The 10 Best States for Childcare Providers in 2026 (And the Least Favorable)
The best state for childcare providers is Kentucky, boasting 12,670 jobs and an average salary of $20,200.
Conversely, the least favorable state for childcare providers is Hawaii, with only 2,510 jobs available and an average salary of $20,280, which is insufficient given the high cost of living.
The state offering the most childcare provider positions is Ohio, with 20,000 jobs currently available.
Massachusetts ranks highest for average salary among childcare providers, with an average annual income of $26,330.
Childcare providers represent one of the most vital professions across the United States, with a presence in every state. Their roles are essential for the development and nurturing of children, especially as more families navigate the complexities of work-life balance.
Given the importance of this profession, we at Zippia conducted a comprehensive analysis to identify the best states for childcare providers. Our goal was to highlight states where job opportunities are abundant and where compensation is reflective of their critical contributions to society.
Utilizing data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, we analyzed various factors to determine which states provide the most favorable conditions for childcare providers. Below is our curated list of the top ten states where childcare providers can thrive:
This ranking illustrates that Kentucky leads the way for childcare providers looking for job security and fair compensation.
How did we arrive at this conclusion? Let’s discuss our methodology for determining the best states for childcare providers.
How We Determined the Best States for Childcare Providers
At Zippia, we engage with job seekers across diverse backgrounds and have found that two key factors consistently influence their job choices: job availability and compensation.
To identify the best states for childcare providers, we examined job availability and salary levels. Our analysis was based on the following criteria from the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Occupational Employment Statistics:
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Location Quotient: A measure of how prevalent a job is within a specific state.
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Average Annual Salary.
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Average Annual Salary for Entry-Level Positions.
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Average Annual Salary for Experienced Professionals.
To ensure fair comparisons across states, we adjusted salary figures based on the state’s cost of living. This adjustment allows for a more accurate assessment of how far a salary can stretch in different regions. For instance, while the average salary for childcare providers in California is $26,050, the cost of living may offset that figure when compared to states like Illinois.
After ranking each state across all criteria on a scale of 1 to 50, we calculated an overall Job Score. The state with the lowest score was identified as the best state for childcare providers in America.
Now, let’s explore what makes each of these states particularly beneficial for childcare providers.
1. Kentucky
Total Jobs: 12,670
Average Annual Salary: $20,200
Average Entry-Level Salary: $16,140
Average Experienced Salary: $27,500
Location Quotient: 1.66
2. Alaska
Total Jobs: 2,420
Average Annual Salary: $25,640
Average Entry-Level Salary: $19,690
Average Experienced Salary: $31,430
Location Quotient: 1.78
3. Ohio
Total Jobs: 20,000
Average Annual Salary: $21,950
Average Entry-Level Salary: $17,450
Average Experienced Salary: $29,520
Location Quotient: 0.91
4. Washington
Total Jobs: 7,950
Average Annual Salary: $25,110
Average Entry-Level Salary: $19,980
Average Experienced Salary: $33,730
Location Quotient: 0.64
5. Vermont
Total Jobs: 1,000
Average Annual Salary: $24,850
Average Entry-Level Salary: $19,490
Average Experienced Salary: $33,300
Location Quotient: 0.8
6. Wyoming
Total Jobs: 1,430
Average Annual Salary: $21,890
Average Entry-Level Salary: $16,390
Average Experienced Salary: $30,020
Location Quotient: 1.21
7. Michigan
Total Jobs: 16,990
Average Annual Salary: $22,140
Average Entry-Level Salary: $17,540
Average Experienced Salary: $30,360
Location Quotient: 0.99
8. South Dakota
Total Jobs: 2,510
Average Annual Salary: $20,380
Average Entry-Level Salary: $18,010
Average Experienced Salary: $24,180
Location Quotient: 1.46
9. North Dakota
Total Jobs: 2,840
Average Annual Salary: $20,550
Average Entry-Level Salary: $16,220
Average Experienced Salary: $28,500
Location Quotient: 1.53
10. Missouri
Total Jobs: 12,570
Average Annual Salary: $20,360
Average Entry-Level Salary: $16,510
Average Experienced Salary: $27,710
Location Quotient: 1.11
Conclusion
For those embarking on a career as a childcare provider, these states should be at the forefront of your job search. With competitive salaries, plentiful job opportunities, and potential for career growth, they offer an ideal environment for childcare professionals.
For reference, here are the states ranked least favorable for childcare providers:
Detailed List of the Best States for Childcare Providers
| Rank | State | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Kentucky | $20,200 |
| 2 | Alaska | $25,640 |
| 3 | Ohio | $21,950 |
| 4 | Washington | $25,110 |
| 5 | Vermont | $24,850 |
| 6 | Wyoming | $21,890 |
| 7 | Michigan | $22,140 |
| 8 | South Dakota | $20,380 |
| 9 | North Dakota | $20,550 |
| 10 | Missouri | $20,360 |
| 11 | Utah | $21,930 |
| 12 | Montana | $20,490 |
| 13 | California | $26,050 |
| 14 | Oregon | $24,410 |
| 15 | Colorado | $25,070 |
| 16 | Georgia | $20,580 |
| 17 | West Virginia | $19,950 |
| 18 | Arkansas | $18,740 |
| 19 | New Jersey | $24,560 |
| 20 | New York | $26,280 |
| 21 | Rhode Island | $22,700 |
| 22 | Nebraska | $20,580 |
| 23 | Maine | $22,190 |
| 24 | Tennessee | $20,140 |
| 25 | North Carolina | $20,980 |
| 26 | Minnesota | $23,450 |
| 27 | Illinois | $23,200 |
| 28 | Texas | $20,240 |
| 29 | Massachusetts | $26,330 |
| 30 | Indiana | $20,090 |
| 31 | Mississippi | $18,480 |
| 32 | New Mexico | $20,130 |
| 33 | Oklahoma | $19,150 |
| 34 | Alabama | $18,690 |
| 35 | Pennsylvania | $21,010 |
| 36 | Connecticut | $24,370 |
| 37 | Idaho | $19,290 |
| 38 | Maryland | $24,440 |
| 39 | Virginia | $22,440 |
| 40 | South Carolina | $19,240 |
| 41 | Kansas | $19,840 |
| 42 | Florida | $21,210 |
| 43 | Arizona | $21,320 |
| 44 | Iowa | $18,930 |
| 45 | Nevada | $22,340 |
| 46 | Louisiana | $18,870 |
| 47 | New Hampshire | $22,200 |
| 48 | Wisconsin | $21,280 |
| 49 | Delaware | $21,740 |
| 50 | Hawaii | $20,280 |
Author
Chris Kolmar is a co-founder of Zippia and the editor-in-chief of the Zippia career advice blog. He has hired over 50 people in his career, been hired five times, and wants to help you land your next job. His research has been featured on the New York Times, Thrillist, VOX, The Atlantic, and a host of local news. More recently, he's been quoted on USA Today, BusinessInsider, and CNBC.
