the top 10%. That is 14% lower than the national median of $34,980. Indiana ranks 31st of 51 states for childcare workers pay. There are 2.6 childcare workers per 1,000 jobs here — the job is less common than nationally (location quotient 0.78). The average (mean) salary is $31,330, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for childcare workers in Indiana
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $23,880 | $11.48 |
| 25th percentile | $28,030 | $13.48 |
| Median | $30,180 | $14.51 |
| 75th percentile | $34,860 | $16.76 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $38,250 | $18.39 |
| Average (mean) | $31,330 | $15.06 |
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 | $2,515 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $1,257.50 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $1,160.77 |
| Weekly | $580.38 |
| Hourly | $14.51 |
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 Indiana
| Metro area | Median salary | Workers |
|---|---|---|
| Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN | $36,610 | 17,540 |
| Muncie, IN | $30,800 | 340 |
| Lafayette-West Lafayette, IN | $30,720 | 380 |
| Indianapolis-Carmel-Greenwood, IN | $30,650 | 2,760 |
| Cincinnati, OH-KY-IN | $30,150 | 2,390 |
| Louisville/Jefferson County, KY-IN | $30,150 | 1,720 |
| Fort Wayne, IN | $30,050 | 680 |
| Kokomo, IN | $29,930 | 120 |
| Evansville, IN | $29,880 | 400 |
| South Bend-Mishawaka, IN-MI | $29,840 | 380 |
| Elkhart-Goshen, IN | $29,790 | 130 |
| Bloomington, IN | $29,510 | 170 |
| Michigan City-La Porte, IN | $28,970 | 70 |
| Terre Haute, IN | $28,200 | 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 |
Related jobs in Indiana
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Recreation Worker | $30,190 | $14.52 |
| Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors | $34,960 | $16.81 |
| Residential Advisor | $38,850 | $18.68 |
| Personal Care and Service Workers, All Other | $27,790 | $13.36 |
| Amusement and Recreation Attendants | $27,680 | $13.31 |
| Animal Caretaker | $29,990 | $14.42 |
| Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists | $32,830 | $15.78 |
| Gambling Dealer | $24,160 | $11.61 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Personal Service Workers | $48,590 | $23.36 |
| Ushers, Lobby Attendants, and Ticket Takers | $27,440 | $13.19 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Entertainment and Recreation Workers, Except Gambling Services | $46,560 | $22.39 |
| Skincare Specialist | $44,450 | $21.37 |
| Funeral Attendant | $34,420 | $16.55 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Gambling Services Workers | $61,680 | $29.65 |
More: Personal Care and Service Occupations · all salaries in Indiana
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 Indiana?
The median salary for childcare workers in Indiana is $30,180 a year, or $14.51 an hour. Pay ranges from $23,880 for the lowest-paid 10% to $38,250 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid childcare workers make in Indiana?
The top 10% of childcare workers in Indiana earn at least $38,250 a year. The top 25% earn $34,860 or more.
What is the starting pay for childcare workers in Indiana?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $23,880 a year, and a quarter of childcare workers earn $28,030 or less.
How many childcare workers work in Indiana?
About 8,280 childcare workers are employed in Indiana, not counting the self-employed.