CDA Salary 2026: How Much Do CDA Holders Earn?
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CDA Salary Overview 2026
The Child Development Associate (CDA) credential, administered by the Council for Professional Recognition, is the most widely recognized credential in early childhood education. CDA holders work as preschool teachers, childcare workers, family childcare providers, and early intervention specialists — roles tracked by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) under occupational codes 25-2011 and 39-9011. Practice with the free Child Development Associate practice test on PracticeTestGeeks (11 questions with answer explanations).
According to BLS data, the median hourly wage for childcare workers was $16.70/hour ($34,740 annually) in May 2026. Preschool teachers — a step above childcare worker — earned a median of $40,060 annually. CDA certification is typically what separates entry-level workers from higher-paying preschool teacher positions.
Free Child Development Associate Study Tools
Interactive Child Development Associate resources on PracticeTestGeeks, free to start:
- Free CDA Childcare and Learning Environment Questions and Answers 1 — 11 questions with instant scoring and answer explanations
- Child Development Associate flashcards — review key terms and concepts card by card
- Child Development Associate study guide — topic-by-topic overview of what the exam covers
- Child Development Associate cheat sheet — one-page printable summary for last-minute review
CDA: upcoming dates and official changes
- Jul 6, 2026: The CDA Renewal Amnesty program runs from July 6, 2026, through April 26, 2027, for eligible holders whose credentials expired as far back as January 1, 2016. (Council for Professional Recognition)
- Feb 2, 2026: The enhanced CDA credentialing process launched February 2, 2026, allowing qualifying candidates who meet all requirements to receive a credentialing decision without a verification visit. (Council for Professional Recognition)
- Jan 1, 2026: All initial and renewal CDA applications must be submitted online through YourCouncil beginning January 1, 2026, superseding the previously listed paper-application fees. (Council for Professional Recognition)
Facts verified Oct 20, 2026 against Council for Professional Recognition. Dates that have passed are removed automatically.
- The CDA Exam contains 65 multiple-choice questions: 60 questions and five scenario questions accompanied by a short narrative and photo. (Council for Professional Recognition)
- The CDA online assessment application costs $525, and the application fee is non-refundable and non-transferable. (Council for Professional Recognition)
- A CDA Exam retake costs $125 per attempt and does not require an appeal. (Council for Professional Recognition)
- CDA Exam candidates may retake the examination twice, and candidates unsuccessful after three total attempts may reapply after a six-month waiting period. (Council for Professional Recognition)
- The CDA credential is valid for three years from its award date. (Council for Professional Recognition)
- Renewing the CDA credential costs $250, and the regular renewal application window opens six months before expiration. (Council for Professional Recognition)
- The CDA Exam is delivered on a computer at a local Pearson VUE testing site. (Council for Professional Recognition)
- The Infant-Toddler CDA requires 120 hours of formal early childhood education training, including at least 10 hours in each of eight CDA subject areas. (Council for Professional Recognition)
Facts verified Oct 20, 2026 against Council for Professional Recognition. Dates that have passed are removed automatically.
CDA Exam at a Glance
| Item | Detail | Official source |
|---|---|---|
| Number of questions | 65 multiple-choice questions, including 5 scenario questions | Council for Professional Recognition |
| Exam fee | $525 online assessment/application fee; non-refundable and non-transferable | Council for Professional Recognition |
| Retake fee | $125 per retake | Council for Professional Recognition |
| Retake policy | Two retakes; three attempts total | Council for Professional Recognition |
| Validity | 3 years from award | Council for Professional Recognition |
| Renewal | $250 renewal fee | Council for Professional Recognition |
| Delivery | Computer-based examination at a Pearson VUE testing site | Council for Professional Recognition |
| Eligibility (Center-Based Infant-Toddler) | 120 training hours, including at least 10 in each subject area | Council for Professional Recognition |
| Testing window | Appointments subject to testing-center availability | pearsonvue.com |
Facts verified Oct 20, 2026 against Council for Professional Recognition. Dates that have passed are removed automatically.
CDA Salary by Job Title
CDA holders qualify for several distinct roles, each with a different pay range. The table below reflects 2026 BLS medians and average job postings data.
| Job Title | Median Annual Pay | CDA Required? |
|---|---|---|
| Childcare Worker | $34,740 | Preferred / Often Required |
| Preschool Teacher | $40,060 | Required (or AS/BA ECE) |
| Head Start Teacher | $42,500 | Required by federal mandate |
| Family Childcare Provider | $28,000–$45,000 | CDA boosts licensing eligibility |
| Early Intervention Specialist | $44,000–$58,000 | CDA + additional training |
| ECE Center Director | $48,000–$75,000 | CDA + experience + BA preferred |
Source: BLS OEWS May 2026, Indeed salary data Q1 2026. Head Start salary based on NHSA compensation survey.
