Childcare Worker Salary in North Carolina
Childcare Workers in North Carolina earn an average of $33,173 per year across 2 metro areas. This is +1.7% lower than the national average.
Average Salary
$33,173
per year
Hourly Rate
$15.95
per hour
vs National
-1.7%
$33,750 national
Salary Range
$21,801
to $48,673
Cost of Living Adjusted Salary
Nominal Salary
$33,173
Cost of Living Index
96
100 = national average
Adjusted Salary
$34,555
purchasing power equivalent
After adjusting for North Carolina's cost of living (below average), a Childcare Worker's salary of $33,173 has the purchasing power of $34,555 in an average-cost area.
Childcare Worker Salary by City in North Carolina
| City | Median Salary | Hourly Rate | Entry Level (P10) | Senior (P90) | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Raleigh, NC | $33,545 | $16.13/hr | $22,097 | $49,606 | 780 |
| Charlotte, NC | $32,800 | $15.77/hr | $21,505 | $47,740 | 1,008 |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS Survey, 2026. Sorted by median salary (highest first).
North Carolina vs National Average
Childcare Worker Salary Comparison
Employment in North Carolina
There are approximately 1,788 Childcare Workers employed across 2 metro areas in North Carolina.
Key Industries: Banking & Finance, Technology, Biotechnology
State Income Tax: 4.5% flat rate
Childcare Worker Salary Range in North Carolina
Entry Level (10th Percentile)
$21,801
Starting salary for new Childcare Workers
Median (50th Percentile)
$33,173
Mid-career Childcare Worker salary
Senior (90th Percentile)
$48,673
Top earners in the field
Related Occupations in North Carolina
Instructional Coordinator
$75,803
avg in NC
+$42,630 vs Childcare Worker
Special Education Teacher
$65,671
avg in NC
+$32,498 vs Childcare Worker
Secondary School Teacher
$64,219
avg in NC
+$31,046 vs Childcare Worker
Elementary School Teacher
$63,700
avg in NC
+$30,527 vs Childcare Worker
Preschool Teacher
$37,905
avg in NC
+$4,732 vs Childcare Worker
Childcare Worker Salary in Neighboring States
Compare Childcare Worker salaries in North Carolina with nearby states to find the best opportunities.
More North Carolina Data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Childcare Worker salary in North Carolina?
The average Childcare Worker salary in North Carolina is $33,173 per year ($15.95/hour) based on 2026 data across 2 metro areas. This is 1.7% below the national average of $33,750.
What is the highest paying city for Childcare Workers in North Carolina?
Raleigh, NC is the highest paying city for Childcare Workers in North Carolina, with a median salary of $33,545 per year. The lowest paying metro area is Charlotte, NC at $32,800.
What is the salary range for Childcare Workers in North Carolina?
Childcare Worker salaries in North Carolina range from $21,801 (entry-level, 10th percentile) to $48,673 (experienced, 90th percentile). The median salary is $33,173 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 North Carolina. 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.