Childcare Worker salary in Kalamazoo-Portage, MI
Childcare Workers in the Kalamazoo-Portage, MI metro area earn a median of $30,420 a year ($14.62 an hour), based on BLS data for 410 workers.
Pay ranges from $28,320 for the lowest-paid 10% to $38,580 for the top 10%. That is 13% lower than the national median of $34,980. Pay here is 2% lower than the Michigan statewide median of $30,970. There are 3.4 childcare workers per 1,000 jobs here — close to the national average. The average (mean) salary is $32,550, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for childcare workers in Kalamazoo-Portage, MI
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $28,320 | $13.62 |
| 25th percentile | $28,850 | $13.87 |
| Median | $30,420 | $14.62 |
| 75th percentile | $35,290 | $16.97 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $38,580 | $18.55 |
| Average (mean) | $32,550 | $15.65 |
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 | $2,535 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $1,267.50 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $1,170 |
| Weekly | $585 |
| Hourly | $14.62 |
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Traverse City, MI | $33,100 | 230 |
| Ann Arbor, MI | $32,700 | 760 |
| Lansing-East Lansing, MI | $32,000 | 920 |
| Flint, MI | $31,930 | 630 |
| Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI | $31,690 | 1,800 |
| Detroit-Warren-Dearborn, MI | $31,060 | 5,810 |
| Battle Creek, MI | $30,940 | 160 |
| Jackson, MI | $30,860 | 280 |
| Midland, MI | $29,880 | 110 |
| South Bend-Mishawaka, IN-MI | $29,840 | 380 |
| Saginaw, MI | $29,490 | 290 |
| Muskegon-Norton Shores, MI | $29,260 | 270 |
| Monroe, MI | $29,210 | 110 |
| Bay City, MI | $28,660 | 90 |
| Niles, MI | $28,400 | 230 |
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 Michigan statewide figures.
Related jobs in Kalamazoo-Portage, MI
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Recreation Worker | $33,510 | $16.11 |
| Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors | $44,570 | $21.43 |
| Residential Advisor | $43,890 | $21.10 |
| Amusement and Recreation Attendants | $29,250 | $14.06 |
| Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists | $34,110 | $16.40 |
| Animal Caretaker | $29,710 | $14.29 |
| Ushers, Lobby Attendants, and Ticket Takers | $31,510 | $15.15 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Entertainment and Recreation Workers, Except Gambling Services | $46,060 | $22.15 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Personal Service Workers | $40,490 | $19.47 |
| Locker Room, Coatroom, and Dressing Room Attendants | $28,660 | $13.78 |
| Tour and Travel Guides | $34,020 | $16.36 |
More: Personal Care and Service Occupations · all salaries in Kalamazoo-Portage, MI
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 Kalamazoo-Portage, MI?
The median salary for childcare workers in the Kalamazoo-Portage, MI metro area is $30,420 a year, or $14.62 an hour. Pay ranges from $28,320 for the lowest-paid 10% to $38,580 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid childcare workers make in Kalamazoo-Portage, MI?
The top 10% of childcare workers in the Kalamazoo-Portage, MI metro area earn at least $38,580 a year. The top 25% earn $35,290 or more.
What is the starting pay for childcare workers in Kalamazoo-Portage, MI?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $28,320 a year, and a quarter of childcare workers earn $28,850 or less.
How many childcare workers work in Kalamazoo-Portage, MI?
About 410 childcare workers are employed in the Kalamazoo-Portage, MI metro area, not counting the self-employed.