Childcare workers in the UK often make less than supermarket staff. Yet, they care for babies, toddlers, and young kids day in and day out. They guide development, teach vital skills, and provide safety and love when parents are away. So how much does a childcare worker make a year? In 2025, the average is between £20,000 and £25,000. Some earn even less.
This blog breaks down the salary, training costs, and realities behind this essential but undervalued job. It also explores how much childcare costs for parents and what it takes to enter the field.
What Is a Childcare Worker?
A childcare worker looks after children in nurseries, schools, or private homes. They feed, clean, play with, and teach children. They keep kids safe and happy. They help with learning, emotions, and even the basics like using the toilet or tying shoes.
Some work in daycares. Some are childminders running care from their own homes. Some are nannies. Many follow the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) guidelines.
They don’t just “watch” children. They help raise them.
How Long Does It Take to Become a Childcare Worker?
It depends on your route. You can start working with kids in just a few months. Many roles only need a DBS check and basic GCSEs. Employers often train you on the job.
To become fully qualified, it takes about one to two years. You can take an apprenticeship or complete a college course. A Level 2 childcare certificate takes about a year. A Level 3 diploma takes closer to two.
You can also volunteer first, then train while you work. It’s flexible. And it’s faster than many careers.
How Much Does It Cost to Become a Childcare Worker?
Compared to many jobs, the cost to start is low. Here’s a breakdown of what you might pay:
A DBS check costs around £48. Some jobs cover it. A paediatric first aid course runs from £50 to £100. Level 2 or 3 childcare courses are often free for 16-19s. Adults might pay up to £1000. Apprenticeships are usually free. You might spend £50 on work clothes.
If you want to become a childminder, the costs are higher. Ofsted registration is £35 per year. DBS checks are needed for everyone in your home. That’s £48 each. Your GP might charge up to £90 for a health form. You’ll also need training and safety gear, which could cost £200-300. Public liability insurance runs between £25 and £100 a year.
Altogether, becoming a childminder could cost around £600-£700 upfront. For nursery workers, the cost is often under £200 if your training is funded.
How Much Is the Salary of a Childcare Worker?
This is where things get hard to hear. In 2025, many full-time childcare workers earn less than people stacking shelves.
Entry-level childcare workers earn around £16,000 to £18,000 a year. With qualifications, they earn between £20,000 and £24,000. Room leaders or senior staff may earn up to £28,000. Nursery managers might make more than £30,000.
How much is the salary of a childcare worker? On average, it’s about £20,000 to £25,000 a year.
It depends on where you work. In London, you might earn up to £30,000. In rural areas or the North of England, it’s closer to £17,000. The average hourly rate is £9.22. Some jobs pay less than £8 an hour. That’s barely above minimum wage.
How Much Do You Get Paid as a Childcare Worker?
Let’s say you work full-time, 40 hours a week. At £9.22 an hour, that’s about £19,200 a year.
If you have a Level 3 qualification and more experience, you might get £10.50 an hour. That comes out to £21,840 a year.
Not bad, but not great for a job that carries this much weight. You’re caring for lives, shaping futures. Yet your pay barely covers your own bills.
How much do you get paid as a childcare worker? Often, not nearly enough.
How Much Does a Childcare Worker Make a Year? (By Role)
A nursery assistant might make £16,000 to £18,000. A Level 3 nursery nurse can earn £20,000 to £24,000. A room leader might earn £25,000 to £28,000. Nursery managers usually earn over £30,000. A childminder running their own business might earn anything from £20,000 to £40,000.
How much does a childcare worker make a year? Usually between £20K and £25K. Sometimes more. Often less.
Many juggle second jobs or extra hours to make ends meet.
Why Is Childcare Pay So Low?
That’s the big question. Childcare is skilled, physical, and emotional work. It demands patience, training, and responsibility.
But society doesn’t treat it that way. Many people still see it as “women’s work.” Or assume it doesn’t take skill. Or they think that just because it’s caring, it shouldn’t cost much.
This mindset keeps pay low. So do funding gaps, private nursery costs, and government policies that don’t match the real price of care.
If we valued children, we’d value the people who care for them.
How Much Does Childcare Cost Parents in 2025?
Here’s the twist: while workers get paid little, childcare costs parents a lot.
In England (2025), full-time nursery for under 2s costs around £239 a week. Part-time care (25 hours) costs about £70 a week if you qualify for free hours. Without subsidy, that same care could cost up to £175 a week.
That’s £45 to £50 a day on average. In London, it can cost even more.
It costs more to put your child in care than some workers get paid to provide it.
How Much Do Childminders Earn?
Childminders charge by the hour. The average is about £5 per hour per child. If you care for three kids for 40 hours a week, that’s £600 a week. That comes to £31,200 a year.
But you pay for food, toys, insurance, and taxes. After costs, earnings might fall to £20,000 to £25,000.
Again, about the same as nursery staff. More risk. More freedom. But still not much.
Why People Still Choose Childcare
People choose this job because they love kids. Because they care. Because they want to help families.
It’s rewarding. But it shouldn’t come at the cost of your own well-being.
Childcare workers support children’s early development. They help parents work. They build future generations. But their paychecks don’t reflect that.
It’s time we ask: why not?
Final Thoughts: The Real Cost of Caring
So, how much does a childcare worker make a year in the UK? About £20K to £25K.
That’s not much for the responsibility they carry.
They keep children safe. They teach them. They wipe tears and change nappies and build confidence. This is real work. Hard work. Vital work.
If we want strong communities and supported families, we must support the people who care for our children.
Childcare shouldn’t mean poverty. It should mean pride.
The real cost of caring is not just paid by parents. It’s paid by the workers who give so much and get so little in return.
Let’s change that. Want to make a real difference—and get the training you need to do it well? Enrol in our online Childcare courses at Unified Course. Because the people who care deserve to be prepared, supported, and valued.