CDA Salary by State
Geography is one of the biggest salary drivers for CDA holders. States with universal pre-K programs, higher minimum wages, or strong childcare subsidy systems pay significantly more. The top 5 highest-paying states for childcare workers (BLS 2026) are:
| State | Mean Annual Wage | Notable Context |
|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts | $48,940 | High cost of living, universal pre-K expansion |
| New York | $47,580 | NYC subsidized childcare boosts wages |
| Washington | $46,310 | Strong state childcare workforce grants |
| Connecticut | $45,900 | High ECE licensing requirements |
| Minnesota | $43,760 | Child Care Assistance Program well-funded |
The lowest-paying states for childcare workers include Mississippi ($24,560), Louisiana ($26,110), and West Virginia ($26,340) — though these states often offer lower cost of living as well.
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CDA Salary by Experience Level
Experience has a compounding effect on CDA earnings. Workers who pair years of experience with additional credentials — an cda classes after earning the CDA, for example — can more than double early-career wages within 10 years.
How the CDA Credential Boosts Your Pay
Earning the what is a cda from the Council for Professional Recognition directly translates to higher pay through several mechanisms:
1. Minimum Pay Floors in Head Start
Federal Head Start regulations mandate that lead teachers hold at minimum a CDA credential. Head Start programs are among the best-paying publicly funded childcare positions, with average salaries $7,000–$10,000 above private center workers. Without a CDA, you cannot hold a lead teacher role in most Head Start programs.
2. State Tiered Quality Rating Systems (QRIS)
Most states use a Quality Rating and Improvement System (QRIS) that rates childcare programs on a star scale (typically 1–5 stars). Higher-rated programs attract higher subsidy reimbursements from state agencies — and those programs pay staff more. The CDA is often the minimum credential required to move from Level 1 to Level 2 or 3, triggering higher reimbursements and wage bumps for your entire team.
3. T.E.A.C.H. Scholarship Wage Supplements
The Child Care TEACH Early Childhood Project, available in 26+ states, provides wage supplements (typically $1.00–$1.50/hour raises) to childcare workers who earn their CDA or complete additional college coursework. In North Carolina, for example, TEACH recipients holding a CDA averaged a $1.30/hour wage increase in 2026.
4. Private Center Pay Differentials
Large childcare chains (KinderCare, Bright Horizons, La Petite Academy) and national nonprofits advertise differential pay of $1–$3/hour for CDA-certified teachers above non-certified staff. For a 40-hour week, that is $2,080–$6,240/year in extra pay.
CDA Certification: Financial Pros and Cons
- +Opens Head Start lead teacher positions ($7K–$10K above average childcare wages)
- +Qualifies for TEACH scholarship wage supplements in 26+ states
- +Enables QRIS-rated center roles with higher state subsidy pay
- +Private center pay differentials of $1–$3/hr for CDA holders
- +Foundation credential for AS/BA ECE pathways leading to $55K+ director roles
- +Low upfront cost ($525 application fee) relative to lifetime pay increase
- −Median childcare wage ($34,740) remains low compared to other credential-bearing professions
- −Salary gains vary widely by state — rural areas see smaller increases
- −CDA alone insufficient for highest-paying ECE roles (BA or higher required)
- −Renewal every 3 years adds $250 fee and 45 CE hours
- −Nonprofit and public sector positions may have wage freezes despite credential
Career Advancement Paths for CDA Holders
The CDA is designed as a career lattice entry point, not a ceiling. The most common advancement paths in 2026 are:
- CDA to Associate's Degree in ECE — Many community colleges award 12–18 credit hours for CDA holders, shortening the AS degree timeline. AS opens preschool teacher positions (median $40,060) and leadership tracks.
- CDA to Bachelor's in Child Development or Education — Required for public Pre-K and most director positions. A BA in ECE/Child Development pushes median pay to $52,000–$68,000.
- CDA to Infant-Toddler (IT) or Family Childcare (FCC) CDA specialization — Additional CDA settings increase your scope and may qualify you for higher-rated QRIS programs.
