NC Institute for Early Childhood Professional Development

Compensation

Published data show that workforce compensation varies based on role and the setting in which an Early Educator works.

The average salary for child care providers in 2007 was $19,030. In 2008, the average salary increased only by $60 to $19,090, with hourly pay reported at $9.18; up one cent from 2007 (NACRRA).
The average salary for a Head Start teacher was $23,177 in 2008 (CLASP).
The minimum compensation for a More at Four teacher with up to one year of experience working in a non-public school program was $26,260 – $26,680 and may include salary, salary plus health OR retirement benefits or salary plus health AND retirement benefits (based on 05-06 NCDPI Teacher Salary Schedule).
A licensed public school teacher in North Carolina, with up to one year of experience working is scheduled to earn $30,430 over a 10-month period (NCDPI).

Turnover

Workforce turnover rates for those working directly with young children vary based on program auspice (i.e. center, home, Head Start, etc.) and the types of supports provided. For example, those working in a regulated program and receiving a salary supplement through Child Care WAGE$® had turnover rate of only 15% in North Carolina in 2008-2009; an overall significant improvement compared to the 31% full time teacher turnover rate in our state prior to the implementation of WAGE$.

In 2008, Head Start programs also reported staff turnover at a rate of 15%.

Salary Comparisons

To view current salaries, click on the links below. A directory of early childhood careers and education and compensation levels may be downloaded from here.

Child Care WAGE$

Over 65 counties have implemented Child Care WAGE$.

Wage & Hour Law

Adhering to state and federal Wage and Hour Laws is critical for attracting and retaining early are and education and school age care professionals. Contact the NC Department of Labor (www.nclabor.com) and visit the link above for more information.