Childcare Worker salary in Memphis, TN-MS-AR
Childcare Workers in the Memphis, TN-MS-AR metro area earn a median of $28,860 a year ($13.88 an hour), based on BLS data for 2,780 workers.
Pay ranges from $21,740 for the lowest-paid 10% to $36,750 for the top 10%. That is 17% lower than the national median of $34,980. Pay here is 3% lower than the Tennessee statewide median of $29,660. There are 4.5 childcare workers per 1,000 jobs here — the job is 1.4× more common than nationally. The average (mean) salary is $29,390, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for childcare workers in Memphis, TN-MS-AR
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $21,740 | $10.45 |
| 25th percentile | $23,280 | $11.19 |
| Median | $28,860 | $13.88 |
| 75th percentile | $32,560 | $15.66 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $36,750 | $17.67 |
| Average (mean) | $29,390 | $14.13 |
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 | $2,405 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $1,202.50 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $1,110 |
| Weekly | $555 |
| Hourly | $13.88 |
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 |
| Fayetteville-Springdale-Rogers, AR | $30,210 | 1,060 |
| Knoxville, TN | $29,590 | 1,800 |
| Hot Springs, AR | $29,360 | 180 |
| Johnson City, TN | $29,030 | 330 |
| Chattanooga, TN-GA | $28,860 | 1,190 |
| Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway, AR | $28,800 | 1,550 |
| Jonesboro, AR | $28,550 | 500 |
| Cleveland, TN | $28,510 | 250 |
| Clarksville, TN-KY | $28,420 | 770 |
| Kingsport-Bristol, TN-VA | $28,190 | 320 |
| Fort Smith, AR-OK | $27,940 | 360 |
| Morristown, TN | $27,800 | 110 |
| Jackson, TN | $27,540 | 300 |
| Texarkana, TX-AR | $24,680 | 190 |
| Gulfport-Biloxi, MS | $22,290 | 610 |
| Jackson, MS | $21,770 | 1,600 |
| Hattiesburg, MS | $21,590 | 290 |
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 Memphis, TN-MS-AR
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors | $47,560 | $22.87 |
| Recreation Worker | $32,700 | $15.72 |
| Residential Advisor | $36,430 | $17.51 |
| Personal Care and Service Workers, All Other | $30,970 | $14.89 |
| Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists | $30,980 | $14.89 |
| Animal Caretaker | $31,070 | $14.94 |
| Gambling Dealer | $25,180 | $12.11 |
| Amusement and Recreation Attendants | $27,430 | $13.19 |
| Ushers, Lobby Attendants, and Ticket Takers | $26,280 | $12.63 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Personal Service Workers | $46,360 | $22.29 |
| Manicurists and Pedicurists | $32,280 | $15.52 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Gambling Services Workers | $67,120 | $32.27 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Entertainment and Recreation Workers, Except Gambling Services | $39,680 | $19.08 |
| Tour and Travel Guides | $36,100 | $17.36 |
More: Personal Care and Service Occupations · all salaries in Memphis, TN-MS-AR
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 Memphis, TN-MS-AR?
The median salary for childcare workers in the Memphis, TN-MS-AR metro area is $28,860 a year, or $13.88 an hour. Pay ranges from $21,740 for the lowest-paid 10% to $36,750 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid childcare workers make in Memphis, TN-MS-AR?
The top 10% of childcare workers in the Memphis, TN-MS-AR metro area earn at least $36,750 a year. The top 25% earn $32,560 or more.
What is the starting pay for childcare workers in Memphis, TN-MS-AR?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $21,740 a year, and a quarter of childcare workers earn $23,280 or less.
How many childcare workers work in Memphis, TN-MS-AR?
About 2,780 childcare workers are employed in the Memphis, TN-MS-AR metro area, not counting the self-employed.