Childcare Worker salary in Lexington-Fayette, KY
Childcare Workers in the Lexington-Fayette, KY metro area earn a median of $35,100 a year ($16.88 an hour), based on BLS data for 850 workers.
Pay ranges from $24,030 for the lowest-paid 10% to $39,750 for the top 10%. That is about the same as the national median of $34,980. Pay here is 21% higher than the Kentucky statewide median of $28,920. There are 3.0 childcare workers per 1,000 jobs here — close to the national average. The average (mean) salary is $33,910, close to the median.
Pay range for childcare workers in Lexington-Fayette, KY
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $24,030 | $11.55 |
| 25th percentile | $28,580 | $13.74 |
| Median | $35,100 | $16.88 |
| 75th percentile | $39,550 | $19.01 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $39,750 | $19.11 |
| Average (mean) | $33,910 | $16.30 |
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 | $2,925 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $1,462.50 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $1,350 |
| Weekly | $675 |
| Hourly | $16.88 |
Based on a full-time year of 2,080 hours. Convert any amount with the hourly to salary converter.
Buying a home? On a $35,100 salary, see how much house you can afford in Kentucky 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Cincinnati, OH-KY-IN | $30,150 | 2,390 |
| Louisville/Jefferson County, KY-IN | $30,150 | 1,720 |
| Owensboro, KY | $29,150 | 170 |
| Elizabethtown, KY | $28,940 | 90 |
| Clarksville, TN-KY | $28,420 | 770 |
| Paducah, KY-IL | $26,800 | 90 |
| Huntington-Ashland, WV-KY-OH | $25,360 | 540 |
| Bowling Green, KY | $24,960 | 210 |
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 Kentucky statewide figures.
Related jobs in Lexington-Fayette, KY
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Recreation Worker | $32,720 | $15.73 |
| Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors | $48,600 | $23.37 |
| Residential Advisor | $41,600 | $20.00 |
| Animal Caretaker | $34,590 | $16.63 |
| Amusement and Recreation Attendants | $26,940 | $12.95 |
| Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists | $29,230 | $14.05 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Personal Service Workers | $44,550 | $21.42 |
| Ushers, Lobby Attendants, and Ticket Takers | $24,990 | $12.02 |
| Animal Trainer | $34,310 | $16.49 |
| Skincare Specialist | $38,580 | $18.55 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Entertainment and Recreation Workers, Except Gambling Services | $41,770 | $20.08 |
| Concierge | $35,810 | $17.22 |
| Tour and Travel Guides | $35,160 | $16.90 |
More: Personal Care and Service Occupations · all salaries in Lexington-Fayette, KY
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 Lexington-Fayette, KY?
The median salary for childcare workers in the Lexington-Fayette, KY metro area is $35,100 a year, or $16.88 an hour. Pay ranges from $24,030 for the lowest-paid 10% to $39,750 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid childcare workers make in Lexington-Fayette, KY?
The top 10% of childcare workers in the Lexington-Fayette, KY metro area earn at least $39,750 a year. The top 25% earn $39,550 or more.
What is the starting pay for childcare workers in Lexington-Fayette, KY?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $24,030 a year, and a quarter of childcare workers earn $28,580 or less.
How many childcare workers work in Lexington-Fayette, KY?
About 850 childcare workers are employed in the Lexington-Fayette, KY metro area, not counting the self-employed.