* Location: Salaries are considerably higher in areas with a higher cost of living. Coastal cities and major metropolitan areas tend to pay more than rural areas.
* Experience: Entry-level positions will pay less than those requiring several years of experience. Someone with several years of experience and additional certifications will earn more than a recent graduate.
* Employer: A large, well-established childcare center might offer higher pay and benefits than a smaller, privately owned facility. Government positions (e.g., Head Start) may also offer better compensation and benefits.
* Job Title/Responsibilities: A lead teacher will typically make more than an assistant teacher. A position with supervisory responsibilities will command a higher salary.
While it's impossible to give a precise number, a reasonable estimate for an entry-level position with an AAS in child development would be between $25,000 and $35,000 per year in many areas of the United States. However, this is a broad range, and some areas might see significantly lower or higher figures. Experienced professionals with additional qualifications could earn considerably more, potentially in the $40,000-$50,000 range or even higher in certain roles and locations.
To get a more precise idea of salaries in your specific area, you should search for job postings online (Indeed, LinkedIn, etc.) and filter by location and "child development" or related keywords. Sites like Salary.com and Glassdoor can also provide salary estimates based on location and experience.