North Carolina ranks 38th of 51 states and D.C. for childcare workers pay, trailing top-paying District of Columbia ($45,400) by $16,920 — a 59% gap.
The 10th-to-90th percentile range runs from $21,860 to $37,940 — a $16,080 spread, 26% tighter than the national $21,660 range.
Childcare Workers are less concentrated in North Carolina than the U.S. average — a location quotient of 0.74 means the occupation's share of local jobs is 1.35× below the national share.
Salary Range: 10th to 90th Percentile
Full Percentile Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Wage |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry-level) | $21,860 | $10.51 |
| 25th percentile | $23,280 | $11.19 |
| 50th percentile (median) | $28,480 | $13.69 |
| 75th percentile | $34,160 | $16.42 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $37,940 | $18.24 |
| Mean (average) | $29,530 | $14.20 |
How North Carolina Compares
| State | Median Annual | vs. North Carolina |
|---|---|---|
| North Carolina (current) | $28,480 | n/a |
| District of Columbia | $45,400 | +59% |
| Massachusetts | $39,290 | +38% |
| Colorado | $38,410 | +35% |
| California | $38,220 | +34% |
| Vermont | $37,830 | +33% |
| Washington | $37,800 | +33% |
| New York | $36,630 | +29% |
| Hawaii | $36,440 | +28% |
Showing top-paying states with available data. View all states →
Related Occupations in North Carolina
| Occupation | Median Annual | Employment |
|---|---|---|
| Waiters and Waitresses | $28,460 | 74,110 |
| Motor Vehicle Operators, All Other | $28,700 | 1,970 |
| Teaching Assistants, Except Postsecondary | $28,230 | 32,010 |
| Fast Food and Counter Workers | $28,760 | 85,120 |
| Animal Caretakers | $28,900 | 10,810 |
| Cashiers | $27,930 | 115,170 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Childcare Workers salary in North Carolina?
The mean childcare workers salary in North Carolina is $29,530 per year. The median (middle) salary is $28,480 per year.
What is the starting salary for a Childcare Workers in North Carolina?
Entry-level childcare workerss (10th percentile) in North Carolina typically earn around $21,860 per year. Workers at the 25th percentile earn approximately $23,280 per year.
What is the highest Childcare Workers salary in North Carolina?
Top earners (90th percentile) in this occupation in North Carolina make approximately $37,940 per year. Those in the 75th percentile earn around $34,160 per year.
How does the North Carolina Childcare Workers salary compare to the national average?
The median childcare workers salary in North Carolina is $28,480, which is -11% below national average of $32,050.