Childcare Worker salary in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA
Childcare Workers in the Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA metro area earn a median of $29,760 a year ($14.31 an hour), based on BLS data for 1,720 workers.
Pay ranges from $23,500 for the lowest-paid 10% to $42,960 for the top 10%. That is 15% lower than the national median of $34,980. Pay here is 5% higher than the Iowa statewide median of $28,420. 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 $31,630, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for childcare workers in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $23,500 | $11.30 |
| 25th percentile | $27,290 | $13.12 |
| Median | $29,760 | $14.31 |
| 75th percentile | $33,990 | $16.34 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $42,960 | $20.65 |
| Average (mean) | $31,630 | $15.21 |
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 | $2,480 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $1,240 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $1,144.62 |
| Weekly | $572.31 |
| Hourly | $14.31 |
Based on a full-time year of 2,080 hours. Convert any amount with the hourly to salary converter.
Buying a home? On a $29,760 salary, see how much house you can afford in Iowa at today's mortgage rates, or work out a payment with the mortgage calculator.
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 |
| 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 |
| Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA | $27,580 | 380 |
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 Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors | $38,700 | $18.61 |
| Recreation Worker | $36,150 | $17.38 |
| Residential Advisor | $38,310 | $18.42 |
| Personal Care and Service Workers, All Other | $30,700 | $14.76 |
| Amusement and Recreation Attendants | $27,860 | $13.39 |
| Animal Caretaker | $30,950 | $14.88 |
| Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists | $35,640 | $17.13 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Entertainment and Recreation Workers, Except Gambling Services | $42,040 | $20.21 |
| Ushers, Lobby Attendants, and Ticket Takers | $26,870 | $12.92 |
| Skincare Specialist | $38,730 | $18.62 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Personal Service Workers | $38,920 | $18.71 |
| Locker Room, Coatroom, and Dressing Room Attendants | $23,830 | $11.46 |
| Morticians, Undertakers, and Funeral Arrangers | $70,100 | $33.70 |
| Tour and Travel Guides | $22,490 | $10.81 |
More: Personal Care and Service Occupations · all salaries in Des Moines-West Des Moines, 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 Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA?
The median salary for childcare workers in the Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA metro area is $29,760 a year, or $14.31 an hour. Pay ranges from $23,500 for the lowest-paid 10% to $42,960 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid childcare workers make in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA?
The top 10% of childcare workers in the Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA metro area earn at least $42,960 a year. The top 25% earn $33,990 or more.
What is the starting pay for childcare workers in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $23,500 a year, and a quarter of childcare workers earn $27,290 or less.
How many childcare workers work in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA?
About 1,720 childcare workers are employed in the Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA metro area, not counting the self-employed.