Childcare Worker salary in Missouri
Childcare Workers in Missouri earn a median of $30,790 a year ($14.80 an hour), based on BLS data for 12,430 workers.
Pay ranges from $28,600 for the lowest-paid 10% to $41,600 for the top 10%. That is 12% lower than the national median of $34,980. Missouri ranks 28th of 51 states for childcare workers pay. There are 4.2 childcare workers per 1,000 jobs here — the job is 1.3× more common than nationally. The average (mean) salary is $33,240, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for childcare workers in Missouri
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $28,600 | $13.75 |
| 25th percentile | $29,000 | $13.94 |
| Median | $30,790 | $14.80 |
| 75th percentile | $35,670 | $17.15 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $41,600 | $20.00 |
| Average (mean) | $33,240 | $15.98 |
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 | $2,565.83 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $1,282.92 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $1,184.23 |
| Weekly | $592.12 |
| Hourly | $14.80 |
Based on a full-time year of 2,080 hours. Convert any amount with the hourly to salary converter.
Childcare Worker salary in cities in Missouri
| Metro area | Median salary | Workers |
|---|---|---|
| St. Louis, MO-IL | $33,320 | 5,710 |
| Kansas City, MO-KS | $31,770 | 6,660 |
| Springfield, MO | $29,610 | 920 |
| Cape Girardeau, MO-IL | $29,210 | 140 |
| St. Joseph, MO-KS | $29,130 | 260 |
| Columbia, MO | $29,070 | 470 |
| Jefferson City, MO | $28,600 | 350 |
| Joplin, MO-KS | $28,600 | 300 |
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 |
Related jobs in Missouri
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Recreation Worker | $34,320 | $16.50 |
| Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors | $36,450 | $17.52 |
| Residential Advisor | $36,510 | $17.55 |
| Personal Care and Service Workers, All Other | $29,700 | $14.28 |
| Amusement and Recreation Attendants | $29,790 | $14.32 |
| Animal Caretaker | $31,230 | $15.02 |
| Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists | $30,750 | $14.78 |
| Ushers, Lobby Attendants, and Ticket Takers | $32,350 | $15.55 |
| Manicurists and Pedicurists | $39,100 | $18.80 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Personal Service Workers | $43,720 | $21.02 |
| Skincare Specialist | $45,200 | $21.73 |
| Tour and Travel Guides | $31,980 | $15.38 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Entertainment and Recreation Workers, Except Gambling Services | $47,530 | $22.85 |
| Gambling Dealer | $28,600 | $13.75 |
More: Personal Care and Service Occupations · all salaries in Missouri
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 Missouri?
The median salary for childcare workers in Missouri is $30,790 a year, or $14.80 an hour. Pay ranges from $28,600 for the lowest-paid 10% to $41,600 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid childcare workers make in Missouri?
The top 10% of childcare workers in Missouri earn at least $41,600 a year. The top 25% earn $35,670 or more.
What is the starting pay for childcare workers in Missouri?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $28,600 a year, and a quarter of childcare workers earn $29,000 or less.
How many childcare workers work in Missouri?
About 12,430 childcare workers are employed in Missouri, not counting the self-employed.