ECE Employee Pay Scales, Benefits, and Vacation: A Guide for Daycare Owners and Managers

Running a childcare business means balancing quality of care with operational sustainability. One of the most critical areas for daycare owners and managers is understanding Early Childhood Educator (ECE) pay scales, benefits, vacation expectations, and where to find accurate local data. Whether you're hiring your first staff member or benchmarking salaries to remain competitive, this guide breaks it down by city: Victoria, Vancouver, Dallas, Calgary, and Edmonton.

Why ECE Compensation Data Matters

Well-compensated ECEs are more likely to stay long-term, deliver high-quality care, and boost your centre's reputation. Understanding your local market helps you:

• Attract top talent

• Set fair and sustainable pay structures

• Plan ahead for raises, benefits, and time off

Where to Find ECE Pay and Benefits Data

You can find reliable, up-to-date wage data from the following sources:

• Canada Job Bank (jobbank.gc.ca) – for BC and Alberta salary ranges

• WorkBC (workbc.ca) – detailed wage information for Victoria and Vancouver

• Alis Alberta (alis.alberta.ca) – Edmonton and Calgary salary insights

• Texas Workforce Commission (twc.texas.gov) – for Dallas area wage benchmarks

• Glassdoor and Indeed – user-reported salaries and reviews for childcare roles

ECE Pay Scales by City (2025 Estimates)

City	Entry-Level ($/hr)	Average ($/hr)	Experienced ($/hr)
Victoria	$22	$26	$30+
Vancouver	$23	$27	$32+
Calgary	$19	$24	$28+
Edmonton	$18	$23	$27+
Dallas	$13	$16	$20+

Note: These are averages. Wages vary depending on qualifications (ECE Assistant, ECE, Infant/Toddler, or Special Needs certifications). 

When Are Raises Typically Awarded?

Raises are often tied to performance reviews, cost-of-living adjustments, and government wage enhancement grants. A common schedule includes:

• Annual reviews: Many centres conduct yearly performance and salary reviews

• Completion of certifications: A raise may be granted after earning an Infant/Toddler or Special Needs license

• Retention bonuses: Especially in competitive areas like Vancouver or Dallas

Vacation Time for ECEs

City	Typical Vacation Days	Notes
Victoria	10–15 days	May include paid sick time
Vancouver	10–20 days	Often tiered by seniority
Calgary	10 days (min.)	Increases with tenure
Edmonton	10–15 days	Can include personal days
Dallas	5–10 days	May be unpaid for part-time staff

 

Typical Benefits Offered

• Health & dental coverage (Vancouver, Victoria, Calgary, and Edmonton increasingly offer this)

• RRSP matching (more common in Alberta)

• Paid professional development (across all cities)

• Subsidized child care for employee's children

• Flexible hours or 4-day workweeks in some private centres

 

Final Thoughts

Understanding local compensation trends is vital to running a sustainable and reputable childcare operation. With demand for quality ECEs rising across North America, now is the time to assess your compensation strategy.

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