Childcare Worker salary in Colorado
Childcare Workers in Colorado earn a median of $40,750 a year ($19.59 an hour), based on BLS data for 13,310 workers.
Pay ranges from $33,430 for the lowest-paid 10% to $49,190 for the top 10%. That is 16% higher than the national median of $34,980. Colorado ranks 4th of 51 states for childcare workers pay, one of the best-paying states for this job. 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 $42,410, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for childcare workers in Colorado
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $33,430 | $16.07 |
| 25th percentile | $36,990 | $17.78 |
| Median | $40,750 | $19.59 |
| 75th percentile | $46,260 | $22.24 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $49,190 | $23.65 |
| Average (mean) | $42,410 | $20.39 |
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 | $3,395.83 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $1,697.92 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $1,567.31 |
| Weekly | $783.65 |
| Hourly | $19.59 |
Based on a full-time year of 2,080 hours. Convert any amount with the hourly to salary converter.
Childcare Worker salary in cities in Colorado
| Metro area | Median salary | Workers |
|---|---|---|
| Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO | $44,320 | 7,870 |
| Boulder, CO | $43,380 | 1,060 |
| Colorado Springs, CO | $37,160 | 1,380 |
| Greeley, CO | $36,690 | 490 |
| Fort Collins-Loveland, CO | $36,420 | 740 |
| Grand Junction, CO | $35,390 | 220 |
| Pueblo, CO | $35,230 | 140 |
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 |
Related jobs in Colorado
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors | $49,900 | $23.99 |
| Recreation Worker | $38,820 | $18.67 |
| Personal Care and Service Workers, All Other | $37,930 | $18.24 |
| Residential Advisor | $44,750 | $21.51 |
| Amusement and Recreation Attendants | $35,770 | $17.20 |
| Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists | $37,690 | $18.12 |
| Animal Caretaker | $37,430 | $18.00 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Entertainment and Recreation Workers, Except Gambling Services | $58,640 | $28.19 |
| Manicurists and Pedicurists | $37,110 | $17.84 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Personal Service Workers | $54,530 | $26.22 |
| Ushers, Lobby Attendants, and Ticket Takers | $38,380 | $18.45 |
| Tour and Travel Guides | $42,840 | $20.59 |
| Skincare Specialist | $54,500 | $26.20 |
| Gambling Dealer | $30,800 | $14.81 |
More: Personal Care and Service Occupations · all salaries in Colorado
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 Colorado?
The median salary for childcare workers in Colorado is $40,750 a year, or $19.59 an hour. Pay ranges from $33,430 for the lowest-paid 10% to $49,190 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid childcare workers make in Colorado?
The top 10% of childcare workers in Colorado earn at least $49,190 a year. The top 25% earn $46,260 or more.
What is the starting pay for childcare workers in Colorado?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $33,430 a year, and a quarter of childcare workers earn $36,990 or less.
How many childcare workers work in Colorado?
About 13,310 childcare workers are employed in Colorado, not counting the self-employed.