Childcare Worker salary in Massachusetts
Childcare Workers in Massachusetts earn a median of $40,900 a year ($19.66 an hour), based on BLS data for 13,140 workers.
Pay ranges from $34,130 for the lowest-paid 10% to $49,790 for the top 10%. That is 17% higher than the national median of $34,980. Massachusetts ranks 3rd of 51 states for childcare workers pay, one of the best-paying states for this job. There are 3.6 childcare workers per 1,000 jobs here — close to the national average. The average (mean) salary is $42,580, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for childcare workers in Massachusetts
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $34,130 | $16.41 |
| 25th percentile | $37,330 | $17.95 |
| Median | $40,900 | $19.66 |
| 75th percentile | $47,920 | $23.04 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $49,790 | $23.94 |
| Average (mean) | $42,580 | $20.47 |
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 | $3,408.33 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $1,704.17 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $1,573.08 |
| Weekly | $786.54 |
| Hourly | $19.66 |
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 Massachusetts
| Metro area | Median salary | Workers |
|---|---|---|
| Barnstable Town, MA | $43,480 | 270 |
| Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH | $41,590 | 10,440 |
| Amherst Town-Northampton, MA | $40,560 | 240 |
| Worcester, MA | $39,300 | 1,230 |
| Pittsfield, MA | $38,410 | 180 |
| Providence-Warwick, RI-MA | $37,230 | 2,880 |
| Springfield, MA | $36,910 | 600 |
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 Massachusetts
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Recreation Worker | $38,540 | $18.53 |
| Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors | $64,620 | $31.07 |
| Residential Advisor | $48,190 | $23.17 |
| Personal Care and Service Workers, All Other | $46,780 | $22.49 |
| Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists | $37,290 | $17.93 |
| Animal Caretaker | $39,650 | $19.06 |
| Amusement and Recreation Attendants | $34,440 | $16.56 |
| Manicurists and Pedicurists | $35,470 | $17.06 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Entertainment and Recreation Workers, Except Gambling Services | $56,990 | $27.40 |
| Ushers, Lobby Attendants, and Ticket Takers | $33,940 | $16.32 |
| Tour and Travel Guides | $37,840 | $18.19 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Personal Service Workers | $53,740 | $25.84 |
| Skincare Specialist | $47,310 | $22.75 |
| Baggage Porters and Bellhops | $41,040 | $19.73 |
More: Personal Care and Service Occupations · all salaries in Massachusetts
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 Massachusetts?
The median salary for childcare workers in Massachusetts is $40,900 a year, or $19.66 an hour. Pay ranges from $34,130 for the lowest-paid 10% to $49,790 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid childcare workers make in Massachusetts?
The top 10% of childcare workers in Massachusetts earn at least $49,790 a year. The top 25% earn $47,920 or more.
What is the starting pay for childcare workers in Massachusetts?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $34,130 a year, and a quarter of childcare workers earn $37,330 or less.
How many childcare workers work in Massachusetts?
About 13,140 childcare workers are employed in Massachusetts, not counting the self-employed.