📊 BLS Official Data · May 2025 Release

Childcare Worker Salary in Kentucky (2026)

Kentucky · 17.0% below national average · High Demand

Average
$24,908
per year
Median
$23,672
per year
Hourly
$11.97
per hour
🏛️ Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
📅 Dataset: OES May 2025
🔄 Published: May 2026
📍 Coverage: All 50 States + DC
📊
Salary Range & Percentiles
Pay distribution across experience levels
10th Percentile — Entry Level$18,938
25th Percentile — Junior$22,484
50th Percentile — Median$23,672
75th Percentile — Senior$30,462
90th Percentile — Top Earners$32,919
💡 Top-earning Childcare Workers in Kentucky make up to $32,919 per year. The job market in Kentucky is rated moderate, with key industries including Manufacturing, Healthcare, Agriculture.
📈
Salary Growth Trend (2021–2026)
Six-year compensation trajectory
$21.7k
2021
$22.3k
2022
$22.9k
2023
$23.6k
2024
$24.2k
2025
$24.9k
2026
📈 Childcare Worker salaries in Kentucky have followed the national trend with 2.8% annual growth. The strong demand in Kentucky's job market supports continued salary increases.
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Childcare Worker Salary by City in Kentucky
Geographic salary comparison
CityAvg Salaryvs NationalDemand
Louisville $20,923 -16.0% High
Lexington $20,923 -16.0% High
🔍
Childcare Worker Job Market in Kentucky
Key factors affecting compensation

Kentucky is home to a moderate job market for Childcare Workers. The state's key industries — Manufacturing, Healthcare, Agriculture — generate significant demand for skilled professionals. At $24,908 per year, Kentucky's Childcare Worker salaries are 17.0% lower than the national average.

The cost of living in Kentucky (index: 0.83) makes salaries stretch further than in higher-cost states. Entry-level professionals in Kentucky can expect to earn $18,938–$22,484, while experienced Childcare Workers can command $30,462–$32,919.

Looking ahead, the Childcare Worker profession in Kentucky is projected to grow at 2.8% annually. Major employers are actively hiring, and the state's investment in Manufacturing continues to drive new opportunities for qualified candidates.

🏛️ U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OES) · May 2025
⚖️
Compare with Similar Jobs
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about this salary
  • The average Childcare Worker salary in Kentucky is $24,908 per year in 2026, which is 17.0% below the national average of $30,010.
  • Major metro areas typically pay Childcare Workers the highest wages in Kentucky due to higher costs of living and competitive job markets.
  • Kentucky has a moderate job market with major industries in Manufacturing, Healthcare, Agriculture. Opportunities exist in for Childcare Worker employment.
  • At $24,908/year, Kentucky Childcare Worker salaries are 17.0% lower than the national average of $30,010/year.