Childcare Worker Salary in Minnesota (2026)

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

Official BLS state wage data · Unknown vintage
Minnesota Median
$35,520
per year
Hourly Rate
$17.08
based on 2,080 hrs/yr
vs National
+2% vs US median
US median $34,980
State Rank
#19 of 51
11,570 employed here

How much does a Childcare Worker make in Minnesota?

A Childcare Worker working in Minnesota earns a median salary of $35,520 per year, or about $17.08 per hour. That is 2% above the national median of $34,980 for this occupation.

Within Minnesota, entry-level pay starts around $28,560 while the top 10% make $44,880 or more. The middle 50% of earners fall between $30,340 and $38,490 a year.

Childcare Worker salary range in Minnesota

Pay levelAnnual salaryHourly rate
10th percentile (entry level)$28,560$13.73
25th percentile (early career)$30,340$14.59
50th percentile (median)$35,520$17.08
75th percentile (experienced)$38,490$18.50
90th percentile (top earners)$44,880$21.58

How Minnesota compares

Minnesota ranks 19th 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 Minnesota

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 Minnesota pay ($35,520) 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 Minnesota?
The median Childcare Worker salary in Minnesota is $35,520 per year, or about $17.08 per hour, per official BLS state wage estimates. Salaries typically range from $28,560 at the entry level to $44,880 for the top 10% of earners.
How does Minnesota pay compare to the national average?
Minnesota pays Childcare Workers about 2% more than the national median of $34,980. Minnesota ranks 19th out of 51 states and territories reporting this occupation.
Is Minnesota a good state for Childcare Workers?
Yes on pay — Minnesota pays above the national median for this occupation, at $35,520 a year. About 11,570 Childcare Workers are employed in Minnesota. Weigh that against local housing and living costs before moving.
What are the highest-paying jobs in Minnesota?
The highest-paying occupations in Minnesota include Radiologist ($708,340), Dermatologist ($625,790), Surgeon, All Other ($568,150), 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.