Childcare Workers Salary in Ames, IA

BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics • May 2025 • Ames, IA

Median annual salary $27,580 -13.9% vs national
Median hourly $13.26
10th percentile $21,720
90th percentile $46,820
Employed locally 200
National median $32,050

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Childcare Workers
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Ames, IA
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    Salary percentile breakdown

    10th
    $21,720
    25th
    $24,720
    50th (median)
    $27,580
    75th
    $30,220
    90th
    $46,820

    Ames economic context

    Unemployment rate 2.40% 2024 annual avg • BLS LAUS
    Median household income $71,090 2023 • Census ACS
    Childcare Workers salary vs area income 39% Median Childcare Workers salary is 61% below the area median household income

    Top-paying metros for Childcare Workers

    Metro areaMedian salary
    North Port-Bradenton-Sarasota, FL $47,730
    District of Columbia $45,400
    Ocala, FL $44,990
    San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA $44,970
    San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA $43,640
    Massachusetts nonmetropolitan area $42,810

    Nearby metros — Childcare Workers salary comparison

    Metro areaMedian salary
    District of Columbia $45,400
    Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO $38,720
    North Coast Region of California nonmetropolitan area $38,560
    California $38,220
    North Valley-Northern Mountains Region of California nonmetropolitan area $38,060
    Eastern Sierra-Mother Lode Region of California nonmetropolitan area $37,920

    Related occupations in Ames, IA

    OccupationMedian salary
    Animal Caretakers $37,050
    Recreation Workers $29,710
    Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists $37,400
    Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors $32,930
    Amusement and Recreation Attendants $25,550
    Residential Advisors $44,660

    Frequently asked questions

    How much do Childcare Workers make per hour in Ames?

    The median hourly wage for Childcare Workers in Ames, IA is $13.26, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $16.11 or more per hour.

    Is Ames above or below average for Childcare Workers salaries?

    The median Childcare Workers salary in Ames, IA is 13.9% below the national median of $32,050. The national figure is from BLS OEWS 2025 data covering all US metropolitan areas.

    What is the entry-level salary for Childcare Workers in Ames?

    Entry-level Childcare Workers (10th percentile) earn around $21,720 per year in Ames, IA. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $24,720.