Childcare Worker salary in Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO
Childcare Workers in the Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO metro area earn a median of $44,320 a year ($21.31 an hour), based on BLS data for 7,870 workers.
Pay ranges from $35,860 for the lowest-paid 10% to $49,300 for the top 10%. That is 27% higher than the national median of $34,980. Pay here is 9% higher than the Colorado statewide median of $40,750. There are 4.9 childcare workers per 1,000 jobs here — the job is 1.5× more common than nationally. The average (mean) salary is $43,760, close to the median.
Pay range for childcare workers in Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $35,860 | $17.24 |
| 25th percentile | $39,400 | $18.94 |
| Median | $44,320 | $21.31 |
| 75th percentile | $46,610 | $22.41 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $49,300 | $23.70 |
| Average (mean) | $43,760 | $21.04 |
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 | $3,693.33 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $1,846.67 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $1,704.62 |
| Weekly | $852.31 |
| Hourly | $21.31 |
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 |
|---|---|---|
| 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 |
See Childcare Worker pay in every state or the Colorado statewide figures.
Related jobs in Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors | $50,580 | $24.32 |
| Recreation Worker | $39,640 | $19.06 |
| Personal Care and Service Workers, All Other | $35,590 | $17.11 |
| Residential Advisor | $44,670 | $21.48 |
| Amusement and Recreation Attendants | $36,240 | $17.42 |
| Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists | $36,530 | $17.56 |
| Animal Caretaker | $37,640 | $18.10 |
| Manicurists and Pedicurists | $37,390 | $17.98 |
| Ushers, Lobby Attendants, and Ticket Takers | $38,380 | $18.45 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Entertainment and Recreation Workers, Except Gambling Services | $57,660 | $27.72 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Personal Service Workers | $57,190 | $27.49 |
| Skincare Specialist | $54,500 | $26.20 |
| Tour and Travel Guides | $43,370 | $20.85 |
| Gambling Dealer | $30,800 | $14.81 |
More: Personal Care and Service Occupations · all salaries in Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO
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 Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO?
The median salary for childcare workers in the Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO metro area is $44,320 a year, or $21.31 an hour. Pay ranges from $35,860 for the lowest-paid 10% to $49,300 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid childcare workers make in Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO?
The top 10% of childcare workers in the Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO metro area earn at least $49,300 a year. The top 25% earn $46,610 or more.
What is the starting pay for childcare workers in Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $35,860 a year, and a quarter of childcare workers earn $39,400 or less.
How many childcare workers work in Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO?
About 7,870 childcare workers are employed in the Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO metro area, not counting the self-employed.