Childcare Worker salary in South Carolina
Childcare Workers in South Carolina earn a median of $29,650 a year ($14.26 an hour), based on BLS data for 10,660 workers.
Pay ranges from $22,020 for the lowest-paid 10% to $37,720 for the top 10%. That is 15% lower than the national median of $34,980. South Carolina ranks 37th of 51 states for childcare workers pay. There are 4.6 childcare workers per 1,000 jobs here — the job is 1.4× more common than nationally. The average (mean) salary is $30,600, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for childcare workers in South Carolina
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $22,020 | $10.59 |
| 25th percentile | $25,130 | $12.08 |
| Median | $29,650 | $14.26 |
| 75th percentile | $34,120 | $16.41 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $37,720 | $18.14 |
| Average (mean) | $30,600 | $14.71 |
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 | $2,470.83 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $1,235.42 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $1,140.38 |
| Weekly | $570.19 |
| Hourly | $14.26 |
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 South Carolina
| Metro area | Median salary | Workers |
|---|---|---|
| Charleston-North Charleston, SC | $31,870 | 1,860 |
| Hilton Head Island-Bluffton-Port Royal, SC | $30,740 | 220 |
| Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC | $30,390 | 3,790 |
| Spartanburg, SC | $29,430 | 620 |
| Columbia, SC | $28,850 | 1,670 |
| Myrtle Beach-Conway-North Myrtle Beach, SC | $28,850 | 410 |
| Augusta-Richmond County, GA-SC | $28,730 | 2,000 |
| Greenville-Anderson-Greer, SC | $28,440 | 1,740 |
| Florence, SC | $27,780 | 410 |
| Sumter, SC | $27,660 | 300 |
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 South Carolina
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Recreation Worker | $31,420 | $15.10 |
| Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors | $43,630 | $20.98 |
| Residential Advisor | $35,780 | $17.20 |
| Personal Care and Service Workers, All Other | $44,550 | $21.42 |
| Amusement and Recreation Attendants | $27,040 | $13.00 |
| Animal Caretaker | $31,280 | $15.04 |
| Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists | $33,700 | $16.20 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Personal Service Workers | $44,100 | $21.20 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Entertainment and Recreation Workers, Except Gambling Services | $49,550 | $23.82 |
| Ushers, Lobby Attendants, and Ticket Takers | $26,490 | $12.73 |
| Skincare Specialist | $39,670 | $19.07 |
| Funeral Attendant | $29,880 | $14.36 |
| Manicurists and Pedicurists | $33,810 | $16.26 |
| Tour and Travel Guides | $35,190 | $16.92 |
More: Personal Care and Service Occupations · all salaries in South 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 South Carolina?
The median salary for childcare workers in South Carolina is $29,650 a year, or $14.26 an hour. Pay ranges from $22,020 for the lowest-paid 10% to $37,720 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid childcare workers make in South Carolina?
The top 10% of childcare workers in South Carolina earn at least $37,720 a year. The top 25% earn $34,120 or more.
What is the starting pay for childcare workers in South Carolina?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $22,020 a year, and a quarter of childcare workers earn $25,130 or less.
How many childcare workers work in South Carolina?
About 10,660 childcare workers are employed in South Carolina, not counting the self-employed.