The American Institutes for Research® (AIR®) worked with a state conducting an alternative rated methodology for their child care subsidy. The sustainability of the child care system depends on wages that attract and retain qualified staff. However, information is limited regarding the necessary wage levels. This work involved directly engaging child care workersto gather information about the wages they consider adequate to maintain high-quality care and the rationale behind why these wages are necessary. The state wanted to gather data on the current salaries and needed salaries of child care staff and focused on the following research questions: (1) What are the current salaries and benefits of child care staff, categorized by position, for licensed center and family child care home (FCCH) providers?; (2) What do child care providers consider to be an adequate salary?; and (3) What factors do child care providers consider when determining an adequate salary? A summary of the research is presented in this brief.