- CDA to Early Intervention Specialist — Pairing the CDA with early intervention training (Part C IDEA) opens specialist roles ($44,000–$58,000) with school districts and developmental agencies.
- CDA to Center Director Pathway — Requires CDA + experience + BA in many states. Center directors at NAEYC-accredited programs average $58,000–$72,000 nationally.
Practicing exam content is a strong indicator of career commitment. Take our cda practice test or cda practice exam practice quizzes to prepare for the credential exam.
For a fuller set of questions on this topic, see our cda exam practice questions free resource.
For a fuller set of questions on this topic, see our cda practice test resource.
CDA Salary Key Facts
What is the BLS median salary for a CDA-holding childcare worker in 2026?
$34,740 per year ($16.70/hour), per BLS OEWS May 2026 data.
What is the median salary for a preschool teacher with a CDA?
$40,060 annually, per BLS SOC 25-2011. CDA is the minimum credential for this classification.
Which state pays CDA holders the most?
Massachusetts, with a mean annual wage of $48,940 for childcare workers (BLS 2026).
How much more do CDA holders earn than non-certified childcare workers?
Typically $3,000–$6,000/year more, plus access to Head Start lead teacher roles that pay $7,000–$10,000 above non-certified positions.
What credential after CDA leads to the biggest pay jump?
An Associate's or Bachelor's Degree in ECE. A BA opens director and public Pre-K positions averaging $52,000–$68,000.
What is the TEACH scholarship and how does it affect CDA pay?
The T.E.A.C.H. Early Childhood Project offers wage supplements (avg $1.30/hr) to CDA holders in 26+ states, adding ~$2,700/year.
Sample Child Development Associate Practice Questions
Try these questions from our free Child Development Associate practice tests. The correct answer and an explanation follow each question.
How much of a preschool day should be devoted to child-initiated free play, according to developmentally appropriate practice?
- A. Less than 15 minutes
- B. At least 45–60 minutes across the day
- C. Exactly 30 minutes in one block
- D. Only after all structured learning is completed
Answer: B. At least 45–60 minutes across the day
DAP standards recommend substantial blocks of child-initiated free play — at minimum 45–60 minutes — to support autonomous learning and skill development.
An effective daily schedule for preschoolers should include a balance of:
- A. Teacher-directed and child-initiated activities.
- B. Indoor and outdoor time only.
- C. Quiet activities and loud activities only.
- D. Academic worksheets and free play.
Answer: A. Teacher-directed and child-initiated activities.
A well-rounded schedule provides opportunities for children to explore their own interests (child-initiated) and to participate in structured learning experiences guided by the teacher (teacher-directed). This balance supports holistic development across all domains.
What is the purpose of a home visit in early childhood education?
- A. To evaluate the quality of the home environment
- B. To build rapport, learn about the child in their home context, and strengthen family partnership
- C. To check if parents are following program guidelines at home
- D. To assess family income for subsidy purposes
Answer: B. To build rapport, learn about the child in their home context, and strengthen family partnership
Home visits build trust, allow educators to understand the child's home context, and establish a collaborative relationship with the family.
Which dramatic play scenario BEST supports creative self-expression in preschoolers?
- A. Assigning specific roles to each child before play begins
- B. Providing open-ended props and space for children to create their own scenarios
- C. Scripting the play and having children memorize lines
- D. Allowing only familiar themes like 'house' to avoid confusion
Answer: B. Providing open-ended props and space for children to create their own scenarios
Open-ended props and unscripted space allow children to generate their own narratives, roles, and problem-solving — the essence of creative dramatic play.
Take the full Child Development Associate practice test
For more details, see our what is a cda guide. For more details, see our CDA Portfolio 2026: How to Build Your Professional Portfolio guide. For more details, see our cda renewal guide. For more details, see our childcare training guide. For more details, see our cda requirements guide. For more details, see our cda classes guide. For more details, see our early childhood education online guide. For more details, see our cda exam prep guide.CDA Salary Questions and Answers
How this page was made: written with AI tools and published by Nathan Beja, founder of Practice Test Geeks, who is responsible for its content. Exam facts are checked against the official sources listed below. Not reviewed by a subject-matter expert. Editorial policy
Sources & references
Exam facts on this page (fees, format, dates, passing scores) are checked against these official sources; the date is our last check. Editorial policy
- pearsonvue.com — Test dates · verified Oct 2026
- cdacouncil.org — Exam format, fees, eligibility, test delivery, renewal, score validity, retake fee, retake policy, exam information · verified Oct 2026