GITNUX REPORT 2024

Key Day Care Industry Statistics: Growth, Costs, Workforce Details

Exploring the booming $54.3 billion US day care industry: statistics, trends, and challenges ahead.

Author: Jannik Lindner

First published: 7/17/2024

Statistic 1

51% of Americans live in a child care desert

Statistic 2

Only 4.2% of eligible children receive child care subsidies

Statistic 3

About 20% of child care centers offer non-traditional hours (evenings, nights, or weekends)

Statistic 4

About 12% of child care centers in the US offer transportation services

Statistic 5

About 33% of parents report difficulty finding child care

Statistic 6

About 54% of child care centers offer full-day programs

Statistic 7

The average cost of center-based infant care in the US is $11,896 per year

Statistic 8

The average annual cost of infant care in Massachusetts is $20,913

Statistic 9

In 28 states, the cost of infant care is higher than in-state college tuition

Statistic 10

The average annual cost of child care for two children in the US is $28,970

Statistic 11

About 70% of parents report that the cost of child care has influenced their career decisions

Statistic 12

The average annual cost of full-time care for an infant in a center is $11,896

Statistic 13

About 18% of family income is spent on child care in the US

Statistic 14

The average weekly child care expenses for families with working mothers is $143

Statistic 15

The average annual cost of child care for an infant in California is $16,945

Statistic 16

About 60% of child care expenses are for labor costs

Statistic 17

The average annual cost of child care for a 4-year-old in the US is $9,254

Statistic 18

The day care industry employs about 1.5 million people in the US

Statistic 19

The average hourly wage for child care workers is $12.24

Statistic 20

The child care industry has an annual job turnover rate of 30%

Statistic 21

About 24% of child care workers have a bachelor's degree or higher

Statistic 22

The median age of child care workers is 36 years old

Statistic 23

About 40% of child care workers rely on public assistance

Statistic 24

About 24% of child care workers have no health insurance

Statistic 25

The average tenure of a child care worker is 3.6 years

Statistic 26

About 94% of child care workers are women

Statistic 27

The day care industry has an average annual wage increase of 2.1%

Statistic 28

About 12.5 million children under age 6 attend some form of child care in the US

Statistic 29

58% of working parents rely on child care centers

Statistic 30

About 33% of children under 5 are in non-parental child care

Statistic 31

About 60% of children aged 3-5 are enrolled in center-based care programs

Statistic 32

About 55% of mothers with children under 3 are in the labor force

Statistic 33

The day care industry is expected to grow by 3.9% in 2023

Statistic 34

The global day care market size is expected to reach $520.4 billion by 2027

Statistic 35

The day care market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 3.9% from 2020 to 2027

Statistic 36

The day care industry has grown by 1.1% per year on average between 2016 and 2021

Statistic 37

About 51% of child care providers reported losing money by staying open during the COVID-19 pandemic

Statistic 38

The day care industry has an average annual revenue growth of 2.5%

Statistic 39

There are approximately 856,238 child care facilities in the United States

Statistic 40

The day care industry in the US is worth $54.3 billion

Statistic 41

The day care industry has a profit margin of about 7.5%

Statistic 42

The day care industry in Canada is worth about CAD 7.5 billion

Statistic 43

In the UK, the child care market is worth approximately £5.5 billion

Statistic 44

The day care industry has an average revenue of $63,472 per employee

Statistic 45

The day care industry has an average profit margin of 7.5%

Statistic 46

The day care industry has an average annual revenue per establishment of $283,000

Statistic 47

About 24% of child care centers are for-profit chains

Statistic 48

61% of child care centers are single-site for-profit businesses

Statistic 49

15% of child care centers are non-profit organizations

Statistic 50

The day care industry has a market concentration of 22.8%

Statistic 51

About 93% of child care centers in the US are small businesses

Statistic 52

The average capacity of a child care center in the US is 76 children

Statistic 53

The average child care center in the US serves 76 children

Statistic 54

About 27% of family child care providers have been in business for more than 20 years

Statistic 55

The average occupancy rate for child care centers is 70%

Statistic 56

About 15% of child care centers in the US are part of a multi-site organization

Statistic 57

The average child care center in the US has been in operation for 14 years

Statistic 58

Only 11% of child care centers in the US are accredited

Statistic 59

The average child-to-staff ratio in US day care centers is 6:1 for toddlers

Statistic 60

Only about 10% of child care programs in the US are considered high-quality

Statistic 61

About 85% of brain development occurs in the first five years of life

Statistic 62

Only 11% of child care programs in the US are accredited

Statistic 63

The average child-to-staff ratio for preschoolers in US day care centers is 10:1

Statistic 64

About 25% of child care centers offer bilingual programs

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Summary

  • There are approximately 856,238 child care facilities in the United States
  • The day care industry in the US is worth $54.3 billion
  • The day care industry is expected to grow by 3.9% in 2023
  • About 12.5 million children under age 6 attend some form of child care in the US
  • The average cost of center-based infant care in the US is $11,896 per year
  • 58% of working parents rely on child care centers
  • The day care industry employs about 1.5 million people in the US
  • The average hourly wage for child care workers is $12.24
  • About 24% of child care centers are for-profit chains
  • 61% of child care centers are single-site for-profit businesses
  • 15% of child care centers are non-profit organizations
  • The child care industry has an annual job turnover rate of 30%
  • Only 11% of child care centers in the US are accredited
  • The average child-to-staff ratio in US day care centers is 6:1 for toddlers
  • 51% of Americans live in a child care desert

