Childcare Worker salary in North Carolina
Childcare Workers in North Carolina earn a median of $29,140 a year ($14.01 an hour), based on BLS data for 12,550 workers.
Pay ranges from $22,840 for the lowest-paid 10% to $40,990 for the top 10%. That is 17% lower than the national median of $34,980. North Carolina ranks 39th of 51 states for childcare workers pay. There are 2.5 childcare workers per 1,000 jobs here — the job is less common than nationally (location quotient 0.76). The average (mean) salary is $30,940, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for childcare workers in North Carolina
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $22,840 | $10.98 |
| 25th percentile | $24,270 | $11.67 |
| Median | $29,140 | $14.01 |
| 75th percentile | $35,480 | $17.06 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $40,990 | $19.71 |
| Average (mean) | $30,940 | $14.87 |
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 | $2,428.33 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $1,214.17 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $1,120.77 |
| Weekly | $560.38 |
| Hourly | $14.01 |
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 North Carolina
| Metro area | Median salary | Workers |
|---|---|---|
| Asheville, NC | $32,150 | 520 |
| Fayetteville, NC | $32,150 | 430 |
| Burlington, NC | $31,030 | 170 |
| Durham-Chapel Hill, NC | $30,970 | 800 |
| Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC | $30,390 | 3,790 |
| Winston-Salem, NC | $30,060 | 820 |
| Virginia Beach-Chesapeake-Norfolk, VA-NC | $29,790 | 2,830 |
| Goldsboro, NC | $29,590 | 130 |
| Jacksonville, NC | $29,310 | 120 |
| Greensboro-High Point, NC | $29,240 | 900 |
| Wilmington, NC | $29,040 | 480 |
| Raleigh-Cary, NC | $28,680 | 2,070 |
| Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC | $28,460 | 250 |
| Rocky Mount, NC | $28,130 | 140 |
| Greenville, NC | $28,110 | 220 |
| Pinehurst-Southern Pines, NC | $27,740 | 150 |
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 North Carolina
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors | $46,450 | $22.33 |
| Recreation Worker | $32,720 | $15.73 |
| Residential Advisor | $39,130 | $18.81 |
| Personal Care and Service Workers, All Other | $33,290 | $16.00 |
| Amusement and Recreation Attendants | $26,680 | $12.83 |
| Animal Caretaker | $30,870 | $14.84 |
| Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists | $38,410 | $18.47 |
| Ushers, Lobby Attendants, and Ticket Takers | $30,260 | $14.55 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Entertainment and Recreation Workers, Except Gambling Services | $49,040 | $23.58 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Personal Service Workers | $45,400 | $21.83 |
| Skincare Specialist | $39,120 | $18.81 |
| Manicurists and Pedicurists | $34,740 | $16.70 |
| Tour and Travel Guides | $32,570 | $15.66 |
| Funeral Attendant | $34,940 | $16.80 |
More: Personal Care and Service Occupations · all salaries in North Carolina
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 North Carolina?
The median salary for childcare workers in North Carolina is $29,140 a year, or $14.01 an hour. Pay ranges from $22,840 for the lowest-paid 10% to $40,990 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid childcare workers make in North Carolina?
The top 10% of childcare workers in North Carolina earn at least $40,990 a year. The top 25% earn $35,480 or more.
What is the starting pay for childcare workers in North Carolina?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $22,840 a year, and a quarter of childcare workers earn $24,270 or less.
How many childcare workers work in North Carolina?
About 12,550 childcare workers are employed in North Carolina, not counting the self-employed.