Childcare Worker Salary in Alabama (2026)

Official state-level BLS pay data for Childcare Workers in Alabama, plus how it compares with the rest of the country.

Official BLS state wage data · Unknown vintage
Alabama Median
$22,720
per year
Hourly Rate
$10.92
based on 2,080 hrs/yr
vs National
-35% vs US median
US median $34,980
State Rank
#50 of 51
4,580 employed here

How much does a Childcare Worker make in Alabama?

Childcare Workers in Alabama take home a median of $22,720 annually — roughly $10.92 an hour — which runs 35% below the national median of $34,980.

Within Alabama, entry-level pay starts around $18,680 while the top 10% make $32,330 or more. The middle 50% of earners fall between $21,540 and $28,090 a year.

Childcare Worker salary range in Alabama

Pay levelAnnual salaryHourly rate
10th percentile (entry level)$18,680$8.98
25th percentile (early career)$21,540$10.36
50th percentile (median)$22,720$10.92
75th percentile (experienced)$28,090$13.50
90th percentile (top earners)$32,330$15.54

How Alabama compares

Alabama ranks 50th out of 51 states and territories for Childcare Worker pay. The top 5 best-paying states:

RankStateMedian salary
1District of Columbia$47,340
2Washington$41,680
3Massachusetts$40,900
4Colorado$40,750
5California$40,020

Working as a Childcare Worker in Alabama

Nationally, about 519,000 people work as Childcare Workers in the United States. A high school diploma is typically enough, with most skills learned on the job.

Considering a move? Compare Alabama pay ($22,720) against the highest-paying state above, and weigh the difference against housing and everyday costs — a smaller paycheck in a cheaper state can stretch further.

Frequently asked questions

How much does a Childcare Worker make in Alabama?
The median Childcare Worker salary in Alabama is $22,720 per year, or about $10.92 per hour, per official BLS state wage estimates. Salaries typically range from $18,680 at the entry level to $32,330 for the top 10% of earners.
How does Alabama pay compare to the national average?
Alabama pays Childcare Workers about 35% less than the national median of $34,980. Alabama ranks 50th out of 51 states and territories reporting this occupation.
Is Alabama a good state for Childcare Workers?
Pay runs below the national median here, at $22,720 a year. About 4,580 Childcare Workers are employed in Alabama. A lower cost of living can offset the smaller paycheck, so compare take-home value, not just salary.
What are the highest-paying jobs in Alabama?
The highest-paying occupations in Alabama include Cardiologist ($519,480), Dermatologist ($394,550), Anesthesiologist ($392,350), based on median annual pay in official BLS state estimates.

← See the national Childcare Worker salary report

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Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), Unknown vintage. Education requirements: O*NET (U.S. Department of Labor). State figures are official BLS state-level wage estimates. Where BLS suppresses a state percentile, it is scaled from the official national distribution. Individual pay varies by employer, metro area, and experience.