Illinois ranks 20th of 51 states and D.C. for childcare workers pay, trailing top-paying District of Columbia ($45,400) by $12,540 — a 38% gap.
The 10th-to-90th percentile range runs from $29,120 to $40,360 — a $11,240 spread, 48% tighter than the national $21,660 range.
Illinois employs roughly 4.3% of all childcare workers in the country (22,540 workers).
Salary Range: 10th to 90th Percentile
Full Percentile Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Wage |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry-level) | $29,120 | $14.00 |
| 25th percentile | $30,300 | $14.57 |
| 50th percentile (median) | $32,860 | $15.80 |
| 75th percentile | $36,290 | $17.45 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $40,360 | $19.40 |
| Mean (average) | $34,560 | $16.62 |
How Illinois Compares
| State | Median Annual | vs. Illinois |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois (current) | $32,860 | n/a |
| District of Columbia | $45,400 | +38% |
| Massachusetts | $39,290 | +20% |
| Colorado | $38,410 | +17% |
| California | $38,220 | +16% |
| Vermont | $37,830 | +15% |
| Washington | $37,800 | +15% |
| New York | $36,630 | +11% |
| Hawaii | $36,440 | +11% |
Showing top-paying states with available data. View all states →
Related Occupations in Illinois
| Occupation | Median Annual | Employment |
|---|---|---|
| Lifeguards, Ski Patrol, and Other Recreational Protective Service Workers | $33,310 | 5,740 |
| Library Assistants, Clerical | $32,360 | 4,330 |
| Demonstrators and Product Promoters | $33,750 | 3,020 |
| Fast Food and Counter Workers | $31,900 | 139,090 |
| Recreation Workers | $33,830 | 16,150 |
| Cooks, Fast Food | $31,580 | 16,320 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Childcare Workers salary in Illinois?
The mean childcare workers salary in Illinois is $34,560 per year. The median (middle) salary is $32,860 per year.
What is the starting salary for a Childcare Workers in Illinois?
Entry-level childcare workerss (10th percentile) in Illinois typically earn around $29,120 per year. Workers at the 25th percentile earn approximately $30,300 per year.
What is the highest Childcare Workers salary in Illinois?
Top earners (90th percentile) in this occupation in Illinois make approximately $40,360 per year. Those in the 75th percentile earn around $36,290 per year.
How does the Illinois Childcare Workers salary compare to the national average?
The median childcare workers salary in Illinois is $32,860, which is +3% above national average of $32,050.