Childcare Worker salary in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
Childcare Workers in the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV metro area earn a median of $37,610 a year ($18.08 an hour), based on BLS data for 11,650 workers.
Pay ranges from $32,160 for the lowest-paid 10% to $50,220 for the top 10%. That is 8% higher than the national median of $34,980. Pay here is 21% lower than the District of Columbia statewide median of $47,340. There are 3.7 childcare workers per 1,000 jobs here — close to the national average. The average (mean) salary is $40,170, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for childcare workers in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $32,160 | $15.46 |
| 25th percentile | $35,550 | $17.09 |
| Median | $37,610 | $18.08 |
| 75th percentile | $44,600 | $21.44 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $50,220 | $24.14 |
| Average (mean) | $40,170 | $19.31 |
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 | $3,134.17 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $1,567.08 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $1,446.54 |
| Weekly | $723.27 |
| Hourly | $18.08 |
Based on a full-time year of 2,080 hours. Convert any amount with the hourly to salary converter.
Buying a home? On a $37,610 salary, see how much house you can afford in District of Columbia 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD | $34,860 | 3,630 |
| Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD | $34,520 | 7,960 |
| Lexington Park, MD | $34,250 | 260 |
| Charlottesville, VA | $34,130 | 350 |
| Richmond, VA | $33,570 | 2,610 |
| Salisbury, MD | $33,510 | 200 |
| Winchester, VA-WV | $32,090 | 150 |
| Hagerstown-Martinsburg, MD-WV | $31,750 | 310 |
| Staunton-Stuarts Draft, VA | $30,780 | 140 |
| Virginia Beach-Chesapeake-Norfolk, VA-NC | $29,790 | 2,830 |
| Harrisonburg, VA | $29,710 | 170 |
| Lynchburg, VA | $29,500 | 280 |
| Wheeling, WV-OH | $29,110 | 150 |
| Roanoke, VA | $29,100 | 530 |
| Blacksburg-Christiansburg-Radford, VA | $29,090 | 250 |
| Morgantown, WV | $28,370 | 210 |
| Kingsport-Bristol, TN-VA | $28,190 | 320 |
| Weirton-Steubenville, WV-OH | $27,970 | 70 |
| Parkersburg-Vienna, WV | $27,620 | 90 |
| Charleston, WV | $27,370 | 210 |
| Huntington-Ashland, WV-KY-OH | $25,360 | 540 |
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 District of Columbia statewide figures.
Related jobs in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors | $46,190 | $22.21 |
| Recreation Worker | $42,800 | $20.58 |
| Residential Advisor | $47,010 | $22.60 |
| Personal Care and Service Workers, All Other | $35,300 | $16.97 |
| Amusement and Recreation Attendants | $38,000 | $18.27 |
| Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists | $37,020 | $17.80 |
| Animal Caretaker | $37,710 | $18.13 |
| Concierge | $38,810 | $18.66 |
| Manicurists and Pedicurists | $42,040 | $20.21 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Personal Service Workers | $53,310 | $25.63 |
| Ushers, Lobby Attendants, and Ticket Takers | $36,080 | $17.35 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Entertainment and Recreation Workers, Except Gambling Services | $49,300 | $23.70 |
| Skincare Specialist | $46,620 | $22.41 |
| Tour and Travel Guides | $46,130 | $22.18 |
More: Personal Care and Service Occupations · all salaries in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
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 Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV?
The median salary for childcare workers in the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV metro area is $37,610 a year, or $18.08 an hour. Pay ranges from $32,160 for the lowest-paid 10% to $50,220 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid childcare workers make in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV?
The top 10% of childcare workers in the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV metro area earn at least $50,220 a year. The top 25% earn $44,600 or more.
What is the starting pay for childcare workers in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $32,160 a year, and a quarter of childcare workers earn $35,550 or less.
How many childcare workers work in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV?
About 11,650 childcare workers are employed in the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV metro area, not counting the self-employed.