Childcare Worker salary in Topeka, KS
Childcare Workers in the Topeka, KS metro area earn a median of $32,790 a year ($15.76 an hour), based on BLS data for 540 workers.
Pay ranges from $21,430 for the lowest-paid 10% to $39,580 for the top 10%. That is 6% lower than the national median of $34,980. Pay here is 12% higher than the Kansas statewide median of $29,240. There are 4.7 childcare workers per 1,000 jobs here — the job is 1.4× more common than nationally. The average (mean) salary is $32,720, close to the median.
Pay range for childcare workers in Topeka, KS
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $21,430 | $10.31 |
| 25th percentile | $27,580 | $13.26 |
| Median | $32,790 | $15.76 |
| 75th percentile | $39,340 | $18.91 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $39,580 | $19.03 |
| Average (mean) | $32,720 | $15.73 |
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 | $2,732.50 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $1,366.25 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $1,261.15 |
| Weekly | $630.58 |
| Hourly | $15.76 |
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Kansas City, MO-KS | $31,770 | 6,660 |
| St. Joseph, MO-KS | $29,130 | 260 |
| Lawrence, KS | $29,090 | 240 |
| Joplin, MO-KS | $28,600 | 300 |
| Manhattan, KS | $28,590 | 210 |
| Wichita, KS | $28,210 | 1,490 |
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 Kansas statewide figures.
Related jobs in Topeka, KS
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors | $33,490 | $16.10 |
| Recreation Worker | $31,040 | $14.93 |
| Residential Advisor | $34,900 | $16.78 |
| Amusement and Recreation Attendants | $26,410 | $12.70 |
| Animal Caretaker | $25,630 | $12.32 |
| Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists | $29,160 | $14.02 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Entertainment and Recreation Workers, Except Gambling Services | $46,330 | $22.28 |
| Manicurists and Pedicurists | $35,370 | $17.00 |
| Ushers, Lobby Attendants, and Ticket Takers | $26,940 | $12.95 |
| Skincare Specialist | $47,580 | $22.88 |
| Tour and Travel Guides | $49,780 | $23.93 |
More: Personal Care and Service Occupations · all salaries in Topeka, KS
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 Topeka, KS?
The median salary for childcare workers in the Topeka, KS metro area is $32,790 a year, or $15.76 an hour. Pay ranges from $21,430 for the lowest-paid 10% to $39,580 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid childcare workers make in Topeka, KS?
The top 10% of childcare workers in the Topeka, KS metro area earn at least $39,580 a year. The top 25% earn $39,340 or more.
What is the starting pay for childcare workers in Topeka, KS?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $21,430 a year, and a quarter of childcare workers earn $27,580 or less.
How many childcare workers work in Topeka, KS?
About 540 childcare workers are employed in the Topeka, KS metro area, not counting the self-employed.