Childcare Worker salary in Tennessee
Childcare Workers in Tennessee earn a median of $29,660 a year ($14.26 an hour), based on BLS data for 13,650 workers.
Pay ranges from $21,730 for the lowest-paid 10% to $38,050 for the top 10%. That is 15% lower than the national median of $34,980. Tennessee ranks 36th of 51 states for childcare workers pay. There are 4.2 childcare workers per 1,000 jobs here — the job is 1.3× more common than nationally. The average (mean) salary is $30,720, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for childcare workers in Tennessee
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $21,730 | $10.45 |
| 25th percentile | $26,910 | $12.94 |
| Median | $29,660 | $14.26 |
| 75th percentile | $35,200 | $16.92 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $38,050 | $18.29 |
| Average (mean) | $30,720 | $14.77 |
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 | $2,471.67 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $1,235.83 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $1,140.77 |
| Weekly | $570.38 |
| 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 Tennessee
| Metro area | Median salary | Workers |
|---|---|---|
| Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN | $34,450 | 5,280 |
| Knoxville, TN | $29,590 | 1,800 |
| Johnson City, TN | $29,030 | 330 |
| Chattanooga, TN-GA | $28,860 | 1,190 |
| Memphis, TN-MS-AR | $28,860 | 2,780 |
| Cleveland, TN | $28,510 | 250 |
| Clarksville, TN-KY | $28,420 | 770 |
| Kingsport-Bristol, TN-VA | $28,190 | 320 |
| Morristown, TN | $27,800 | 110 |
| Jackson, TN | $27,540 | 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 Tennessee
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors | $47,380 | $22.78 |
| Recreation Worker | $33,580 | $16.14 |
| Residential Advisor | $34,700 | $16.68 |
| Personal Care and Service Workers, All Other | $32,070 | $15.42 |
| Animal Caretaker | $30,550 | $14.69 |
| Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists | $31,310 | $15.05 |
| Amusement and Recreation Attendants | $28,690 | $13.79 |
| Ushers, Lobby Attendants, and Ticket Takers | $30,550 | $14.69 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Personal Service Workers | $46,510 | $22.36 |
| Tour and Travel Guides | $33,760 | $16.23 |
| Skincare Specialist | $36,590 | $17.59 |
| Entertainment Attendants and Related Workers, All Other | $29,890 | $14.37 |
| Manicurists and Pedicurists | $34,810 | $16.74 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Entertainment and Recreation Workers, Except Gambling Services | $44,040 | $21.17 |
More: Personal Care and Service Occupations · all salaries in Tennessee
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 Tennessee?
The median salary for childcare workers in Tennessee is $29,660 a year, or $14.26 an hour. Pay ranges from $21,730 for the lowest-paid 10% to $38,050 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid childcare workers make in Tennessee?
The top 10% of childcare workers in Tennessee earn at least $38,050 a year. The top 25% earn $35,200 or more.
What is the starting pay for childcare workers in Tennessee?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $21,730 a year, and a quarter of childcare workers earn $26,910 or less.
How many childcare workers work in Tennessee?
About 13,650 childcare workers are employed in Tennessee, not counting the self-employed.