Childcare Worker salary in Lincoln, NE
Childcare Workers in the Lincoln, NE metro area earn a median of $29,860 a year ($14.35 an hour), based on BLS data for 1,920 workers.
Pay ranges from $28,080 for the lowest-paid 10% to $37,220 for the top 10%. That is 15% lower than the national median of $34,980. Pay here is 3% lower than the Nebraska statewide median of $30,740. There are 11 childcare workers per 1,000 jobs here — the job is 3.1× more common than nationally. The average (mean) salary is $32,570, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for childcare workers in Lincoln, NE
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $28,080 | $13.50 |
| 25th percentile | $28,960 | $13.92 |
| Median | $29,860 | $14.35 |
| 75th percentile | $35,000 | $16.83 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $37,220 | $17.90 |
| Average (mean) | $32,570 | $15.66 |
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 | $2,488.33 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $1,244.17 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $1,148.46 |
| Weekly | $574.23 |
| Hourly | $14.35 |
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Omaha, NE-IA | $31,330 | 4,940 |
| Grand Island, NE | $30,000 | 320 |
| Sioux City, IA-NE-SD | $29,330 | 280 |
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 Nebraska statewide figures.
Related jobs in Lincoln, NE
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors | $36,990 | $17.79 |
| Recreation Worker | $32,000 | $15.38 |
| Personal Care and Service Workers, All Other | $28,080 | $13.50 |
| Amusement and Recreation Attendants | $30,110 | $14.48 |
| Animal Caretaker | $30,940 | $14.88 |
| Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists | $30,440 | $14.63 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Personal Service Workers | $47,770 | $22.96 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Entertainment and Recreation Workers, Except Gambling Services | $49,350 | $23.73 |
| Skincare Specialist | $61,560 | $29.59 |
| Ushers, Lobby Attendants, and Ticket Takers | $28,080 | $13.50 |
| Gambling and Sports Book Writers and Runners | $29,670 | $14.27 |
| Funeral Attendant | $28,420 | $13.66 |
| Morticians, Undertakers, and Funeral Arrangers | $63,130 | $30.35 |
More: Personal Care and Service Occupations · all salaries in Lincoln, NE
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 Lincoln, NE?
The median salary for childcare workers in the Lincoln, NE metro area is $29,860 a year, or $14.35 an hour. Pay ranges from $28,080 for the lowest-paid 10% to $37,220 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid childcare workers make in Lincoln, NE?
The top 10% of childcare workers in the Lincoln, NE metro area earn at least $37,220 a year. The top 25% earn $35,000 or more.
What is the starting pay for childcare workers in Lincoln, NE?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $28,080 a year, and a quarter of childcare workers earn $28,960 or less.
How many childcare workers work in Lincoln, NE?
About 1,920 childcare workers are employed in the Lincoln, NE metro area, not counting the self-employed.