Average Childcare Workers Salary in Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater, WA
Childcare Workers in Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater, WA, earn an average annual salary of $38,520. This figure notably surpasses the national average of $32,190, indicating a potentially stronger local demand or higher operational costs influencing compensation within this sector. The specific economic landscape and cost of living in the Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater area likely contribute to this elevated pay scale for essential childcare professionals.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $38,520 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.0% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $44,110.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 270 Childcare Workers and a Location Quotient of 0.63, the job market in Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater, WA, suggests a slightly lower concentration of these professionals compared to the national average. While not indicating an oversupply, this concentration implies that while opportunities exist, the demand might be more localized and potentially less competitive than in areas with a higher LQ. The presence of 2.12 jobs per 1,000 workers further solidifies the existence of a steady, albeit not booming, employment landscape for this role.
Salary Overview
The average Childcare Workers in Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater, WA earns+19.7%above the national average.
$18.5
$741
$3,210
Childcare Workers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it's reasonable to assume that salaries for Childcare Workers in Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater, WA, have experienced gradual growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. Factors such as inflation, increasing demand for childcare services, and evolving professional standards likely contribute to a steady upward trajectory in compensation, ensuring that wages keep pace with the cost of living and the value of the profession.
Childcare Workers Salary Distribution in Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater, WA
Salary progression for Childcare Workers in Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater, WA, typically correlates with experience and specialized skills. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with extensive experience, certifications, or supervisory roles can command significantly higher salaries. The percentile gaps between entry-level, mid-career, and senior Childcare Workers reflect the tangible career advancement opportunities and the increased earning potential available through dedication and professional development.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entry LevelStarting career. Focus on acquiring core skills. | 10% (Entry) | $33,860 | $16.3 |
| ExperiencedProficient professional working independently. | 25% (Junior) | $28,890 | $13.9 |
| Mid-LevelEstablished expert. Standard market value. | 50% (Median) | $36,760 | $17.7 |
| Senior LevelAdvanced skills, leadership or specialist role. | 75% (Senior) | $48,150 | $23.1 |
| Top TierIndustry leader / Executive level compensation. | 90% (Expert) | $44,110 | $21.2 |
Detailed Childcare Workers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$38,520
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$38,520
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $38,520 in Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater, WA, aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which represents the national average. This means that, on average, a Childcare Worker's earnings in this area provide purchasing power equivalent to the national standard. While this suggests financial stability relative to the rest of the country, it also implies that the higher nominal salary is balanced by the local cost of goods and services, leaving little room for significant discretionary spending beyond essential needs.
Job Market Context
270
Total Jobs
2.12
Per 1K Jobs
0.63
Location Quotient
Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater, WA has 0.63x the national average concentration of Childcare Workers jobs. This means there are fewer opportunities per capita here compared to the U.S. average — competition for roles may be higher.
The Location Quotient (LQ) of 0.63 for Childcare Workers in Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater, WA, indicates that this profession is less concentrated locally than the national average. This suggests that the job market is not saturated with Childcare Workers relative to other occupations in the area. While this might imply fewer job openings compared to a high-LQ area, it also points to a potentially less competitive environment for job seekers, where their skills might be more readily valued.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Childcare Workers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Bremerton-Silverdale-Port Orchard, WA Childcare Workers Salary | $40,070↑ 4% | 36 mi |
| Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA Childcare Workers Salary | $42,730↑ 11% | 47 mi |
| Longview-Kelso, WA Childcare Workers Salary | $39,690↑ 3% | 62 mi |
| Western Washington nonmetropolitan area Childcare Workers Salary | $37,980↓ 1% | 70 mi |
| Eastern Washington nonmetropolitan area Childcare Workers Salary | $38,740↑ 1% | 70 mi |
Comparing salaries near Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater, WA
Hiring Childcare Workerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Childcare Workers make in Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater, WA?
The median annual salary for a Childcare Workers in Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater, WA is $38,520. This typically ranges from $33,860 for entry-level positions to $44,110 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater, WA is 19.7% higher than the national median of $32,190.
Is Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater, WA a lucrative place for Childcare Workerss?
Yes, moderately so.The average salary of $38,520 is 19.6% higher than the national average, and the cost of living is exactly at the national average, indicating good purchasing power.
Is Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater, WA a good place to live for Childcare Workers?
The Cost of Living Index in Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater, WA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater, WA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Bremerton-Silverdale-Port Orchard, WA ($40,070) and Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA.
How does the Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater salary compare to the national average?
Childcare Workers in Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater, WA, earn an average of $38,520 annually, which is significantly higher than the national average of $32,190.
What is the concentration of Childcare Workers in Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater, WA?
The concentration, measured by the Location Quotient, is 0.63, meaning there are fewer Childcare Workers per capita in this area compared to the national average.
How does the cost of living affect the salary in Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater, WA?
With a Cost of Living Index of 100, the local expenses are on par with the national average. Therefore, the higher salary offers equivalent purchasing power to the national average.
What does the job market outlook suggest for Childcare Workers in this area?
The market suggests a steady presence of Childcare Workers, with 2.12 jobs per 1,000 workers, indicating consistent, though not exceptionally high, demand.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 270 employees in the Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater, WA area with a job density of 2.12 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
Explore Childcare Workers Salaries by State
Top Jobs in Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater, WA
- All Occupations Salary in Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater, WA
- Office and Administrative Support Occupations Salary in Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater, WA
- Business and Financial Operations Occupations Salary in Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater, WA
- Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary in Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater, WA
- Sales and Related Occupations Salary in Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater, WA
- Transportation and Material Moving Occupations Salary in Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater, WA
- Management Occupations Salary in Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater, WA
- Educational Instruction and Library Occupations Salary in Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater, WA
- Computer and Mathematical Occupations Salary in Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater, WA
- Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations Salary in Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater, WA
- Browse All Jobs in Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater, WA →
Semantic Salary Analysis for Childcare Workers • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater, WA