Tennessee ranks 33rd of 51 states and D.C. for childcare workers pay, trailing top-paying District of Columbia ($45,400) by $16,370 — a 56% gap.
The 10th-to-90th percentile range runs from $21,860 to $36,000 — a $14,140 spread, 35% tighter than the national $21,660 range.
Tennessee employs roughly 2.5% of all childcare workers in the country (13,190 workers).
Salary Range: 10th to 90th Percentile
Full Percentile Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Wage |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry-level) | $21,860 | $10.51 |
| 25th percentile | $24,160 | $11.62 |
| 50th percentile (median) | $29,030 | $13.96 |
| 75th percentile | $33,520 | $16.12 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $36,000 | $17.31 |
| Mean (average) | $29,370 | $14.12 |
How Tennessee Compares
| State | Median Annual | vs. Tennessee |
|---|---|---|
| Tennessee (current) | $29,030 | n/a |
| District of Columbia | $45,400 | +56% |
| Massachusetts | $39,290 | +35% |
| Colorado | $38,410 | +32% |
| California | $38,220 | +32% |
| Vermont | $37,830 | +30% |
| Washington | $37,800 | +30% |
| New York | $36,630 | +26% |
| Hawaii | $36,440 | +26% |
Showing top-paying states with available data. View all states →
Related Occupations in Tennessee
| Occupation | Median Annual | Employment |
|---|---|---|
| Food Servers, Nonrestaurant | $29,050 | 4,940 |
| Cooks, Short Order | $29,000 | 2,890 |
| Food Preparation Workers | $28,980 | 22,530 |
| Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists | $29,170 | 5,240 |
| Hotel, Motel, and Resort Desk Clerks | $29,200 | 6,400 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Workers, All Other | $29,210 | 1,590 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Childcare Workers salary in Tennessee?
The mean childcare workers salary in Tennessee is $29,370 per year. The median (middle) salary is $29,030 per year.
What is the starting salary for a Childcare Workers in Tennessee?
Entry-level childcare workerss (10th percentile) in Tennessee typically earn around $21,860 per year. Workers at the 25th percentile earn approximately $24,160 per year.
What is the highest Childcare Workers salary in Tennessee?
Top earners (90th percentile) in this occupation in Tennessee make approximately $36,000 per year. Those in the 75th percentile earn around $33,520 per year.
How does the Tennessee Childcare Workers salary compare to the national average?
The median childcare workers salary in Tennessee is $29,030, which is -9% below national average of $32,050.