Child care professionals experience low wages, financial strain, and high rates of depression and stress, threatening workforce stability in a sector that is critical for family and child well-being. This brief examines the first-year impacts of the Best Starts for Kids Child Care Wage Boost Pilot in King County, Washington, which provided direct wage supplements—equivalent to a roughly $4 an hour increase in wages—to child care professionals employed at selected facilities. Findings show that the wage boost improved financial well-being and reduced depressive symptoms, demonstrating how improved compensation can support the child care workforce.

Why This Matters

Child care professionals are essential to families and communities. Many express love for the work, although they also experience financial strain and high rates of depression, stress, burnout, and turnover. This study provides evidence that better wages can improve financial security and mental health among child care professionals, contributing to the stability of the workforce.

What We Found

• The wage boost reduced financial stress. Wage boost recipients reported lower financial stress and somewhat lower financial hardship than nonrecipients.
• The wage boost improved mental health. Wage boost recipients were less likely to report elevated depressive symptoms than nonrecipients. Stress remained high in both groups, however.
• Child care professionals were thriving despite ongoing challenges. Most respondents, including recipients and nonrecipients of the wage boost, reported high job satisfaction, a sense of accomplishment, and thriving.

Together, these findings demonstrate how increasing compensation can strengthen child care professionals’ financial and emotional well-being and may contribute to a more stable workforce.

How We Did It

This analysis draws from baseline and follow-up surveys and focus groups implemented to assess the first-year impacts of the Wage Boost Pilot. The study leverages the pilot’s randomized lottery design, comparing outcomes for professionals who received wage supplements with those who did not among facilities that applied to the program. Surveys measured financial well-being, mental health, stress, job satisfaction, and related outcomes. Focus groups provided additional context on participants’ experiences. Seven hundred and fifty-two participants completed surveys and 45 participants engaged in 7 focus groups.