Childcare Worker salary in Columbia, MO
Childcare Workers in the Columbia, MO metro area earn a median of $29,070 a year ($13.98 an hour), based on BLS data for 470 workers.
Pay ranges from $28,600 for the lowest-paid 10% to $37,610 for the top 10%. That is 17% lower than the national median of $34,980. Pay here is 6% lower than the Missouri statewide median of $30,790. There are 4.3 childcare workers per 1,000 jobs here — the job is 1.3× more common than nationally. The average (mean) salary is $31,970, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for childcare workers in Columbia, MO
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $28,600 | $13.75 |
| 25th percentile | $28,600 | $13.75 |
| Median | $29,070 | $13.98 |
| 75th percentile | $35,560 | $17.09 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $37,610 | $18.08 |
| Average (mean) | $31,970 | $15.37 |
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 | $2,422.50 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $1,211.25 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $1,118.08 |
| Weekly | $559.04 |
| Hourly | $13.98 |
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 |
|---|---|---|
| St. Louis, MO-IL | $33,320 | 5,710 |
| Kansas City, MO-KS | $31,770 | 6,660 |
| Springfield, MO | $29,610 | 920 |
| Cape Girardeau, MO-IL | $29,210 | 140 |
| St. Joseph, MO-KS | $29,130 | 260 |
| Jefferson City, MO | $28,600 | 350 |
| Joplin, MO-KS | $28,600 | 300 |
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 Missouri statewide figures.
Related jobs in Columbia, MO
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors | $35,090 | $16.87 |
| Recreation Worker | $36,860 | $17.72 |
| Residential Advisor | $49,630 | $23.86 |
| Animal Caretaker | $29,950 | $14.40 |
| Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists | $35,900 | $17.26 |
| Amusement and Recreation Attendants | $31,200 | $15.00 |
| Skincare Specialist | $45,000 | $21.64 |
| Ushers, Lobby Attendants, and Ticket Takers | $31,200 | $15.00 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Personal Service Workers | $41,990 | $20.19 |
More: Personal Care and Service Occupations · all salaries in Columbia, MO
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 Columbia, MO?
The median salary for childcare workers in the Columbia, MO metro area is $29,070 a year, or $13.98 an hour. Pay ranges from $28,600 for the lowest-paid 10% to $37,610 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid childcare workers make in Columbia, MO?
The top 10% of childcare workers in the Columbia, MO metro area earn at least $37,610 a year. The top 25% earn $35,560 or more.
What is the starting pay for childcare workers in Columbia, MO?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $28,600 a year, and a quarter of childcare workers earn $28,600 or less.
How many childcare workers work in Columbia, MO?
About 470 childcare workers are employed in the Columbia, MO metro area, not counting the self-employed.