Childcare Worker Salary in New York (2026)

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

Official BLS state wage data · Unknown vintage
New York Median
$37,590
per year
Hourly Rate
$18.07
based on 2,080 hrs/yr
vs National
+7% vs US median
US median $34,980
State Rank
#8 of 51
44,020 employed here

How much does a Childcare Worker make in New York?

Childcare Workers in New York take home a median of $37,590 annually — roughly $18.07 an hour — which runs 7% above the national median of $34,980.

Within New York, entry-level pay starts around $33,630 while the top 10% make $46,970 or more. The middle 50% of earners fall between $35,420 and $43,730 a year.

Childcare Worker salary range in New York

Pay levelAnnual salaryHourly rate
10th percentile (entry level)$33,630$16.17
25th percentile (early career)$35,420$17.03
50th percentile (median)$37,590$18.07
75th percentile (experienced)$43,730$21.02
90th percentile (top earners)$46,970$22.58

How New York compares

New York ranks 8th 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 York

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 York pay ($37,590) 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 York?
The median Childcare Worker salary in New York is $37,590 per year, or about $18.07 per hour, per official BLS state wage estimates. Salaries typically range from $33,630 at the entry level to $46,970 for the top 10% of earners.
How does New York pay compare to the national average?
New York pays Childcare Workers about 7% more than the national median of $34,980. New York ranks 8th out of 51 states and territories reporting this occupation.
Is New York a good state for Childcare Workers?
Yes on pay — New York pays above the national median for this occupation, at $37,590 a year. About 44,020 Childcare Workers are employed in New York. Weigh that against local housing and living costs before moving.
What are the highest-paying jobs in New York?
The highest-paying occupations in New York include Cardiologist ($492,040), Anesthesiologist ($445,660), Radiologist ($441,580), 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.