Childcare Worker salary in Columbus, GA-AL
Childcare Workers in the Columbus, GA-AL metro area earn a median of $26,150 a year ($12.57 an hour), based on BLS data for 510 workers.
Pay ranges from $19,910 for the lowest-paid 10% to $35,290 for the top 10%. That is 25% lower than the national median of $34,980. Pay here is 7% lower than the Georgia statewide median of $28,020. There are 4.4 childcare workers per 1,000 jobs here — the job is 1.3× more common than nationally. The average (mean) salary is $25,880, close to the median.
Pay range for childcare workers in Columbus, GA-AL
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $19,910 | $9.57 |
| 25th percentile | $21,670 | $10.42 |
| Median | $26,150 | $12.57 |
| 75th percentile | $28,670 | $13.78 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $35,290 | $16.97 |
| Average (mean) | $25,880 | $12.44 |
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 | $2,179.17 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $1,089.58 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $1,005.77 |
| Weekly | $502.88 |
| Hourly | $12.57 |
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Savannah, GA | $29,630 | 920 |
| Chattanooga, TN-GA | $28,860 | 1,190 |
| Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA | $28,840 | 13,220 |
| Brunswick-St. Simons, GA | $28,760 | 180 |
| Augusta-Richmond County, GA-SC | $28,730 | 2,000 |
| Hinesville, GA | $28,250 | 130 |
| Gainesville, GA | $27,800 | 260 |
| Athens-Clarke County, GA | $27,010 | 410 |
| Macon-Bibb County, GA | $23,910 | 340 |
| Warner Robins, GA | $23,590 | 440 |
| Huntsville, AL | $23,110 | 440 |
| Albany, GA | $23,080 | 390 |
| Birmingham, AL | $23,070 | 920 |
| Montgomery, AL | $22,720 | 660 |
| Auburn-Opelika, AL | $22,640 | n/a |
| Rome, GA | $22,600 | 220 |
| Valdosta, GA | $22,510 | 400 |
| Mobile, AL | $22,350 | 370 |
| Daphne-Fairhope-Foley, AL | $22,280 | 180 |
| Dalton, GA | $22,260 | 210 |
| Decatur, AL | $22,170 | 100 |
| Tuscaloosa, AL | $22,040 | 150 |
| Dothan, AL | $21,910 | 140 |
| Gadsden, AL | $21,050 | 60 |
| Anniston-Oxford, AL | $20,730 | 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 |
See Childcare Worker pay in every state or the Georgia statewide figures.
Related jobs in Columbus, GA-AL
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Recreation Worker | $27,930 | $13.43 |
| Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors | $36,990 | $17.79 |
| Residential Advisor | $38,010 | $18.28 |
| Personal Care and Service Workers, All Other | $23,580 | $11.34 |
| Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists | $29,790 | $14.32 |
| Animal Caretaker | $27,390 | $13.17 |
| Amusement and Recreation Attendants | $24,140 | $11.61 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Entertainment and Recreation Workers, Except Gambling Services | $42,570 | $20.47 |
| Ushers, Lobby Attendants, and Ticket Takers | $25,090 | $12.06 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Personal Service Workers | $38,580 | $18.55 |
| Funeral Attendant | $29,620 | $14.24 |
| Manicurists and Pedicurists | $30,920 | $14.87 |
| Concierge | $27,820 | $13.37 |
| Morticians, Undertakers, and Funeral Arrangers | $46,210 | $22.22 |
More: Personal Care and Service Occupations · all salaries in Columbus, GA-AL
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 Columbus, GA-AL?
The median salary for childcare workers in the Columbus, GA-AL metro area is $26,150 a year, or $12.57 an hour. Pay ranges from $19,910 for the lowest-paid 10% to $35,290 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid childcare workers make in Columbus, GA-AL?
The top 10% of childcare workers in the Columbus, GA-AL metro area earn at least $35,290 a year. The top 25% earn $28,670 or more.
What is the starting pay for childcare workers in Columbus, GA-AL?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $19,910 a year, and a quarter of childcare workers earn $21,670 or less.
How many childcare workers work in Columbus, GA-AL?
About 510 childcare workers are employed in the Columbus, GA-AL metro area, not counting the self-employed.