Childcare Worker salary in Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA-NJ
Childcare Workers in the Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA-NJ metro area earn a median of $32,220 a year ($15.49 an hour), based on BLS data for 910 workers.
Pay ranges from $25,440 for the lowest-paid 10% to $38,430 for the top 10%. That is 8% lower than the national median of $34,980. Pay here is 7% higher than the Pennsylvania statewide median of $30,140. There are 2.4 childcare workers per 1,000 jobs here — the job is less common than nationally (location quotient 0.72). The average (mean) salary is $32,310, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for childcare workers in Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA-NJ
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $25,440 | $12.23 |
| 25th percentile | $25,730 | $12.37 |
| Median | $32,220 | $15.49 |
| 75th percentile | $35,370 | $17.00 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $38,430 | $18.48 |
| Average (mean) | $32,310 | $15.53 |
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 | $2,685 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $1,342.50 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $1,239.23 |
| Weekly | $619.62 |
| Hourly | $15.49 |
Based on a full-time year of 2,080 hours. Convert any amount with the hourly to salary converter.
Buying a home? On a $32,220 salary, see how much house you can afford in Pennsylvania at today's mortgage rates, or work out a payment with the mortgage calculator.
Childcare Worker salary in other metro areas nearby
| Metro area | Median salary | Workers |
|---|---|---|
| New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ | $37,870 | 48,780 |
| Trenton-Princeton, NJ | $35,640 | 1,140 |
| Atlantic City-Hammonton, NJ | $34,540 | 530 |
| Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD | $34,520 | 7,960 |
| Vineland, NJ | $33,390 | 400 |
| Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA | $30,630 | 600 |
| Lancaster, PA | $30,620 | 420 |
| York-Hanover, PA | $30,310 | 470 |
| Harrisburg-Carlisle, PA | $29,950 | 890 |
| Pittsburgh, PA | $29,840 | 2,560 |
| Gettysburg, PA | $29,640 | 40 |
| Reading, PA | $29,530 | 390 |
| Lebanon, PA | $28,520 | 90 |
| Erie, PA | $28,030 | n/a |
| Altoona, PA | $27,520 | 160 |
| Williamsport, PA | $27,460 | 140 |
| Chambersburg, PA | $27,030 | 140 |
| Johnstown, PA | $26,570 | 160 |
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 Pennsylvania statewide figures.
Related jobs in Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA-NJ
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Recreation Worker | $34,620 | $16.64 |
| Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors | $46,110 | $22.17 |
| Residential Advisor | $44,940 | $21.61 |
| Personal Care and Service Workers, All Other | $27,400 | $13.18 |
| Amusement and Recreation Attendants | $29,690 | $14.28 |
| Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists | $37,690 | $18.12 |
| Animal Caretaker | $32,220 | $15.49 |
| Manicurists and Pedicurists | $30,050 | $14.45 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Personal Service Workers | $48,990 | $23.55 |
| Ushers, Lobby Attendants, and Ticket Takers | $30,710 | $14.76 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Entertainment and Recreation Workers, Except Gambling Services | $44,930 | $21.60 |
| Skincare Specialist | $49,040 | $23.58 |
| Tour and Travel Guides | $34,630 | $16.65 |
| Concierge | $38,950 | $18.73 |
More: Personal Care and Service Occupations · all salaries in Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA-NJ
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 Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA-NJ?
The median salary for childcare workers in the Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA-NJ metro area is $32,220 a year, or $15.49 an hour. Pay ranges from $25,440 for the lowest-paid 10% to $38,430 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid childcare workers make in Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA-NJ?
The top 10% of childcare workers in the Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA-NJ metro area earn at least $38,430 a year. The top 25% earn $35,370 or more.
What is the starting pay for childcare workers in Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA-NJ?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $25,440 a year, and a quarter of childcare workers earn $25,730 or less.
How many childcare workers work in Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA-NJ?
About 910 childcare workers are employed in the Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA-NJ metro area, not counting the self-employed.