Childcare Worker salary in Trenton-Princeton, NJ
Childcare Workers in the Trenton-Princeton, NJ metro area earn a median of $35,640 a year ($17.14 an hour), based on BLS data for 1,140 workers.
Pay ranges from $33,000 for the lowest-paid 10% to $44,490 for the top 10%. That is 2% higher than the national median of $34,980. Pay here is 2% lower than the New Jersey statewide median of $36,390. There are 4.8 childcare workers per 1,000 jobs here — the job is 1.4× more common than nationally. The average (mean) salary is $37,220, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for childcare workers in Trenton-Princeton, NJ
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $33,000 | $15.87 |
| 25th percentile | $35,300 | $16.97 |
| Median | $35,640 | $17.14 |
| 75th percentile | $37,340 | $17.95 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $44,490 | $21.39 |
| Average (mean) | $37,220 | $17.89 |
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 | $2,970 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $1,485 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $1,370.77 |
| Weekly | $685.38 |
| Hourly | $17.14 |
Based on a full-time year of 2,080 hours. Convert any amount with the hourly to salary converter.
Buying a home? On a $35,640 salary, see how much house you can afford in New Jersey 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 |
| Atlantic City-Hammonton, NJ | $34,540 | 530 |
| Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD | $34,520 | 7,960 |
| Vineland, NJ | $33,390 | 400 |
| Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA-NJ | $32,220 | 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 New Jersey statewide figures.
Related jobs in Trenton-Princeton, NJ
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors | $52,690 | $25.33 |
| Recreation Worker | $33,420 | $16.07 |
| Residential Advisor | $47,800 | $22.98 |
| Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists | $39,990 | $19.23 |
| Manicurists and Pedicurists | $34,780 | $16.72 |
| Amusement and Recreation Attendants | $34,130 | $16.41 |
| Animal Caretaker | $35,170 | $16.91 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Personal Service Workers | $49,560 | $23.83 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Entertainment and Recreation Workers, Except Gambling Services | $58,160 | $27.96 |
| Skincare Specialist | $46,430 | $22.32 |
| Ushers, Lobby Attendants, and Ticket Takers | $33,960 | $16.33 |
| Concierge | $35,470 | $17.05 |
More: Personal Care and Service Occupations · all salaries in Trenton-Princeton, 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 Trenton-Princeton, NJ?
The median salary for childcare workers in the Trenton-Princeton, NJ metro area is $35,640 a year, or $17.14 an hour. Pay ranges from $33,000 for the lowest-paid 10% to $44,490 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid childcare workers make in Trenton-Princeton, NJ?
The top 10% of childcare workers in the Trenton-Princeton, NJ metro area earn at least $44,490 a year. The top 25% earn $37,340 or more.
What is the starting pay for childcare workers in Trenton-Princeton, NJ?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $33,000 a year, and a quarter of childcare workers earn $35,300 or less.
How many childcare workers work in Trenton-Princeton, NJ?
About 1,140 childcare workers are employed in the Trenton-Princeton, NJ metro area, not counting the self-employed.