Early Childhood Educator salary in Illinois
A strong career option in Illinois — with programs that take 6 months to 4 years to complete.
Median pay · May 2025
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
$40,910/ yr
$3,409 / mo · $19.67 / hr
Pay by experience
Entry
$36,026
Median
$40,910
Experienced
$60,902
Demand
Moderate
Program length
6 months to 4 years
Job demand & outlook
Steady demand across the United States
Source: BLS Employment Projections
Where this career can take you
A clear progression path, with real salary growth at each step
- State Certificate$50,559
- Professional Certification / Diploma$53,771
- Professional Certification / Bootcamp$88,192
- Associate Degree$80,408
Is this career change worth it?
A simple look at what it costs vs what you gain
What it typically costs
- Average training cost—
- Time to complete6 months to 4 years
- Credential earned—
What you get back
- Starting salary$36,026
- Median salary$40,910
- Experienced salary$60,902
Many career changers recoup their certification cost within the first few months of working in their new role.
How to become an Early Childhood Educator in Illinois
A clear path from where you are to where you want to be
Find an Early Childhood Educator program in Illinois
Browse certified training programs. Most Early Childhood Educator tracks complete in 6 months to 4 years.
Earn your certification
Complete coursework, finish required clinical or lab hours, and pass the exam required for a certification in Illinois.
Get hired in Illinois
With roughly thousands of Early Childhood Educator openings each year nationwide, graduates often find employment within 30–90 days in Illinois.
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Frequently asked questions
The median salary for an Early Childhood Educator in Illinois is $40,910 per year, which is $19.67 per hour. Entry level positions typically start around $36,026 while experienced Early Childhood Educators can earn up to $60,902 annually.
Next step
Find Early Childhood Educator Classes Near You
Enter your ZIP code to see accredited Early Childhood Educator classes in your area.