Childcare Worker salary in Maine
Childcare Workers in Maine earn a median of $36,350 a year ($17.47 an hour), based on BLS data for 4,990 workers.
Pay ranges from $31,200 for the lowest-paid 10% to $46,020 for the top 10%. That is 4% higher than the national median of $34,980. Maine ranks 14th of 51 states for childcare workers pay. There are 7.8 childcare workers per 1,000 jobs here — the job is 2.3× more common than nationally. The average (mean) salary is $37,280, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for childcare workers in Maine
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $31,200 | $15.00 |
| 25th percentile | $34,770 | $16.72 |
| Median | $36,350 | $17.47 |
| 75th percentile | $37,630 | $18.09 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $46,020 | $22.13 |
| Average (mean) | $37,280 | $17.92 |
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 | $3,029.17 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $1,514.58 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $1,398.08 |
| Weekly | $699.04 |
| Hourly | $17.47 |
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 Maine
| Metro area | Median salary | Workers |
|---|---|---|
| Portland-South Portland, ME | $36,620 | 2,460 |
| Bangor, ME | $34,820 | 490 |
| Lewiston-Auburn, ME | $34,570 | 460 |
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 Maine
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Recreation Worker | $37,450 | $18.01 |
| Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors | $47,060 | $22.63 |
| Residential Advisor | $43,780 | $21.05 |
| Personal Care and Service Workers, All Other | $40,800 | $19.62 |
| Animal Caretaker | $37,230 | $17.90 |
| Amusement and Recreation Attendants | $35,330 | $16.99 |
| Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists | $44,000 | $21.16 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Personal Service Workers | $52,780 | $25.37 |
| Ushers, Lobby Attendants, and Ticket Takers | $35,850 | $17.24 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Entertainment and Recreation Workers, Except Gambling Services | $59,050 | $28.39 |
| Tour and Travel Guides | $44,940 | $21.61 |
| Skincare Specialist | $55,850 | $26.85 |
| Funeral Attendant | $39,330 | $18.91 |
| Manicurists and Pedicurists | $48,540 | $23.34 |
More: Personal Care and Service Occupations · all salaries in Maine
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 Maine?
The median salary for childcare workers in Maine is $36,350 a year, or $17.47 an hour. Pay ranges from $31,200 for the lowest-paid 10% to $46,020 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid childcare workers make in Maine?
The top 10% of childcare workers in Maine earn at least $46,020 a year. The top 25% earn $37,630 or more.
What is the starting pay for childcare workers in Maine?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $31,200 a year, and a quarter of childcare workers earn $34,770 or less.
How many childcare workers work in Maine?
About 4,990 childcare workers are employed in Maine, not counting the self-employed.