Childcare Worker Salary in California
BLS OEWS May 2025 · BLS occupation: SOC 39-9011 Childcare Workers
Median in California
$40,020
$19.24 an hour
10th percentile
$35,340
90th percentile
$52,670
Jobs (wage & salary)
52,780
The median annual wage for childcare workers in California was $40,020 in May 2025, $5,040 (14%) above the national median of $34,980.
The middle half earned between $37,600 (25th percentile) and $46,320 (75th percentile).
California ranks 5 of the 51 states and DC with a published median for this occupation.
The comparison is not adjusted for living costs.
BLS OEWS May 2025. Annual = hourly × 2,080. OEWS covers wage-and-salary workers only and leaves out the self-employed, workers in private households, overtime pay and most bonuses.
Percentiles
Pay range in California
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th | $35,340 | $16.99 |
| 25th | $37,600 | $18.08 |
| 50th (median) | $40,020 | $19.24 |
| 75th | $46,320 | $22.27 |
| 90th | $52,670 | $25.32 |
| Mean (average) | $42,790 | $20.57 |
SOC 39-9011 Childcare Workers in California, BLS OEWS May 2025.