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Top 10 States with the Highest Childcare Provider Salaries in 2026
When it comes to job satisfaction, salary consistently ranks as the top priority for workers across various demographics. If you’re exploring opportunities as an in-home childcare provider, understanding the salary landscape in your state is crucial.
Factors such as experience, location within the state, and the specific demands of the role can influence your earning potential. However, we have compiled comprehensive data on average salaries for in-home childcare providers across the United States, categorized by state and seniority level. While your local rates may vary slightly from state averages, these figures offer a reliable indication of what you can expect to earn.
In this analysis, we utilized the latest data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics to assess average pay for in-home childcare providers by state. Additionally, we factored in the cost of living, recognizing that a salary goes further in North Carolina compared to California.
The state offering the highest adjusted salary for in-home childcare providers in 2026 is Michigan. Below is an overview of the top ten states for in-home childcare provider salaries:
Let’s delve into the methodology behind our salary assessments and view a complete ranking of all states.
How We Determined In-Home Childcare Provider Pay by State
As previously mentioned, we analyzed the average annual salary data for in-home childcare providers from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, specifically referencing their most current “Occupational Employment Statistics.”
To ensure a fair comparison of salaries across states, we also considered the cost of living in each state. We developed an index by dividing the average wage for each state by the cost of living relative to the national average. For instance, if California has a cost of living index of 135.9 and an average salary of $26,050, our index calculation would be:
$26,050 * (100 / 135.9) = $19,168
We ranked the states according to this adjusted salary index, with the highest rank representing the best average salary for in-home childcare providers.
Detailed List of In-Home Childcare Provider Salaries By State
| Rank | State | Adjusted Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Michigan | $24,876 |
| 2 | Illinois | $24,524 |
| 3 | Colorado | $24,152 |
| 4 | Washington | $23,868 |
| 5 | Wyoming | $23,845 |
| 6 | Utah | $23,580 |
| 7 | Ohio | $23,400 |
| 8 | Minnesota | $23,263 |
| 9 | Tennessee | $22,527 |
| 10 | Missouri | $22,522 |
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.
