Childcare Worker salary in Columbia, SC
Childcare Workers in the Columbia, SC metro area earn a median of $28,850 a year ($13.87 an hour), based on BLS data for 1,670 workers.
Pay ranges from $23,580 for the lowest-paid 10% to $37,420 for the top 10%. That is 18% lower than the national median of $34,980. Pay here is 3% lower than the South Carolina statewide median of $29,650. There are 4.2 childcare workers per 1,000 jobs here — the job is 1.3× more common than nationally. The average (mean) salary is $30,150, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for childcare workers in Columbia, SC
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $23,580 | $11.34 |
| 25th percentile | $24,850 | $11.95 |
| Median | $28,850 | $13.87 |
| 75th percentile | $32,180 | $15.47 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $37,420 | $17.99 |
| Average (mean) | $30,150 | $14.49 |
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 | $2,404.17 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $1,202.08 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $1,109.62 |
| Weekly | $554.81 |
| Hourly | $13.87 |
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Charleston-North Charleston, SC | $31,870 | 1,860 |
| Hilton Head Island-Bluffton-Port Royal, SC | $30,740 | 220 |
| Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC | $30,390 | 3,790 |
| Spartanburg, SC | $29,430 | 620 |
| Myrtle Beach-Conway-North Myrtle Beach, SC | $28,850 | 410 |
| Augusta-Richmond County, GA-SC | $28,730 | 2,000 |
| Greenville-Anderson-Greer, SC | $28,440 | 1,740 |
| Florence, SC | $27,780 | 410 |
| Sumter, SC | $27,660 | 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 South Carolina statewide figures.
Related jobs in Columbia, SC
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Recreation Worker | $30,140 | $14.49 |
| Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors | $45,870 | $22.05 |
| Residential Advisor | $39,660 | $19.07 |
| Animal Caretaker | $30,720 | $14.77 |
| Amusement and Recreation Attendants | $25,720 | $12.37 |
| Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists | $30,710 | $14.76 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Personal Service Workers | $42,770 | $20.56 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Entertainment and Recreation Workers, Except Gambling Services | $48,020 | $23.09 |
| Ushers, Lobby Attendants, and Ticket Takers | $22,400 | $10.77 |
| Funeral Attendant | $28,870 | $13.88 |
| Skincare Specialist | $37,870 | $18.21 |
| Concierge | $30,980 | $14.89 |
| Tour and Travel Guides | $30,320 | $14.58 |
| Morticians, Undertakers, and Funeral Arrangers | $48,130 | $23.14 |
More: Personal Care and Service Occupations · all salaries in Columbia, SC
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, SC?
The median salary for childcare workers in the Columbia, SC metro area is $28,850 a year, or $13.87 an hour. Pay ranges from $23,580 for the lowest-paid 10% to $37,420 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid childcare workers make in Columbia, SC?
The top 10% of childcare workers in the Columbia, SC metro area earn at least $37,420 a year. The top 25% earn $32,180 or more.
What is the starting pay for childcare workers in Columbia, SC?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $23,580 a year, and a quarter of childcare workers earn $24,850 or less.
How many childcare workers work in Columbia, SC?
About 1,670 childcare workers are employed in the Columbia, SC metro area, not counting the self-employed.