Childcare Worker salary in Rhode Island
Childcare Workers in Rhode Island earn a median of $36,940 a year ($17.76 an hour), based on BLS data for 1,800 workers.
Pay ranges from $31,410 for the lowest-paid 10% to $45,140 for the top 10%. That is 6% higher than the national median of $34,980. Rhode Island ranks 11th of 51 states for childcare workers pay. There are 3.6 childcare workers per 1,000 jobs here — close to the national average. The average (mean) salary is $36,530, close to the median.
Pay range for childcare workers in Rhode Island
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $31,410 | $15.10 |
| 25th percentile | $31,930 | $15.35 |
| Median | $36,940 | $17.76 |
| 75th percentile | $38,290 | $18.41 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $45,140 | $21.70 |
| Average (mean) | $36,530 | $17.56 |
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 | $3,078.33 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $1,539.17 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $1,420.77 |
| Weekly | $710.38 |
| Hourly | $17.76 |
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 Rhode Island
| Metro area | Median salary | Workers |
|---|---|---|
| Providence-Warwick, RI-MA | $37,230 | 2,880 |
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 Rhode Island
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors | $45,640 | $21.94 |
| Recreation Worker | $36,340 | $17.47 |
| Residential Advisor | $45,280 | $21.77 |
| Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists | $31,200 | $15.00 |
| Animal Caretaker | $37,120 | $17.85 |
| Amusement and Recreation Attendants | $31,220 | $15.01 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Personal Service Workers | $60,680 | $29.18 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Entertainment and Recreation Workers, Except Gambling Services | $46,080 | $22.16 |
| Ushers, Lobby Attendants, and Ticket Takers | $34,040 | $16.36 |
| Tour and Travel Guides | $38,310 | $18.42 |
| Funeral Attendant | $53,580 | $25.76 |
| Skincare Specialist | $43,880 | $21.10 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Gambling Services Workers | $66,660 | $32.05 |
| Locker Room, Coatroom, and Dressing Room Attendants | $41,250 | $19.83 |
More: Personal Care and Service Occupations · all salaries in Rhode Island
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 Rhode Island?
The median salary for childcare workers in Rhode Island is $36,940 a year, or $17.76 an hour. Pay ranges from $31,410 for the lowest-paid 10% to $45,140 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid childcare workers make in Rhode Island?
The top 10% of childcare workers in Rhode Island earn at least $45,140 a year. The top 25% earn $38,290 or more.
What is the starting pay for childcare workers in Rhode Island?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $31,410 a year, and a quarter of childcare workers earn $31,930 or less.
How many childcare workers work in Rhode Island?
About 1,800 childcare workers are employed in Rhode Island, not counting the self-employed.