Childcare Worker Salary in Wisconsin (2026)

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

Official BLS state wage data · Unknown vintage
Wisconsin Median
$32,460
per year
Hourly Rate
$15.61
based on 2,080 hrs/yr
vs National
-7% vs US median
US median $34,980
State Rank
#25 of 51
5,560 employed here

How much does a Childcare Worker make in Wisconsin?

A Childcare Worker working in Wisconsin earns a median salary of $32,460 per year, or about $15.61 per hour. That is 7% below the national median of $34,980 for this occupation.

Within Wisconsin, entry-level pay starts around $24,650 while the top 10% make $42,830 or more. The middle 50% of earners fall between $29,360 and $36,720 a year.

Childcare Worker salary range in Wisconsin

Pay levelAnnual salaryHourly rate
10th percentile (entry level)$24,650$11.85
25th percentile (early career)$29,360$14.12
50th percentile (median)$32,460$15.61
75th percentile (experienced)$36,720$17.65
90th percentile (top earners)$42,830$20.59

How Wisconsin compares

Wisconsin ranks 25th 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 Wisconsin

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 Wisconsin pay ($32,460) 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 Wisconsin?
The median Childcare Worker salary in Wisconsin is $32,460 per year, or about $15.61 per hour, per official BLS state wage estimates. Salaries typically range from $24,650 at the entry level to $42,830 for the top 10% of earners.
How does Wisconsin pay compare to the national average?
Wisconsin pays Childcare Workers about 7% less than the national median of $34,980. Wisconsin ranks 25th out of 51 states and territories reporting this occupation.
Is Wisconsin a good state for Childcare Workers?
Pay runs below the national median here, at $32,460 a year. About 5,560 Childcare Workers are employed in Wisconsin. 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 Wisconsin?
The highest-paying occupations in Wisconsin include Cardiologist ($636,580), Orthopedic Surgeon, Except Pediatric ($572,060), Anesthesiologist ($443,990), based on median annual pay in official BLS state estimates.

← See the national Childcare Worker salary report

Related salaries

Barber

$38,210
median pay · 15,000 employed

Ushers, Lobby Attendants, and Ticket Takers

$32,910
median pay · 122,000 employed

Skincare Specialist

$45,330
median pay · 73,000 employed

Animal Trainer

$39,990
median pay · 19,000 employed

Manicurists and Pedicurists

$35,760
median pay · 153,000 employed
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.