Childcare Worker salary in Salem, OR
Childcare Workers in the Salem, OR metro area earn a median of $37,320 a year ($17.94 an hour), based on BLS data for 430 workers.
Pay ranges from $30,640 for the lowest-paid 10% to $45,770 for the top 10%. That is 7% higher than the national median of $34,980. Pay here is 3% lower than the Oregon statewide median of $38,650. There are 2.3 childcare workers per 1,000 jobs here — the job is less common than nationally (location quotient 0.68). The average (mean) salary is $38,250, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for childcare workers in Salem, OR
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $30,640 | $14.73 |
| 25th percentile | $34,630 | $16.65 |
| Median | $37,320 | $17.94 |
| 75th percentile | $41,600 | $20.00 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $45,770 | $22.00 |
| Average (mean) | $38,250 | $18.39 |
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 | $3,110 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $1,555 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $1,435.38 |
| Weekly | $717.69 |
| Hourly | $17.94 |
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA | $39,590 | 3,020 |
| Bend, OR | $37,520 | 290 |
| Grants Pass, OR | $37,150 | 120 |
| Eugene-Springfield, OR | $36,760 | 460 |
| Corvallis, OR | $35,800 | 110 |
| Albany, OR | $35,640 | 150 |
| Medford, OR | $35,620 | 220 |
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 Oregon statewide figures.
Related jobs in Salem, OR
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Personal Care and Service Workers, All Other | $41,600 | $20.00 |
| Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors | $53,540 | $25.74 |
| Recreation Worker | $37,630 | $18.09 |
| Residential Advisor | $47,680 | $22.92 |
| Amusement and Recreation Attendants | $33,760 | $16.23 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Personal Service Workers | $58,710 | $28.23 |
| Animal Caretaker | $36,920 | $17.75 |
| Manicurists and Pedicurists | $44,850 | $21.56 |
| Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists | $50,960 | $24.50 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Entertainment and Recreation Workers, Except Gambling Services | $45,890 | $22.06 |
| Skincare Specialist | $49,340 | $23.72 |
| Ushers, Lobby Attendants, and Ticket Takers | $31,760 | $15.27 |
| Concierge | $37,260 | $17.91 |
More: Personal Care and Service Occupations · all salaries in Salem, OR
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 Salem, OR?
The median salary for childcare workers in the Salem, OR metro area is $37,320 a year, or $17.94 an hour. Pay ranges from $30,640 for the lowest-paid 10% to $45,770 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid childcare workers make in Salem, OR?
The top 10% of childcare workers in the Salem, OR metro area earn at least $45,770 a year. The top 25% earn $41,600 or more.
What is the starting pay for childcare workers in Salem, OR?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $30,640 a year, and a quarter of childcare workers earn $34,630 or less.
How many childcare workers work in Salem, OR?
About 430 childcare workers are employed in the Salem, OR metro area, not counting the self-employed.