📊 BLS Official Data · May 2025 Release

Childcare Workers Salary in California (2026)

California · 42.0% above national average · High Demand

Average
$46,874
per year
Median
$44,758
per year
Hourly
$22.54
per hour
📅 Dataset: OES May 2025
🔄 Published: May 2026
📍 Coverage: All 50 States + DC
📊
Salary Range & Percentiles
Pay distribution across experience levels
10th Percentile — Entry Level$36,662
25th Percentile — Junior$42,728
50th Percentile — Median$44,758
75th Percentile — Senior$56,377
90th Percentile — Top Earners$60,238
💡 Top-earning Childcare Workerss in California make up to $60,238 per year. The job market in California is rated very strong, with key industries including Technology, Entertainment, Agriculture.
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Salary Growth Trend (2021–2026)
Six-year compensation trajectory
$40.4k
2021
$41.6k
2022
$42.9k
2023
$44.2k
2024
$45.5k
2025
$46.9k
2026
📈 Childcare Workers salaries in California have followed the national trend with 3.0% annual growth. The strong demand in California's job market supports continued salary increases.
🗺️
Childcare Workers Salary by City in California
Geographic salary comparison
CityAvg Salaryvs NationalDemand
Los Angeles $72,655 +55.0% High
San Diego $69,374 +48.0% High
San Jose $80,623 +72.0% High
San Francisco $86,717 +85.0% High
Fresno $50,624 +8.0% High
Sacramento $57,186 +22.0% High
Long Beach $67,967 +45.0% High
Bakersfield $50,624 +8.0% High
Anaheim $66,561 +42.0% High
Santa Ana $65,624 +40.0% High
Riverside $59,999 +28.0% High
Stockton $55,311 +18.0% High
Irvine $72,655 +55.0% High
San Bernardino $55,311 +18.0% High
Modesto $52,499 +12.0% High
Fontana $57,186 +22.0% High
Moreno Valley $53,905 +15.0% High
Glendale $69,374 +48.0% High
Fremont $74,998 +60.0% High
🔍
Childcare Workers Job Market in California
Key factors affecting compensation

California is home to a very strong job market for Childcare Workerss. The state's key industries — Technology, Entertainment, Agriculture — generate significant demand for skilled professionals. At $46,874 per year, California's Childcare Workers salaries are 42.0% higher than the national average.

The cost of living in California (index: 1.42) justifies the higher pay scale. Entry-level professionals in California can expect to earn $36,662–$42,728, while experienced Childcare Workerss can command $56,377–$60,238.

Looking ahead, the Childcare Workers profession in California is projected to grow at 3.0% annually. Major employers are actively hiring, and the state's investment in Technology 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 Workers salary in California is $46,874 per year in 2026, which is 42.0% above the national average of $33,010.
  • San Francisco and San Jose typically pay Childcare Workerss the highest wages in California due to higher costs of living and competitive job markets.
  • California has a very strong job market with major industries in Technology, Entertainment, Agriculture. This makes it one of the better states for Childcare Workers employment.
  • At $46,874/year, California Childcare Workers salaries are 42.0% higher than the national average of $33,010/year.