Step right up, folks! Ever wondered just how much chaos and cuteness can be found in the world of day care? Brace yourselves as we dive into the wild and wacky world of child care statistics. Picture this: in the grand ol US of A, there are a whopping 856,238 child care facilities nurturing the future generation while raking in a sweet $54.3 billion. With about 12.5 million little rascals under the age of 6 buzzing around, its no wonder 58% of working parents rely on these centers. So, grab your coffee, fasten your seatbelts, and lets unravel the daycare saga, one startling statistic at a time!

Accessibility

  • 51% of Americans live in a child care desert
  • Only 4.2% of eligible children receive child care subsidies
  • About 20% of child care centers offer non-traditional hours (evenings, nights, or weekends)
  • About 12% of child care centers in the US offer transportation services
  • About 33% of parents report difficulty finding child care
  • About 54% of child care centers offer full-day programs

Interpretation

In a country where more than half of the population resides in a child care desert, it seems that the struggle for quality and accessible care for our little ones is as real as running out of coffee on a Monday morning. With only a mere 4.2% of eligible children getting any financial support, it's no wonder parents are left feeling like they're playing a never-ending game of hide and seek when it comes to securing affordable care. And for those working at odd hours or relying on public transportation, the child care oasis seems like a mirage, with only a fifth of centers offering non-traditional hours and a tiny fraction providing transportation services. It's a puzzling reality where finding suitable care is as challenging as trying to get a toddler to eat their vegetables. With a notable chunk of parents reporting difficulties in this quest, it's clear that the child care landscape is in need of some serious reimagining, like a toddler-friendly version of a Rubik's Cube. Despite the hurdles, there's a flicker of hope shining through, with over half of child care centers offering full-day programs, like a beacon guiding weary parents towards a more manageable horizon.

Cost

  • The average cost of center-based infant care in the US is $11,896 per year
  • The average annual cost of infant care in Massachusetts is $20,913
  • In 28 states, the cost of infant care is higher than in-state college tuition
  • The average annual cost of child care for two children in the US is $28,970
  • About 70% of parents report that the cost of child care has influenced their career decisions
  • The average annual cost of full-time care for an infant in a center is $11,896
  • About 18% of family income is spent on child care in the US
  • The average weekly child care expenses for families with working mothers is $143
  • The average annual cost of child care for an infant in California is $16,945
  • About 60% of child care expenses are for labor costs
  • The average annual cost of child care for a 4-year-old in the US is $9,254

Interpretation

In a country where the average cost of nurturing a tiny human surpasses even the price of getting an education, it seems the business of caring for our little ones comes with a hefty price tag. With child care expenses taking up a not-so-modest chunk of family income and influencing career decisions for many parents, one might wonder if we are investing in the future generation or simply trying to balance the ledger. As the dollars add up and the statistics paint a challenging picture, it's clear that the cost of care for our offspring is no child's play.

Employment

  • The day care industry employs about 1.5 million people in the US
  • The average hourly wage for child care workers is $12.24
  • The child care industry has an annual job turnover rate of 30%
  • About 24% of child care workers have a bachelor's degree or higher
  • The median age of child care workers is 36 years old
  • About 40% of child care workers rely on public assistance
  • About 24% of child care workers have no health insurance
  • The average tenure of a child care worker is 3.6 years
  • About 94% of child care workers are women
  • The day care industry has an average annual wage increase of 2.1%

Interpretation

In a world where the priceless task of nurturing our future leaders falls largely on the shoulders of underpaid, underappreciated child care workers, it seems that statistics tell a story of disparity and neglect. With an annual job turnover rate of 30% and a reliance on public assistance among 40% of child care workers, it's evident that the backbone of the day care industry is in dire need of support. As these unsung heroes continue to navigate a landscape of low wages, limited benefits, and uncertain job security, one can only hope that the industry will recognize their worth and strive for a brighter future for those who shape the minds of tomorrow.

