Childcare Worker salary in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA
Childcare Workers in the Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA metro area earn a median of $43,710 a year ($21.02 an hour), based on BLS data for 2,520 workers.
Pay ranges from $36,080 for the lowest-paid 10% to $53,810 for the top 10%. That is 25% higher than the national median of $34,980. Pay here is 5% higher than the Washington statewide median of $41,680. There are 1.2 childcare workers per 1,000 jobs here — the job is less common than nationally (location quotient 0.36). The average (mean) salary is $44,390, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for childcare workers in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $36,080 | $17.35 |
| 25th percentile | $39,260 | $18.87 |
| Median | $43,710 | $21.02 |
| 75th percentile | $45,460 | $21.86 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $53,810 | $25.87 |
| Average (mean) | $44,390 | $21.34 |
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 | $3,642.50 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $1,821.25 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $1,681.15 |
| Weekly | $840.58 |
| Hourly | $21.02 |
Based on a full-time year of 2,080 hours. Convert any amount with the hourly to salary converter.
Buying a home? On a $43,710 salary, see how much house you can afford in Washington 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Longview-Kelso, WA | $42,300 | 30 |
| Mount Vernon-Anacortes, WA | $40,150 | 60 |
| Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA | $39,590 | 3,020 |
| Bellingham, WA | $38,820 | 130 |
| Bremerton-Silverdale-Port Orchard, WA | $38,690 | 110 |
| Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater, WA | $38,390 | 240 |
| Wenatchee-East Wenatchee, WA | $38,130 | 60 |
| Kennewick-Richland, WA | $37,840 | 180 |
| Spokane-Spokane Valley, WA | $37,230 | 290 |
| Yakima, WA | $36,550 | 130 |
| Walla Walla, WA | $36,040 | 60 |
| Lewiston, ID-WA | $31,080 | 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 Washington statewide figures.
Related jobs in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors | $56,380 | $27.11 |
| Recreation Worker | $45,990 | $22.11 |
| Residential Advisor | $54,310 | $26.11 |
| Personal Care and Service Workers, All Other | $41,020 | $19.72 |
| Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists | $59,810 | $28.76 |
| Animal Caretaker | $44,060 | $21.19 |
| Amusement and Recreation Attendants | $39,330 | $18.91 |
| Manicurists and Pedicurists | $50,800 | $24.42 |
| Ushers, Lobby Attendants, and Ticket Takers | $44,250 | $21.28 |
| Gambling Dealer | $60,490 | $29.08 |
| Skincare Specialist | $80,510 | $38.71 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Entertainment and Recreation Workers, Except Gambling Services | $68,020 | $32.70 |
| Concierge | $47,830 | $23.00 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Personal Service Workers | $63,560 | $30.56 |
More: Personal Care and Service Occupations · all salaries in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA
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 Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA?
The median salary for childcare workers in the Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA metro area is $43,710 a year, or $21.02 an hour. Pay ranges from $36,080 for the lowest-paid 10% to $53,810 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid childcare workers make in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA?
The top 10% of childcare workers in the Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA metro area earn at least $53,810 a year. The top 25% earn $45,460 or more.
What is the starting pay for childcare workers in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $36,080 a year, and a quarter of childcare workers earn $39,260 or less.
How many childcare workers work in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA?
About 2,520 childcare workers are employed in the Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA metro area, not counting the self-employed.