Kentucky ranks 36th of 51 states and D.C. for childcare workers pay, trailing top-paying District of Columbia ($45,400) by $16,830 — a 59% gap.
The 10th-to-90th percentile range runs from $22,060 to $37,440 — a $15,380 spread, 29% tighter than the national $21,660 range.
Kentucky employs roughly 1.4% of all childcare workers in the country (7,510 workers).
Salary Range: 10th to 90th Percentile
Full Percentile Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Wage |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry-level) | $22,060 | $10.61 |
| 25th percentile | $24,500 | $11.78 |
| 50th percentile (median) | $28,570 | $13.73 |
| 75th percentile | $31,290 | $15.04 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $37,440 | $18.00 |
| Mean (average) | $29,070 | $13.98 |
How Kentucky Compares
| State | Median Annual | vs. Kentucky |
|---|---|---|
| Kentucky (current) | $28,570 | n/a |
| District of Columbia | $45,400 | +59% |
| Massachusetts | $39,290 | +38% |
| Colorado | $38,410 | +34% |
| California | $38,220 | +34% |
| Vermont | $37,830 | +32% |
| Washington | $37,800 | +32% |
| New York | $36,630 | +28% |
| Hawaii | $36,440 | +28% |
Showing top-paying states with available data. View all states →
Related Occupations in Kentucky
| Occupation | Median Annual | Employment |
|---|---|---|
| Bartenders | $28,590 | 6,210 |
| Laundry and Dry-Cleaning Workers | $28,670 | 2,470 |
| Residential Advisors | $28,800 | 1,870 |
| Dishwashers | $28,140 | 4,530 |
| Sewing Machine Operators | $29,040 | 3,270 |
| Substitute Teachers, Short-Term | $29,100 | 370 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Childcare Workers salary in Kentucky?
The mean childcare workers salary in Kentucky is $29,070 per year. The median (middle) salary is $28,570 per year.
What is the starting salary for a Childcare Workers in Kentucky?
Entry-level childcare workerss (10th percentile) in Kentucky typically earn around $22,060 per year. Workers at the 25th percentile earn approximately $24,500 per year.
What is the highest Childcare Workers salary in Kentucky?
Top earners (90th percentile) in this occupation in Kentucky make approximately $37,440 per year. Those in the 75th percentile earn around $31,290 per year.
How does the Kentucky Childcare Workers salary compare to the national average?
The median childcare workers salary in Kentucky is $28,570, which is -11% below national average of $32,050.