Enrollment

  • About 12.5 million children under age 6 attend some form of child care in the US
  • 58% of working parents rely on child care centers
  • About 33% of children under 5 are in non-parental child care
  • About 60% of children aged 3-5 are enrolled in center-based care programs
  • About 55% of mothers with children under 3 are in the labor force

Interpretation

In a world where juggling career aspirations and parental duties has become an Olympic sport, the Day Care Industry stands as the unsung hero, caring for over 12.5 million tiny humans while their parents brave the workforce. With 58% of working parents relying on child care centers, it's clear that these institutions are the real MVPs of modern society. As about 33% of children under 5 spend their days in non-parental care, one can't help but wonder if these little tykes are already mastering the art of networking and social skills. And let's not forget the impressive 60% of children aged 3-5 enrolled in center-based care programs—the future CEOs and innovators of tomorrow, no doubt. In a world where over half of mothers with children under 3 are in the labor force, the Day Care Industry is the glue holding it all together, ensuring that both career ambitions and adorable baby selfies can coexist harmoniously.

Market Growth

  • The day care industry is expected to grow by 3.9% in 2023
  • The global day care market size is expected to reach $520.4 billion by 2027
  • The day care market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 3.9% from 2020 to 2027
  • The day care industry has grown by 1.1% per year on average between 2016 and 2021
  • About 51% of child care providers reported losing money by staying open during the COVID-19 pandemic
  • The day care industry has an average annual revenue growth of 2.5%

Interpretation

The day care industry seems to be playing the long game, with steady growth projections hinting at its resilience amidst economic fluctuations. Like toddlers learning to walk, it has had its stumbles, evidenced by the financial strain on child care providers during the pandemic, but it's bouncing back with an expected global market size that could make even the most seasoned business moguls do a double take. With an average annual revenue growth that might not set the world on fire but certainly keeps the bottom line in the black, one thing's for sure - in the world of day care, the future is bright, even if the crayon markings on the walls occasionally test the nerves of the most patient of care providers.

Market Size

  • There are approximately 856,238 child care facilities in the United States
  • The day care industry in the US is worth $54.3 billion
  • The day care industry has a profit margin of about 7.5%
  • The day care industry in Canada is worth about CAD 7.5 billion
  • In the UK, the child care market is worth approximately £5.5 billion
  • The day care industry has an average revenue of $63,472 per employee
  • The day care industry has an average profit margin of 7.5%
  • The day care industry has an average annual revenue per establishment of $283,000

Interpretation

The statistics paint a colorful picture of the day care industry - where approximately 856,238 child care facilities across the United States serve as the guardians of our future generations while raking in a hefty $54.3 billion in revenue, with a profit margin of 7.5%. Across the pond in Canada and the UK, the industry thrives with impressive numbers of CAD 7.5 billion and £5.5 billion respectively, proving that child care is not just a business but an essential service. With an average revenue of $63,472 per employee and an average annual revenue per establishment of $283,000, it's evident that in the world of day care, taking care of children is not only a labor of love but also a profitable venture.

Market Structure

  • About 24% of child care centers are for-profit chains
  • 61% of child care centers are single-site for-profit businesses
  • 15% of child care centers are non-profit organizations
  • The day care industry has a market concentration of 22.8%
  • About 93% of child care centers in the US are small businesses
  • The average capacity of a child care center in the US is 76 children
  • The average child care center in the US serves 76 children
  • About 27% of family child care providers have been in business for more than 20 years
  • The average occupancy rate for child care centers is 70%
  • About 15% of child care centers in the US are part of a multi-site organization
  • The average child care center in the US has been in operation for 14 years

Interpretation

In the colorful landscape of the day care industry, where young minds are nurtured and chaos is tamed, statistics reveal a fascinating array of numbers. From the dominance of single-site for-profit businesses to the surprising longevity of family child care providers, it's clear that this field is a blend of business acumen and heartfelt dedication. With an average capacity of 76 children per center, it's evident that child care professionals are juggling more than just toys and snacks. As the industry continues to evolve, the numbers paint a picture of resilience, innovation, and a steadfast commitment to shaping the future generation.

Quality

  • Only 11% of child care centers in the US are accredited
  • The average child-to-staff ratio in US day care centers is 6:1 for toddlers
  • Only about 10% of child care programs in the US are considered high-quality
  • About 85% of brain development occurs in the first five years of life
  • Only 11% of child care programs in the US are accredited
  • The average child-to-staff ratio for preschoolers in US day care centers is 10:1
  • About 25% of child care centers offer bilingual programs

Interpretation

It's a statistical hodgepodge in the world of day care, where only 11% of centers bother with accreditation, leaving many parents scrambling to find quality care for their little ones amidst a sea of overburdened staff and less-than-ideal ratios. With just 10% of programs meeting the mark for excellence, it's no wonder that the early years, when 85% of brain development occurs, are a crucial yet challenging time for families. While some centers stand out by offering bilingual programs for our global-minded tots, the majority seem to be caught in a ratio rut, with preschoolers averaging 10:1 attention. It's clear that the day care industry faces a serious call to step up its game for our future leaders.

References