Childcare Worker salary in Tucson, AZ
Childcare Workers in the Tucson, AZ metro area earn a median of $32,830 a year ($15.78 an hour), based on BLS data for 690 workers.
Pay ranges from $30,810 for the lowest-paid 10% to $38,640 for the top 10%. That is 6% lower than the national median of $34,980. Pay here is 6% lower than the Arizona statewide median of $35,100. There are 1.8 childcare workers per 1,000 jobs here — the job is less common than nationally (location quotient 0.53). The average (mean) salary is $34,560, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for childcare workers in Tucson, AZ
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $30,810 | $14.81 |
| 25th percentile | $31,740 | $15.26 |
| Median | $32,830 | $15.78 |
| 75th percentile | $35,570 | $17.10 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $38,640 | $18.58 |
| Average (mean) | $34,560 | $16.61 |
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 | $2,735.83 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $1,367.92 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $1,262.69 |
| Weekly | $631.35 |
| Hourly | $15.78 |
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Flagstaff, AZ | $39,640 | 150 |
| Phoenix-Mesa-Chandler, AZ | $35,760 | 4,230 |
| Prescott Valley-Prescott, AZ | $34,930 | 80 |
| Lake Havasu City-Kingman, AZ | $33,790 | 60 |
| Yuma, AZ | $32,150 | 60 |
| Sierra Vista-Douglas, AZ | $31,390 | 50 |
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 Arizona statewide figures.
Related jobs in Tucson, AZ
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Recreation Worker | $36,050 | $17.33 |
| Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors | $46,950 | $22.57 |
| Residential Advisor | $40,770 | $19.60 |
| Personal Care and Service Workers, All Other | $35,640 | $17.14 |
| Animal Caretaker | $36,870 | $17.73 |
| Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists | $38,590 | $18.55 |
| Amusement and Recreation Attendants | $31,410 | $15.10 |
| Ushers, Lobby Attendants, and Ticket Takers | $30,580 | $14.70 |
| Manicurists and Pedicurists | $30,870 | $14.84 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Entertainment and Recreation Workers, Except Gambling Services | $45,150 | $21.71 |
| Gambling Dealer | $54,420 | $26.16 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Personal Service Workers | $44,190 | $21.24 |
| Skincare Specialist | $51,030 | $24.53 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Gambling Services Workers | $67,130 | $32.28 |
More: Personal Care and Service Occupations · all salaries in Tucson, AZ
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 Tucson, AZ?
The median salary for childcare workers in the Tucson, AZ metro area is $32,830 a year, or $15.78 an hour. Pay ranges from $30,810 for the lowest-paid 10% to $38,640 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid childcare workers make in Tucson, AZ?
The top 10% of childcare workers in the Tucson, AZ metro area earn at least $38,640 a year. The top 25% earn $35,570 or more.
What is the starting pay for childcare workers in Tucson, AZ?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $30,810 a year, and a quarter of childcare workers earn $31,740 or less.
How many childcare workers work in Tucson, AZ?
About 690 childcare workers are employed in the Tucson, AZ metro area, not counting the self-employed.