Childcare Worker Salary in Illinois
Childcare Workers in Illinois earn an average of $34,389 per year across 1 metro area. This is +1.9% higher than the national average.
Average Salary
$34,389
per year
Hourly Rate
$16.53
per hour
vs National
+1.9%
$33,750 national
Salary Range
$22,808
to $47,946
Cost of Living Adjusted Salary
Nominal Salary
$34,389
Cost of Living Index
95
100 = national average
Adjusted Salary
$36,199
purchasing power equivalent
After adjusting for Illinois's cost of living (below average), a Childcare Worker's salary of $34,389 has the purchasing power of $36,199 in an average-cost area.
Childcare Worker Salary by City in Illinois
| City | Median Salary | Hourly Rate | Entry Level (P10) | Senior (P90) | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chicago, IL | $34,389 | $16.53/hr | $22,808 | $47,946 | 1,052 |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS Survey, 2026. Sorted by median salary (highest first).
Illinois vs National Average
Childcare Worker Salary Comparison
Employment in Illinois
There are approximately 1,052 Childcare Workers employed across 1 metro area in Illinois.
Key Industries: Finance, Manufacturing, Technology
State Income Tax: 4.95% flat rate
Childcare Worker Salary Range in Illinois
Entry Level (10th Percentile)
$22,808
Starting salary for new Childcare Workers
Median (50th Percentile)
$34,389
Mid-career Childcare Worker salary
Senior (90th Percentile)
$47,946
Top earners in the field
Related Occupations in Illinois
Instructional Coordinator
$78,267
avg in IL
+$43,878 vs Childcare Worker
Special Education Teacher
$69,844
avg in IL
+$35,455 vs Childcare Worker
Secondary School Teacher
$67,313
avg in IL
+$32,924 vs Childcare Worker
Elementary School Teacher
$65,166
avg in IL
+$30,777 vs Childcare Worker
Preschool Teacher
$39,012
avg in IL
+$4,623 vs Childcare Worker
Childcare Worker Salary in Neighboring States
Compare Childcare Worker salaries in Illinois with nearby states to find the best opportunities.
More Illinois Data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Childcare Worker salary in Illinois?
The average Childcare Worker salary in Illinois is $34,389 per year ($16.53/hour) based on 2026 data across 1 metro areas. This is 1.9% above the national average of $33,750.
What is the highest paying city for Childcare Workers in Illinois?
Chicago, IL is the highest paying city for Childcare Workers in Illinois, with a median salary of $34,389 per year.
What is the salary range for Childcare Workers in Illinois?
Childcare Worker salaries in Illinois range from $22,808 (entry-level, 10th percentile) to $47,946 (experienced, 90th percentile). The median salary is $34,389 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 Illinois. 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.