Childcare Worker Salary in California
Childcare Workers in California earn an average of $39,286 per year across 6 metro areas. This is +16.4% higher than the national average.
Average Salary
$39,286
per year
Hourly Rate
$18.89
per hour
vs National
+16.4%
$33,750 national
Salary Range
$25,641
to $57,430
Cost of Living Adjusted Salary
Nominal Salary
$39,286
Cost of Living Index
142
100 = national average
Adjusted Salary
$27,666
purchasing power equivalent
After adjusting for California's cost of living (above average), a Childcare Worker's salary of $39,286 has the purchasing power of $27,666 in an average-cost area.
Childcare Worker Salary by City in California
| City | Median Salary | Hourly Rate | Entry Level (P10) | Senior (P90) | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| San Jose, CA | $47,025 | $22.61/hr | $31,010 | $69,314 | 1,042 |
| San Francisco, CA | $44,346 | $21.32/hr | $29,262 | $62,189 | 1,175 |
| San Diego, CA | $38,150 | $18.34/hr | $24,593 | $56,736 | 845 |
| Los Angeles, CA | $37,670 | $18.11/hr | $23,615 | $53,819 | 1,238 |
| Sacramento, CA | $34,929 | $16.79/hr | $23,367 | $51,963 | 888 |
| Riverside, CA | $33,593 | $16.15/hr | $21,998 | $50,561 | 791 |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS Survey, 2026. Sorted by median salary (highest first).
California vs National Average
Childcare Worker Salary Comparison
Employment in California
There are approximately 5,979 Childcare Workers employed across 6 metro areas in California.
Key Industries: Technology, Entertainment & Media, Agriculture
State Income Tax: 1% - 13.3%
Childcare Worker Salary Range in California
Entry Level (10th Percentile)
$25,641
Starting salary for new Childcare Workers
Median (50th Percentile)
$39,286
Mid-career Childcare Worker salary
Senior (90th Percentile)
$57,430
Top earners in the field
Related Occupations in California
Instructional Coordinator
$87,034
avg in CA
+$47,748 vs Childcare Worker
Special Education Teacher
$77,362
avg in CA
+$38,076 vs Childcare Worker
Secondary School Teacher
$75,559
avg in CA
+$36,273 vs Childcare Worker
Elementary School Teacher
$74,419
avg in CA
+$35,133 vs Childcare Worker
Preschool Teacher
$44,171
avg in CA
+$4,885 vs Childcare Worker
Childcare Worker Salary in Neighboring States
Compare Childcare Worker salaries in California with nearby states to find the best opportunities.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Childcare Worker salary in California?
The average Childcare Worker salary in California is $39,286 per year ($18.89/hour) based on 2026 data across 6 metro areas. This is 16.4% above the national average of $33,750.
What is the highest paying city for Childcare Workers in California?
San Jose, CA is the highest paying city for Childcare Workers in California, with a median salary of $47,025 per year. The lowest paying metro area is Riverside, CA at $33,593.
What is the salary range for Childcare Workers in California?
Childcare Worker salaries in California range from $25,641 (entry-level, 10th percentile) to $57,430 (experienced, 90th percentile). The median salary is $39,286 per year.
About This Data
Salary data is sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey. State-level averages are calculated from metro area data within California. Figures represent 2026 estimates and may not reflect all employers or self-employed workers. Cost of living adjustments use regional indices to provide purchasing power context.