Childcare Worker salary in Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA
Childcare Workers in the Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA metro area earn a median of $27,580 a year ($13.26 an hour), based on BLS data for 380 workers.
Pay ranges from $22,510 for the lowest-paid 10% to $34,290 for the top 10%. That is 21% lower than the national median of $34,980. Pay here is 3% lower than the Iowa statewide median of $28,420. There are 4.5 childcare workers per 1,000 jobs here — the job is 1.3× more common than nationally. The average (mean) salary is $28,130, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for childcare workers in Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $22,510 | $10.82 |
| 25th percentile | $24,690 | $11.87 |
| Median | $27,580 | $13.26 |
| 75th percentile | $30,080 | $14.46 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $34,290 | $16.49 |
| Average (mean) | $28,130 | $13.52 |
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 | $2,298.33 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $1,149.17 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $1,060.77 |
| Weekly | $530.38 |
| Hourly | $13.26 |
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Davenport-Moline-Rock Island, IA-IL | $32,300 | 810 |
| Dubuque, IA | $31,730 | 370 |
| Omaha, NE-IA | $31,330 | 4,940 |
| Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA | $29,760 | 1,720 |
| Sioux City, IA-NE-SD | $29,330 | 280 |
| Iowa City, IA | $29,170 | 460 |
| Cedar Rapids, IA | $28,170 | 380 |
| Ames, IA | $27,850 | 260 |
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 Iowa statewide figures.
Related jobs in Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors | $37,960 | $18.25 |
| Recreation Worker | $29,700 | $14.28 |
| Residential Advisor | $38,170 | $18.35 |
| Animal Caretaker | $29,870 | $14.36 |
| Amusement and Recreation Attendants | $26,400 | $12.69 |
| Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists | $35,360 | $17.00 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Entertainment and Recreation Workers, Except Gambling Services | $37,890 | $18.22 |
| Ushers, Lobby Attendants, and Ticket Takers | $21,390 | $10.29 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Personal Service Workers | $43,950 | $21.13 |
| Skincare Specialist | $39,170 | $18.83 |
More: Personal Care and Service Occupations · all salaries in Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA
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 Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA?
The median salary for childcare workers in the Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA metro area is $27,580 a year, or $13.26 an hour. Pay ranges from $22,510 for the lowest-paid 10% to $34,290 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid childcare workers make in Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA?
The top 10% of childcare workers in the Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA metro area earn at least $34,290 a year. The top 25% earn $30,080 or more.
What is the starting pay for childcare workers in Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $22,510 a year, and a quarter of childcare workers earn $24,690 or less.
How many childcare workers work in Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA?
About 380 childcare workers are employed in the Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA metro area, not counting the self-employed.