Childcare Worker Salary in Washington, DC
Childcare Workers in the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV metro area earn a median $37,610 a year — 8% more than the national median. After 2026 taxes, that is $31,309 take-home, or $2,609 a month.
Take-home pay calculator
Pre-filled with the median childcare worker salary in Washington, DC. Enter your own offer to see your paycheck.
- Federal income tax$2,333
- Social Security (6.2%)$2,332
- Medicare (1.45%)$545
- District of Columbia income tax$1,091
- Take-home pay$31,309
Marginal rate: 12% federal + 6.00% state
The Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV metro spans District of Columbia, Virginia, Maryland, West Virginia. Pick the state you live in — state income tax follows your residence.
Childcare Worker pay by experience in Washington, DC
| Percentile | Salary | Hourly | Take-home / yr | Per month |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $32,160 | $15.46 | $27,257 | $2,271 |
| 25th percentile | $35,550 | $17.09 | $29,777 | $2,481 |
| Median (50th) | $37,610 | $18.08 | $31,309 | $2,609 |
| 75th percentile | $44,600 | $21.44 | $36,506 | $3,042 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $50,220 | $24.14 | $40,685 | $3,390 |
Wages: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025. Take-home: single filer, District of Columbia resident, 2026 tax rules.
What $37,610 buys in Washington, DC
Prices in Washington, DC are 8.9% higher than the U.S. average (housing costs are 1.51× the national average). Adjusted for local prices, a median childcare worker's $31,309 take-home pay has the buying power of $28,754 in a typical American city.
Rents: HUD Fair Market Rents, FY2026 (40th-percentile gross rent incl. utilities). Price levels: BEA Regional Price Parities, 2024.
Childcare Worker jobs are about as common in Washington, DC as in the U.S. overall (location quotient 1.11).
Best-paying cities for childcare workers, adjusted for cost of living
Washington, DC ranks #81 of 171 metro areas once taxes and local prices are taken into account.
| # | Metro area | Median salary | Take-home | Real value* |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | North Port, FL | $47,300 | $40,186 | $39,237 |
| 2 | Denver, CO | $44,320 | $36,549 | $34,552 |
| 3 | Boulder, CO | $43,380 | $35,836 | $34,064 |
| 4 | San Jose, CA | $45,720 | $37,504 | $33,964 |
| 5 | Seattle, WA | $43,710 | $37,301 | $33,564 |
| 6 | Modesto, CA | $41,920 | $34,652 | $33,284 |
| 7 | St. Cloud, MN | $34,030 | $28,521 | $32,546 |
| 8 | Las Cruces, NM | $34,270 | $29,210 | $32,379 |
| 81 | Washington, DC | $37,610 | $31,309 | $28,754 |
*Take-home pay divided by the BEA price level, so every city is measured in U.S.-average dollars. See all 171 metros →
Frequently asked questions
How much does a childcare worker make in Washington, DC?
The median childcare worker salary in the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV metro area is $37,610 a year, or about $18.08 an hour, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (May 2025). The middle half earn between $35,550 and $44,600.
What is a childcare worker’s take-home pay in Washington, DC?
On the median $37,610 salary, a single filer living in District of Columbia takes home about $31,309 a year ($2,609 a month) after federal tax, Social Security, Medicare and $1,091 in District of Columbia taxes in 2026.
Is Washington, DC a good place to work as a childcare worker?
Pay here is 8% above the national median of $34,980. Local prices are 8.9% above the U.S. average, so the take-home pay buys what $28,754 would in a typical U.S. city. Washington, DC ranks #81 of 171 metro areas for cost-of-living-adjusted pay in this job.
Can a childcare worker afford rent in Washington, DC?
HUD’s fair market rent for a one-bedroom in Washington, DC is $1,990 a month ($2,223 for two bedrooms) — 76% of a median childcare worker’s monthly take-home pay. Financial planners usually suggest keeping rent under about 30%.
Related jobs in Washington, DC
- First-Line Supervisor of Personal Service Workers — $53,310
- Animal Trainer — $50,460
- First-Line Supervisors of Entertainment and Recreation Workers, Except Gambling Services — $49,300
- Residential Advisor — $47,010
- Skincare Specialist — $46,620
- Exercise Trainer and Group Fitness Instructor — $46,190
- Tour and Travel Guide — $46,130
- Recreation Worker — $42,800
- Manicurist and Pedicurist — $42,040
- Concierge — $38,810
- Baggage Porter and Bellhop — $38,700
- Amusement and Recreation Attendant — $38,000