Childcare Worker Salary in Pennsylvania (2026)

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

Official BLS state wage data · Unknown vintage
Pennsylvania Median
$30,140
per year
Hourly Rate
$14.49
based on 2,080 hrs/yr
vs National
-14% vs US median
US median $34,980
State Rank
#33 of 51
13,000 employed here

How much does a Childcare Worker make in Pennsylvania?

A Childcare Worker working in Pennsylvania earns a median salary of $30,140 per year, or about $14.49 per hour. That is 14% below the national median of $34,980 for this occupation.

Within Pennsylvania, entry-level pay starts around $22,710 while the top 10% make $39,290 or more. The middle 50% of earners fall between $27,040 and $35,970 a year.

Childcare Worker salary range in Pennsylvania

Pay levelAnnual salaryHourly rate
10th percentile (entry level)$22,710$10.92
25th percentile (early career)$27,040$13.00
50th percentile (median)$30,140$14.49
75th percentile (experienced)$35,970$17.29
90th percentile (top earners)$39,290$18.89

How Pennsylvania compares

Pennsylvania ranks 33rd 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 Pennsylvania

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 Pennsylvania pay ($30,140) 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 Pennsylvania?
The median Childcare Worker salary in Pennsylvania is $30,140 per year, or about $14.49 per hour, per official BLS state wage estimates. Salaries typically range from $22,710 at the entry level to $39,290 for the top 10% of earners.
How does Pennsylvania pay compare to the national average?
Pennsylvania pays Childcare Workers about 14% less than the national median of $34,980. Pennsylvania ranks 33rd out of 51 states and territories reporting this occupation.
Is Pennsylvania a good state for Childcare Workers?
Pay runs below the national median here, at $30,140 a year. About 13,000 Childcare Workers are employed in Pennsylvania. 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 Pennsylvania?
The highest-paying occupations in Pennsylvania include Cardiologist ($579,120), Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons ($553,740), Anesthesiologist ($461,390), 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.