Childcare Worker salary in Minnesota
Childcare Workers in Minnesota earn a median of $35,520 a year ($17.08 an hour), based on BLS data for 11,570 workers.
Pay ranges from $28,560 for the lowest-paid 10% to $44,880 for the top 10%. That is 2% higher than the national median of $34,980. Minnesota ranks 19th of 51 states for childcare workers pay. There are 3.9 childcare workers per 1,000 jobs here — close to the national average. The average (mean) salary is $35,720, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for childcare workers in Minnesota
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $28,560 | $13.73 |
| 25th percentile | $30,340 | $14.59 |
| Median | $35,520 | $17.08 |
| 75th percentile | $38,490 | $18.50 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $44,880 | $21.58 |
| Average (mean) | $35,720 | $17.17 |
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 | $2,960 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $1,480 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $1,366.15 |
| Weekly | $683.08 |
| Hourly | $17.08 |
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 Minnesota
| Metro area | Median salary | Workers |
|---|---|---|
| Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI | $36,310 | 7,740 |
| Mankato, MN | $34,590 | 300 |
| Rochester, MN | $34,510 | 650 |
| St. Cloud, MN | $34,030 | 480 |
| Duluth, MN-WI | $30,960 | 450 |
| La Crosse-Onalaska, WI-MN | $30,730 | 330 |
| Grand Forks, ND-MN | $30,210 | 410 |
| Fargo, ND-MN | $30,030 | 1,380 |
| Sioux Falls, SD-MN | $28,030 | 1,140 |
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 Minnesota
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Recreation Worker | $37,510 | $18.03 |
| Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors | $43,620 | $20.97 |
| Residential Advisor | $48,770 | $23.45 |
| Personal Care and Service Workers, All Other | $31,700 | $15.24 |
| Amusement and Recreation Attendants | $30,830 | $14.82 |
| Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists | $39,170 | $18.83 |
| Animal Caretaker | $36,430 | $17.51 |
| Manicurists and Pedicurists | $36,040 | $17.33 |
| Gambling Service Workers, All Other | $31,540 | $15.16 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Personal Service Workers | $51,160 | $24.60 |
| Ushers, Lobby Attendants, and Ticket Takers | $33,480 | $16.09 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Entertainment and Recreation Workers, Except Gambling Services | $50,410 | $24.24 |
| Gambling Dealer | $27,190 | $13.07 |
| Skincare Specialist | $44,430 | $21.36 |
More: Personal Care and Service Occupations · all salaries in Minnesota
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 Minnesota?
The median salary for childcare workers in Minnesota is $35,520 a year, or $17.08 an hour. Pay ranges from $28,560 for the lowest-paid 10% to $44,880 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid childcare workers make in Minnesota?
The top 10% of childcare workers in Minnesota earn at least $44,880 a year. The top 25% earn $38,490 or more.
What is the starting pay for childcare workers in Minnesota?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $28,560 a year, and a quarter of childcare workers earn $30,340 or less.
How many childcare workers work in Minnesota?
About 11,570 childcare workers are employed in Minnesota, not counting the self-employed.