Childcare Worker Salary in South Carolina (2026)

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

Official BLS state wage data · Unknown vintage
South Carolina Median
$29,650
per year
Hourly Rate
$14.25
based on 2,080 hrs/yr
vs National
-15% vs US median
US median $34,980
State Rank
#37 of 51
10,660 employed here

How much does a Childcare Worker make in South Carolina?

A Childcare Worker working in South Carolina earns a median salary of $29,650 per year, or about $14.25 per hour. That is 15% below the national median of $34,980 for this occupation.

Within South Carolina, entry-level pay starts around $22,020 while the top 10% make $37,720 or more. The middle 50% of earners fall between $25,130 and $34,120 a year.

Childcare Worker salary range in South Carolina

Pay levelAnnual salaryHourly rate
10th percentile (entry level)$22,020$10.59
25th percentile (early career)$25,130$12.08
50th percentile (median)$29,650$14.25
75th percentile (experienced)$34,120$16.40
90th percentile (top earners)$37,720$18.13

How South Carolina compares

South Carolina ranks 37th 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 South Carolina

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 South Carolina pay ($29,650) 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 South Carolina?
The median Childcare Worker salary in South Carolina is $29,650 per year, or about $14.25 per hour, per official BLS state wage estimates. Salaries typically range from $22,020 at the entry level to $37,720 for the top 10% of earners.
How does South Carolina pay compare to the national average?
South Carolina pays Childcare Workers about 15% less than the national median of $34,980. South Carolina ranks 37th out of 51 states and territories reporting this occupation.
Is South Carolina a good state for Childcare Workers?
Pay runs below the national median here, at $29,650 a year. About 10,660 Childcare Workers are employed in South Carolina. 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 South Carolina?
The highest-paying occupations in South Carolina include General Internal Medicine Physician ($359,500), Neurologist ($352,680), Emergency Medicine Physician ($341,960), 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.