Childcare Worker Salary in Rhode Island (2026)

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

Official BLS state wage data · Unknown vintage
Rhode Island Median
$36,940
per year
Hourly Rate
$17.76
based on 2,080 hrs/yr
vs National
+6% vs US median
US median $34,980
State Rank
#11 of 51
1,800 employed here

How much does a Childcare Worker make in Rhode Island?

A Childcare Worker working in Rhode Island earns a median salary of $36,940 per year, or about $17.76 per hour. That is 6% above the national median of $34,980 for this occupation.

Within Rhode Island, entry-level pay starts around $31,410 while the top 10% make $45,140 or more. The middle 50% of earners fall between $31,930 and $38,290 a year.

Childcare Worker salary range in Rhode Island

Pay levelAnnual salaryHourly rate
10th percentile (entry level)$31,410$15.10
25th percentile (early career)$31,930$15.35
50th percentile (median)$36,940$17.76
75th percentile (experienced)$38,290$18.41
90th percentile (top earners)$45,140$21.70

How Rhode Island compares

Rhode Island ranks 11th 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 Rhode Island

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 Rhode Island pay ($36,940) 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 Rhode Island?
The median Childcare Worker salary in Rhode Island is $36,940 per year, or about $17.76 per hour, per official BLS state wage estimates. Salaries typically range from $31,410 at the entry level to $45,140 for the top 10% of earners.
How does Rhode Island pay compare to the national average?
Rhode Island pays Childcare Workers about 6% more than the national median of $34,980. Rhode Island ranks 11th out of 51 states and territories reporting this occupation.
Is Rhode Island a good state for Childcare Workers?
Yes on pay — Rhode Island pays above the national median for this occupation, at $36,940 a year. About 1,800 Childcare Workers are employed in Rhode Island. Weigh that against local housing and living costs before moving.
What are the highest-paying jobs in Rhode Island?
The highest-paying occupations in Rhode Island include Emergency Medicine Physician ($512,730), Family Medicine Physician ($467,160), Ophthalmologist, Except Pediatric ($450,370), 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.