Childcare Worker Salary in New Jersey (2026)

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

Official BLS state wage data · Unknown vintage
New Jersey Median
$36,390
per year
Hourly Rate
$17.50
based on 2,080 hrs/yr
vs National
+4% vs US median
US median $34,980
State Rank
#13 of 51
25,070 employed here

How much does a Childcare Worker make in New Jersey?

A Childcare Worker working in New Jersey earns a median salary of $36,390 per year, or about $17.50 per hour. That is 4% above the national median of $34,980 for this occupation.

Within New Jersey, entry-level pay starts around $32,220 while the top 10% make $44,800 or more. The middle 50% of earners fall between $34,170 and $38,400 a year.

Childcare Worker salary range in New Jersey

Pay levelAnnual salaryHourly rate
10th percentile (entry level)$32,220$15.49
25th percentile (early career)$34,170$16.43
50th percentile (median)$36,390$17.50
75th percentile (experienced)$38,400$18.46
90th percentile (top earners)$44,800$21.54

How New Jersey compares

New Jersey ranks 13th 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 New Jersey

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 New Jersey pay ($36,390) 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 New Jersey?
The median Childcare Worker salary in New Jersey is $36,390 per year, or about $17.50 per hour, per official BLS state wage estimates. Salaries typically range from $32,220 at the entry level to $44,800 for the top 10% of earners.
How does New Jersey pay compare to the national average?
New Jersey pays Childcare Workers about 4% more than the national median of $34,980. New Jersey ranks 13th out of 51 states and territories reporting this occupation.
Is New Jersey a good state for Childcare Workers?
Yes on pay — New Jersey pays above the national median for this occupation, at $36,390 a year. About 25,070 Childcare Workers are employed in New Jersey. Weigh that against local housing and living costs before moving.
What are the highest-paying jobs in New Jersey?
The highest-paying occupations in New Jersey include Radiologist ($482,700), Surgeon, All Other ($437,890), Physician, Pathologists ($355,970), 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.