Childcare Workers Salary in California
As of May 2025, the median annual wage for childcare workers in California was $40,020 +14.4% vs national
California vs United States
| California | United States | |
|---|---|---|
| Median annual | $40,020 | $34,980 |
| Median hourly | $19.24 | $16.82 |
| Employment | 52,780 | 518,910 |
| Location quotient | 0.87 | 1.00 |
Data source: BLS OES state file (California) · U.S. BLS OES survey, May 2025
The numbers in context
The median wage in California is 14.4% above the national median — a difference of about $5,040 per year for a typical worker.
Employment density in California is 0.87x the national average — a below-average concentration of these roles in the local economy.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average childcare workers salary in California?
The median annual wage in California is $40,020 ($19.24 per hour), per BLS OES May 2025 data.
How does California compare to the national average for childcare workers?
The California median of $40,020 is 14.4% higher than the U.S. median of $34,980.
How many childcare workers work in California?
Approximately 52,780 are employed in California, per BLS OES.