Child Development Associate (CDA) credential holders earned a median annual salary of $34,740 in 2025, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics — with top earners in high-demand states exceeding $48,000. This guide breaks down CDA pay by role, experience, state, and employer type so you know exactly what to expect in 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.
According to BLS data, the median hourly wage for childcare workers was $16.70/hour ($34,740 annually) in May 2025. 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.
CDA holders qualify for several distinct roles, each with a different pay range. The table below reflects 2025 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 2025, Indeed salary data Q1 2026. Head Start salary based on NHSA compensation survey.
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 2025) 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.
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.
Earning the what is a cda from the Council for Professional Recognition directly translates to higher pay through several mechanisms:
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.
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.
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 2025.
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.
The CDA is designed as a career lattice entry point, not a ceiling. The most common advancement paths in 2026 are:
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.
CDA-certified childcare workers earned a median of $34,740 per year ($16.70/hour) in 2025, per BLS OEWS data. Preschool teachers — the most common role for CDA holders — earned a median of $40,060. Head Start lead teachers, who must hold a CDA by federal mandate, averaged $42,500. Salaries vary by state, employer type, and years of experience.
Yes. CDA certification typically increases pay by $3,000–$6,000 per year compared to non-certified childcare workers. CDA holders also gain access to Head Start lead teacher roles (paying $7K–$10K more than average) and QRIS-rated center positions. Private chains like KinderCare and Bright Horizons offer $1–$3/hour differentials for CDA-certified staff.
Head Start lead teachers earn an average of $42,500 per year based on NHSA compensation data, with ranges from $32,000 in rural areas to $58,000+ in major metro areas. Federal Head Start regulations (45 CFR Part 1302) require all lead teachers to hold at minimum a Child Development Associate (CDA) credential.
The highest-paying role accessible to CDA holders is ECE Center Director, with salaries of $48,000–$75,000+ at NAEYC-accredited programs. Most director positions also require a BA in ECE or Child Development. Early Intervention Specialists, also reachable from a CDA + additional training, earn $44,000–$58,000. Learn more about career paths at what is a cda
The five highest-paying states for childcare workers (BLS 2025) are: Massachusetts ($48,940), New York ($47,580), Washington ($46,310), Connecticut ($45,900), and Minnesota ($43,760). These states have universal pre-K programs, higher minimum wages, and stronger childcare subsidy systems that drive wages up for credentialed workers.
To maximize CDA earnings: (1) Apply to Head Start or Early Head Start programs — they pay the most and require CDA by law. (2) Check if your state has a TEACH scholarship for wage supplements. (3) Work at a QRIS-rated 3–5 star center, which pays more than unrated programs. (4) Pursue an Associate's Degree in ECE — many colleges grant 12–18 transfer credits for CDA holders. See the full cda classes for credential details.
Yes, in most cases. The CDA application fee is $425. Typical annual salary increases for CDA holders are $3,000–$6,000 above non-certified peers, meaning most workers recover the investment cost within 2–3 months of earning the credential. Combined with access to Head Start positions, TEACH wage supplements, and QRIS-rated center pay tiers, the lifetime financial benefit is significant.