Childcare Worker salary in Knoxville, TN
Childcare Workers in the Knoxville, TN metro area earn a median of $29,590 a year ($14.23 an hour), based on BLS data for 1,800 workers.
Pay ranges from $21,470 for the lowest-paid 10% to $35,270 for the top 10%. That is 15% lower than the national median of $34,980. Pay here is about the same as the Tennessee statewide median of $29,660. There are 4.2 childcare workers per 1,000 jobs here — the job is 1.3× more common than nationally. The average (mean) salary is $29,570, close to the median.
Pay range for childcare workers in Knoxville, TN
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $21,470 | $10.32 |
| 25th percentile | $27,020 | $12.99 |
| Median | $29,590 | $14.23 |
| 75th percentile | $34,590 | $16.63 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $35,270 | $16.96 |
| Average (mean) | $29,570 | $14.22 |
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 | $2,465.83 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $1,232.92 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $1,138.08 |
| Weekly | $569.04 |
| Hourly | $14.23 |
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN | $34,450 | 5,280 |
| Johnson City, TN | $29,030 | 330 |
| Chattanooga, TN-GA | $28,860 | 1,190 |
| Memphis, TN-MS-AR | $28,860 | 2,780 |
| Cleveland, TN | $28,510 | 250 |
| Clarksville, TN-KY | $28,420 | 770 |
| Kingsport-Bristol, TN-VA | $28,190 | 320 |
| Morristown, TN | $27,800 | 110 |
| Jackson, TN | $27,540 | 300 |
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 Tennessee statewide figures.
Related jobs in Knoxville, TN
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors | $45,990 | $22.11 |
| Recreation Worker | $34,850 | $16.76 |
| Residential Advisor | $35,670 | $17.15 |
| Personal Care and Service Workers, All Other | $33,270 | $15.99 |
| Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists | $30,650 | $14.74 |
| Animal Caretaker | $32,390 | $15.57 |
| Amusement and Recreation Attendants | $27,280 | $13.12 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Personal Service Workers | $43,990 | $21.15 |
| Skincare Specialist | $32,910 | $15.82 |
| Manicurists and Pedicurists | $34,950 | $16.80 |
| Ushers, Lobby Attendants, and Ticket Takers | $29,560 | $14.21 |
| Tour and Travel Guides | $34,700 | $16.69 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Entertainment and Recreation Workers, Except Gambling Services | $46,180 | $22.20 |
| Concierge | $33,310 | $16.01 |
More: Personal Care and Service Occupations · all salaries in Knoxville, TN
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 Knoxville, TN?
The median salary for childcare workers in the Knoxville, TN metro area is $29,590 a year, or $14.23 an hour. Pay ranges from $21,470 for the lowest-paid 10% to $35,270 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid childcare workers make in Knoxville, TN?
The top 10% of childcare workers in the Knoxville, TN metro area earn at least $35,270 a year. The top 25% earn $34,590 or more.
What is the starting pay for childcare workers in Knoxville, TN?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $21,470 a year, and a quarter of childcare workers earn $27,020 or less.
How many childcare workers work in Knoxville, TN?
About 1,800 childcare workers are employed in the Knoxville, TN metro area, not counting the self-employed.