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How much does child care cost in Santa Cruz, CA?

$22.88/hour

As of December 2024, the average starting cost of child care providers in Santa Cruz, CA is $22.88 per hour. The weekly rate for child care providers in Santa Cruz, CA is $915 for working a 40-hour week. And the monthly cost is approximately $2,974 for 130 hours of work.

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Data is based on rates in caregiver and provider profiles on Care.com. Last updated in December 2024.

Here's a comparison of child care costs in Santa Cruz, CA to both state and national rates

The cost of hiring child care providers in Santa Cruz, CA is approximately 2% higher than California average starting rate of $22.50 per hour and 20% higher than the national average of $19.09.

Location

Starting rate (avg)

Max rate (avg)

Santa Cruz, CA

$22.88/hr

$30.24/hr

California

$22.50/hr

$30.11/hr

United States

$19.09/hr

$26.85/hr

$22.88

$30.24

Santa Cruz, CA

$22.50

$30.11

California

$19.09

$26.85

US

Starting rate (avg)

Max rate (avg)

These are the most affordable cities for child care providers near Santa Cruz, CA

In some cases, nearby cities may offer more affordable child care services. When evaluating child care pay rates in Santa Cruz, CA and its surrounding areas, it is essential to follow the minimum wage regulations and understand the proper way to pay legally. There are multiple benefits of paying legally that should be considered, such as tax deductions and fostering a professional employment relationship.

City

Starting rate (avg)

Max rate (avg)

Alviso, CA

$19.75/hr

$28.00/hr

Freedom, CA

$21.00/hr

$31.00/hr

Castroville, CA

$21.20/hr

$28.00/hr

Aptos, CA

$22.07/hr

$29.79/hr

Ben Lomond, CA

$23.13/hr

$30.19/hr

These are the most expensive cities for child care providers near Santa Cruz, CA

You may pay more per hour for child care providers near Santa Cruz, CA and several factors can contribute to driving up the average rates. They include: higher cost of living, increased demand for child care services, a more competitive job market, and specific details surrounding your care needs (i.e. tasks, timeframe, frequency). As a result, it's important to consider these local factors when comparing child care rates and hiring child care providers near Santa Cruz, CA.

City

Starting rate (avg)

Max rate (avg)

San Martin, CA

$29.17/hr

$29.17/hr

Menlo Park, CA

$28.46/hr

$35.04/hr

Mountain View, CA

$28.30/hr

$35.39/hr

Redwood City, CA

$28.15/hr

$35.22/hr

Palo Alto, CA

$28.09/hr

$35.98/hr

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