Childcare Worker salary in Montana
Childcare Workers in Montana earn a median of $35,120 a year ($16.89 an hour), based on BLS data for 2,190 workers.
Pay ranges from $27,770 for the lowest-paid 10% to $38,750 for the top 10%. That is about the same as the national median of $34,980. Montana ranks 20th of 51 states for childcare workers pay. There are 4.3 childcare workers per 1,000 jobs here — the job is 1.3× more common than nationally. The average (mean) salary is $33,540, close to the median.
Pay range for childcare workers in Montana
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $27,770 | $13.35 |
| 25th percentile | $29,020 | $13.95 |
| Median | $35,120 | $16.89 |
| 75th percentile | $36,310 | $17.46 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $38,750 | $18.63 |
| Average (mean) | $33,540 | $16.13 |
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 | $2,926.67 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $1,463.33 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $1,350.77 |
| Weekly | $675.38 |
| Hourly | $16.89 |
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 Montana
| Metro area | Median salary | Workers |
|---|---|---|
| Bozeman, MT | $36,460 | 280 |
| Billings, MT | $35,740 | 440 |
| Missoula, MT | $35,510 | 330 |
| Helena, MT | $35,500 | 150 |
| Great Falls, MT | $31,320 | 240 |
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 Montana
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors | $43,940 | $21.13 |
| Recreation Worker | $35,090 | $16.87 |
| Residential Advisor | $47,230 | $22.71 |
| Amusement and Recreation Attendants | $29,710 | $14.28 |
| Animal Caretaker | $34,210 | $16.45 |
| Gambling and Sports Book Writers and Runners | $22,030 | $10.59 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Gambling Services Workers | $48,300 | $23.22 |
| Gambling Service Workers, All Other | $23,400 | $11.25 |
| Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists | $38,000 | $18.27 |
| Tour and Travel Guides | $40,100 | $19.28 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Entertainment and Recreation Workers, Except Gambling Services | $47,840 | $23.00 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Personal Service Workers | $48,320 | $23.23 |
| Skincare Specialist | $58,500 | $28.13 |
| Funeral Attendant | $37,080 | $17.83 |
More: Personal Care and Service Occupations · all salaries in Montana
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 Montana?
The median salary for childcare workers in Montana is $35,120 a year, or $16.89 an hour. Pay ranges from $27,770 for the lowest-paid 10% to $38,750 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid childcare workers make in Montana?
The top 10% of childcare workers in Montana earn at least $38,750 a year. The top 25% earn $36,310 or more.
What is the starting pay for childcare workers in Montana?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $27,770 a year, and a quarter of childcare workers earn $29,020 or less.
How many childcare workers work in Montana?
About 2,190 childcare workers are employed in Montana, not counting the self-employed.