Childcare Worker salary in Nebraska
Childcare Workers in Nebraska earn a median of $30,740 a year ($14.78 an hour), based on BLS data for 9,390 workers.
Pay ranges from $28,130 for the lowest-paid 10% to $36,660 for the top 10%. That is 12% lower than the national median of $34,980. Nebraska ranks 29th of 51 states for childcare workers pay. There are 9.2 childcare workers per 1,000 jobs here — the job is 2.8× more common than nationally. The average (mean) salary is $32,670, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for childcare workers in Nebraska
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $28,130 | $13.52 |
| 25th percentile | $29,150 | $14.01 |
| Median | $30,740 | $14.78 |
| 75th percentile | $35,290 | $16.97 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $36,660 | $17.62 |
| Average (mean) | $32,670 | $15.71 |
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 | $2,561.67 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $1,280.83 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $1,182.31 |
| Weekly | $591.15 |
| Hourly | $14.78 |
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 Nebraska
| Metro area | Median salary | Workers |
|---|---|---|
| Omaha, NE-IA | $31,330 | 4,940 |
| Grand Island, NE | $30,000 | 320 |
| Lincoln, NE | $29,860 | 1,920 |
| 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 |
Related jobs in Nebraska
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors | $31,440 | $15.11 |
| Recreation Worker | $34,590 | $16.63 |
| Residential Advisor | $45,980 | $22.11 |
| Personal Care and Service Workers, All Other | $30,120 | $14.48 |
| Amusement and Recreation Attendants | $30,110 | $14.48 |
| Animal Caretaker | $31,680 | $15.23 |
| Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists | $34,320 | $16.50 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Personal Service Workers | $46,010 | $22.12 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Entertainment and Recreation Workers, Except Gambling Services | $44,910 | $21.59 |
| Skincare Specialist | $58,420 | $28.09 |
| Ushers, Lobby Attendants, and Ticket Takers | $28,260 | $13.59 |
| Gambling and Sports Book Writers and Runners | $29,670 | $14.27 |
| Tour and Travel Guides | $31,580 | $15.18 |
| Manicurists and Pedicurists | $56,940 | $27.37 |
More: Personal Care and Service Occupations · all salaries in Nebraska
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 Nebraska?
The median salary for childcare workers in Nebraska is $30,740 a year, or $14.78 an hour. Pay ranges from $28,130 for the lowest-paid 10% to $36,660 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid childcare workers make in Nebraska?
The top 10% of childcare workers in Nebraska earn at least $36,660 a year. The top 25% earn $35,290 or more.
What is the starting pay for childcare workers in Nebraska?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $28,130 a year, and a quarter of childcare workers earn $29,150 or less.
How many childcare workers work in Nebraska?
About 9,390 childcare workers are employed in Nebraska, not counting the self-employed.