Childcare Worker salary in Columbus, OH
Childcare Workers in the Columbus, OH metro area earn a median of $30,280 a year ($14.56 an hour), based on BLS data for 2,580 workers.
Pay ranges from $26,070 for the lowest-paid 10% to $44,080 for the top 10%. That is 13% lower than the national median of $34,980. Pay here is 2% higher than the Ohio statewide median of $29,680. There are 2.3 childcare workers per 1,000 jobs here — the job is less common than nationally (location quotient 0.70). The average (mean) salary is $33,130, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for childcare workers in Columbus, OH
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $26,070 | $12.53 |
| 25th percentile | $29,060 | $13.97 |
| Median | $30,280 | $14.56 |
| 75th percentile | $38,420 | $18.47 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $44,080 | $21.19 |
| Average (mean) | $33,130 | $15.93 |
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 | $2,523.33 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $1,261.67 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $1,164.62 |
| Weekly | $582.31 |
| Hourly | $14.56 |
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Springfield, OH | $30,610 | 60 |
| Youngstown-Warren, OH | $30,520 | 460 |
| Cleveland, OH | $30,460 | 2,620 |
| Cincinnati, OH-KY-IN | $30,150 | 2,390 |
| Akron, OH | $30,140 | 600 |
| Sandusky, OH | $29,570 | 80 |
| Dayton-Kettering-Beavercreek, OH | $29,140 | 700 |
| Wheeling, WV-OH | $29,110 | 150 |
| Toledo, OH | $29,000 | 700 |
| Lima, OH | $28,790 | 80 |
| Weirton-Steubenville, WV-OH | $27,970 | 70 |
| Mansfield, OH | $26,770 | 110 |
| Canton-Massillon, OH | $26,610 | 340 |
| Huntington-Ashland, WV-KY-OH | $25,360 | 540 |
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 Ohio statewide figures.
Related jobs in Columbus, OH
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Recreation Worker | $33,690 | $16.20 |
| Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors | $37,410 | $17.99 |
| Residential Advisor | $41,930 | $20.16 |
| Personal Care and Service Workers, All Other | $29,240 | $14.06 |
| Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists | $36,260 | $17.43 |
| Amusement and Recreation Attendants | $27,540 | $13.24 |
| Animal Caretaker | $30,920 | $14.86 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Entertainment and Recreation Workers, Except Gambling Services | $50,040 | $24.06 |
| Ushers, Lobby Attendants, and Ticket Takers | $28,350 | $13.63 |
| Manicurists and Pedicurists | $37,670 | $18.11 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Personal Service Workers | $42,050 | $20.22 |
| Skincare Specialist | $39,150 | $18.82 |
| Funeral Attendant | $35,530 | $17.08 |
| Morticians, Undertakers, and Funeral Arrangers | $59,480 | $28.59 |
More: Personal Care and Service Occupations · all salaries in Columbus, OH
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, OH?
The median salary for childcare workers in the Columbus, OH metro area is $30,280 a year, or $14.56 an hour. Pay ranges from $26,070 for the lowest-paid 10% to $44,080 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid childcare workers make in Columbus, OH?
The top 10% of childcare workers in the Columbus, OH metro area earn at least $44,080 a year. The top 25% earn $38,420 or more.
What is the starting pay for childcare workers in Columbus, OH?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $26,070 a year, and a quarter of childcare workers earn $29,060 or less.
How many childcare workers work in Columbus, OH?
About 2,580 childcare workers are employed in the Columbus, OH metro area, not counting the self-employed.