📊 BLS Official Data · May 2025 Release

Childcare Worker Salary in Tennessee (2026)

Tennessee · 12.0% below national average · High Demand

Average
$26,409
per year
Median
$25,098
per year
Hourly
$12.7
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$20,080
25th Percentile — Junior$23,839
50th Percentile — Median$25,098
75th Percentile — Senior$32,298
90th Percentile — Top Earners$34,902
💡 Top-earning Childcare Workers in Tennessee make up to $34,902 per year. The job market in Tennessee is rated strong, with key industries including Healthcare, Manufacturing, Tourism.
📈
Salary Growth Trend (2021–2026)
Six-year compensation trajectory
$23.0k
2021
$23.6k
2022
$24.3k
2023
$25.0k
2024
$25.7k
2025
$26.4k
2026
📈 Childcare Worker salaries in Tennessee have followed the national trend with 2.8% annual growth. The strong demand in Tennessee's job market supports continued salary increases.
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Childcare Worker Salary by City in Tennessee
Geographic salary comparison
CityAvg Salaryvs NationalDemand
Nashville $25,089 -5.0% High
Memphis $22,184 -16.0% High
🔍
Childcare Worker Job Market in Tennessee
Key factors affecting compensation

Tennessee is home to a strong job market for Childcare Workers. The state's key industries — Healthcare, Manufacturing, Tourism — generate significant demand for skilled professionals. At $26,409 per year, Tennessee's Childcare Worker salaries are 12.0% lower than the national average.

The cost of living in Tennessee (index: 0.88) makes salaries stretch further than in higher-cost states. Entry-level professionals in Tennessee can expect to earn $20,080–$23,839, while experienced Childcare Workers can command $32,298–$34,902.

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

🏛️ U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OES) · May 2025
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Compare with Similar Jobs
Related career salary benchmarks
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about this salary
  • The average Childcare Worker salary in Tennessee is $26,409 per year in 2026, which is 12.0% below the national average of $30,010.
  • Major metro areas typically pay Childcare Workers the highest wages in Tennessee due to higher costs of living and competitive job markets.
  • Tennessee has a strong job market with major industries in Healthcare, Manufacturing, Tourism. This makes it one of the better states for Childcare Worker employment.
  • At $26,409/year, Tennessee Childcare Worker salaries are 12.0% lower than the national average of $30,010/year.