Childcare Worker salary in Ames, IA
Childcare Workers in the Ames, IA metro area earn a median of $27,850 a year ($13.39 an hour), based on BLS data for 260 workers.
Pay ranges from $22,710 for the lowest-paid 10% to $33,510 for the top 10%. That is 20% lower than the national median of $34,980. Pay here is 2% lower than the Iowa statewide median of $28,420. There are 4.6 childcare workers per 1,000 jobs here — the job is 1.4× more common than nationally. The average (mean) salary is $28,880, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for childcare workers in Ames, IA
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $22,710 | $10.92 |
| 25th percentile | $26,890 | $12.93 |
| Median | $27,850 | $13.39 |
| 75th percentile | $28,980 | $13.93 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $33,510 | $16.11 |
| Average (mean) | $28,880 | $13.88 |
Half of childcare workers earn more than the median and half earn less. Percentiles show the spread: 10% earn less than the 10th percentile, and 10% earn more than the 90th.
Median paycheck, before taxes
| Pay period | Amount |
|---|---|
| Monthly | $2,320.83 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $1,160.42 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $1,071.15 |
| Weekly | $535.58 |
| Hourly | $13.39 |
Based on a full-time year of 2,080 hours. Convert any amount with the hourly to salary converter.
Childcare Worker salary in other metro areas nearby
| Metro area | Median salary | Workers |
|---|---|---|
| Davenport-Moline-Rock Island, IA-IL | $32,300 | 810 |
| Dubuque, IA | $31,730 | 370 |
| Omaha, NE-IA | $31,330 | 4,940 |
| Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA | $29,760 | 1,720 |
| Sioux City, IA-NE-SD | $29,330 | 280 |
| Iowa City, IA | $29,170 | 460 |
| Cedar Rapids, IA | $28,170 | 380 |
| Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA | $27,580 | 380 |
Highest-paying states for childcare workers
| State | Median salary |
|---|---|
| District of Columbia | $47,340 |
| Washington | $41,680 |
| Massachusetts | $40,900 |
| Colorado | $40,750 |
| California | $40,020 |
| Oregon | $38,650 |
| Vermont | $38,030 |
| New York | $37,590 |
| New Hampshire | $37,080 |
| Hawaii | $37,030 |
See Childcare Worker pay in every state or the Iowa statewide figures.
Related jobs in Ames, IA
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Recreation Worker | $31,110 | $14.96 |
| Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors | $32,150 | $15.46 |
| Residential Advisor | $48,230 | $23.19 |
| Animal Caretaker | $38,700 | $18.61 |
| Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists | $36,170 | $17.39 |
| Amusement and Recreation Attendants | $27,100 | $13.03 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Entertainment and Recreation Workers, Except Gambling Services | $43,830 | $21.07 |
More: Personal Care and Service Occupations · all salaries in Ames, IA
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 estimates, occupation code 39-9011. Wages include base pay, tips, commissions and shift pay, but not overtime, bonuses or benefits, and exclude the self-employed.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a childcare worker make in Ames, IA?
The median salary for childcare workers in the Ames, IA metro area is $27,850 a year, or $13.39 an hour. Pay ranges from $22,710 for the lowest-paid 10% to $33,510 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid childcare workers make in Ames, IA?
The top 10% of childcare workers in the Ames, IA metro area earn at least $33,510 a year. The top 25% earn $28,980 or more.
What is the starting pay for childcare workers in Ames, IA?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $22,710 a year, and a quarter of childcare workers earn $26,890 or less.
How many childcare workers work in Ames, IA?
About 260 childcare workers are employed in the Ames, IA metro area, not counting the self-employed.