Daycare facts & stats

Question 1

What was the national average annual price of child care in the U.S. in 2024?

Accepted Answer

$13,128. Prices vary widely by state, age of child and type of care.

Question 2

For single parents, the average price of child care equals about what share of median household income?

Accepted Answer

35%. The federal benchmark for affordable care is far lower.

Question 3

In how many states does infant care in a center cost more than in-state public university tuition?

Accepted Answer

41 states plus D.C.. Center care for two children also cost more than median rent in 49 states plus D.C.

Question 4

What was the median annual pay for childcare workers in 2025?

Accepted Answer

$34,980 ($16.82 an hour). The typical entry-level education is a high school diploma or equivalent.

Question 5

About how many childcare worker jobs were there in the U.S. in 2025?

Accepted Answer

1,010,300. About 150,300 openings are projected each year, mostly to replace workers who leave.

Question 6

What share of childcare workers are self-employed?

Accepted Answer

24%. Many run home-based family child care programs.

The basics