Childcare Worker salary in Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH
Childcare Workers in the Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH metro area earn a median of $41,590 a year ($20.00 an hour), based on BLS data for 10,440 workers.
Pay ranges from $34,570 for the lowest-paid 10% to $49,790 for the top 10%. That is 19% higher than the national median of $34,980. Pay here is 2% higher than the Massachusetts statewide median of $40,900. There are 3.9 childcare workers per 1,000 jobs here — close to the national average. The average (mean) salary is $42,920, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for childcare workers in Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $34,570 | $16.62 |
| 25th percentile | $37,760 | $18.16 |
| Median | $41,590 | $20.00 |
| 75th percentile | $48,910 | $23.52 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $49,790 | $23.94 |
| Average (mean) | $42,920 | $20.64 |
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 | $3,465.83 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $1,732.92 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $1,599.62 |
| Weekly | $799.81 |
| Hourly | $20.00 |
Based on a full-time year of 2,080 hours. Convert any amount with the hourly to salary converter.
Buying a home? On a $41,590 salary, see how much house you can afford in Massachusetts 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Barnstable Town, MA | $43,480 | 270 |
| Amherst Town-Northampton, MA | $40,560 | 240 |
| Worcester, MA | $39,300 | 1,230 |
| Pittsfield, MA | $38,410 | 180 |
| Providence-Warwick, RI-MA | $37,230 | 2,880 |
| Springfield, MA | $36,910 | 600 |
| Manchester-Nashua, NH | $36,210 | 910 |
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 Massachusetts statewide figures.
Related jobs in Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Recreation Worker | $38,770 | $18.64 |
| Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors | $65,190 | $31.34 |
| Residential Advisor | $48,830 | $23.48 |
| Personal Care and Service Workers, All Other | $36,860 | $17.72 |
| Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists | $37,430 | $18.00 |
| Animal Caretaker | $39,850 | $19.16 |
| Manicurists and Pedicurists | $35,480 | $17.06 |
| Amusement and Recreation Attendants | $34,660 | $16.67 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Entertainment and Recreation Workers, Except Gambling Services | $58,000 | $27.89 |
| Ushers, Lobby Attendants, and Ticket Takers | $34,020 | $16.36 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Personal Service Workers | $53,740 | $25.84 |
| Tour and Travel Guides | $38,440 | $18.48 |
| Skincare Specialist | $47,480 | $22.83 |
| Baggage Porters and Bellhops | $43,090 | $20.71 |
More: Personal Care and Service Occupations · all salaries in Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH
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 Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH?
The median salary for childcare workers in the Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH metro area is $41,590 a year, or $20.00 an hour. Pay ranges from $34,570 for the lowest-paid 10% to $49,790 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid childcare workers make in Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH?
The top 10% of childcare workers in the Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH metro area earn at least $49,790 a year. The top 25% earn $48,910 or more.
What is the starting pay for childcare workers in Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $34,570 a year, and a quarter of childcare workers earn $37,760 or less.
How many childcare workers work in Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH?
About 10,440 childcare workers are employed in the Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH metro area, not counting the self-employed.