Childcare Worker salary in Michigan
Childcare Workers in Michigan earn a median of $30,970 a year ($14.89 an hour), based on BLS data for 14,010 workers.
Pay ranges from $27,210 for the lowest-paid 10% to $39,340 for the top 10%. That is 11% lower than the national median of $34,980. Michigan ranks 27th of 51 states for childcare workers pay. There are 3.2 childcare workers per 1,000 jobs here — close to the national average. The average (mean) salary is $33,100, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for childcare workers in Michigan
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $27,210 | $13.08 |
| 25th percentile | $28,850 | $13.87 |
| Median | $30,970 | $14.89 |
| 75th percentile | $36,010 | $17.31 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $39,340 | $18.92 |
| Average (mean) | $33,100 | $15.91 |
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 | $2,580.83 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $1,290.42 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $1,191.15 |
| Weekly | $595.58 |
| Hourly | $14.89 |
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 Michigan
| Metro area | Median salary | Workers |
|---|---|---|
| Traverse City, MI | $33,100 | 230 |
| Ann Arbor, MI | $32,700 | 760 |
| Lansing-East Lansing, MI | $32,000 | 920 |
| Flint, MI | $31,930 | 630 |
| Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI | $31,690 | 1,800 |
| Detroit-Warren-Dearborn, MI | $31,060 | 5,810 |
| Battle Creek, MI | $30,940 | 160 |
| Jackson, MI | $30,860 | 280 |
| Kalamazoo-Portage, MI | $30,420 | 410 |
| Midland, MI | $29,880 | 110 |
| South Bend-Mishawaka, IN-MI | $29,840 | 380 |
| Saginaw, MI | $29,490 | 290 |
| Muskegon-Norton Shores, MI | $29,260 | 270 |
| Monroe, MI | $29,210 | 110 |
| Bay City, MI | $28,660 | 90 |
| Niles, MI | $28,400 | 230 |
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 Michigan
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Recreation Worker | $35,090 | $16.87 |
| Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors | $45,520 | $21.88 |
| Residential Advisor | $39,730 | $19.10 |
| Personal Care and Service Workers, All Other | $32,150 | $15.46 |
| Amusement and Recreation Attendants | $28,580 | $13.74 |
| Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists | $34,820 | $16.74 |
| Animal Caretaker | $30,320 | $14.58 |
| Ushers, Lobby Attendants, and Ticket Takers | $30,530 | $14.68 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Entertainment and Recreation Workers, Except Gambling Services | $43,540 | $20.94 |
| Gambling Dealer | $29,120 | $14.00 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Personal Service Workers | $42,740 | $20.55 |
| Skincare Specialist | $45,240 | $21.75 |
| Funeral Attendant | $35,380 | $17.01 |
| Locker Room, Coatroom, and Dressing Room Attendants | $29,640 | $14.25 |
More: Personal Care and Service Occupations · all salaries in Michigan
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 Michigan?
The median salary for childcare workers in Michigan is $30,970 a year, or $14.89 an hour. Pay ranges from $27,210 for the lowest-paid 10% to $39,340 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid childcare workers make in Michigan?
The top 10% of childcare workers in Michigan earn at least $39,340 a year. The top 25% earn $36,010 or more.
What is the starting pay for childcare workers in Michigan?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $27,210 a year, and a quarter of childcare workers earn $28,850 or less.
How many childcare workers work in Michigan?
About 14,010 childcare workers are employed in Michigan, not counting the self-employed.