Childcare Worker salary in Kentucky
Childcare Workers in Kentucky earn a median of $28,920 a year ($13.90 an hour), based on BLS data for 5,820 workers.
Pay ranges from $21,860 for the lowest-paid 10% to $39,550 for the top 10%. That is 17% lower than the national median of $34,980. Kentucky ranks 40th of 51 states for childcare workers pay. There are 2.9 childcare workers per 1,000 jobs here — close to the national average. The average (mean) salary is $30,520, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for childcare workers in Kentucky
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $21,860 | $10.51 |
| 25th percentile | $24,500 | $11.78 |
| Median | $28,920 | $13.90 |
| 75th percentile | $35,060 | $16.86 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $39,550 | $19.01 |
| Average (mean) | $30,520 | $14.67 |
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 | $2,410 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $1,205 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $1,112.31 |
| Weekly | $556.15 |
| Hourly | $13.90 |
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 Kentucky
| Metro area | Median salary | Workers |
|---|---|---|
| Lexington-Fayette, KY | $35,100 | 850 |
| Cincinnati, OH-KY-IN | $30,150 | 2,390 |
| Louisville/Jefferson County, KY-IN | $30,150 | 1,720 |
| Owensboro, KY | $29,150 | 170 |
| Elizabethtown, KY | $28,940 | 90 |
| Clarksville, TN-KY | $28,420 | 770 |
| Paducah, KY-IL | $26,800 | 90 |
| Huntington-Ashland, WV-KY-OH | $25,360 | 540 |
| Bowling Green, KY | $24,960 | 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 Kentucky
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Recreation Worker | $32,400 | $15.58 |
| Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors | $45,280 | $21.77 |
| Residential Advisor | $30,260 | $14.55 |
| Personal Care and Service Workers, All Other | $35,140 | $16.89 |
| Animal Caretaker | $30,720 | $14.77 |
| Amusement and Recreation Attendants | $27,210 | $13.08 |
| Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists | $29,840 | $14.35 |
| Ushers, Lobby Attendants, and Ticket Takers | $25,930 | $12.46 |
| Tour and Travel Guides | $36,070 | $17.34 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Entertainment and Recreation Workers, Except Gambling Services | $41,870 | $20.13 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Personal Service Workers | $41,490 | $19.95 |
| Skincare Specialist | $38,580 | $18.55 |
| Funeral Attendant | $29,160 | $14.02 |
| Animal Trainer | $34,030 | $16.36 |
More: Personal Care and Service Occupations · all salaries in Kentucky
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 Kentucky?
The median salary for childcare workers in Kentucky is $28,920 a year, or $13.90 an hour. Pay ranges from $21,860 for the lowest-paid 10% to $39,550 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid childcare workers make in Kentucky?
The top 10% of childcare workers in Kentucky earn at least $39,550 a year. The top 25% earn $35,060 or more.
What is the starting pay for childcare workers in Kentucky?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $21,860 a year, and a quarter of childcare workers earn $24,500 or less.
How many childcare workers work in Kentucky?
About 5,820 childcare workers are employed in Kentucky, not counting the self-employed.