Childcare Workers Salary in Columbia, MO

BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics • May 2025 • Columbia, MO

Median annual salary $28,590 -10.8% vs national
Median hourly $13.75
10th percentile $26,710
90th percentile $43,550
Employed locally 490
National median $32,050

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Childcare Workers
in
Columbia, MO
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    Salary percentile breakdown

    10th
    $26,710
    25th
    $27,700
    50th (median)
    $28,590
    75th
    $34,940
    90th
    $43,550

    Columbia economic context

    Unemployment rate 3.10% 2024 annual avg • BLS LAUS
    Median household income $69,463 2023 • Census ACS
    Childcare Workers salary vs area income 41% Median Childcare Workers salary is 59% 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
    San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA $44,970
    Modesto, CA $39,610
    Mount Vernon-Anacortes, WA $38,290
    North Valley-Northern Mountains Region of California nonmetropolitan area $38,060
    Eastern Sierra-Mother Lode Region of California nonmetropolitan area $37,920
    Vermont $37,830

    Related occupations in Columbia, MO

    OccupationMedian salary
    Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists $35,860
    Animal Caretakers $28,700
    Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors $28,990
    Amusement and Recreation Attendants $28,640
    Recreation Workers $34,460
    Residential Advisors $38,830

    Frequently asked questions

    How much do Childcare Workers make per hour in Columbia?

    The median hourly wage for Childcare Workers in Columbia, MO is $13.75, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $18.08 or more per hour.

    Is Columbia above or below average for Childcare Workers salaries?

    The median Childcare Workers salary in Columbia, MO is 10.8% 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 Columbia?

    Entry-level Childcare Workers (10th percentile) earn around $26,710 per year in Columbia, MO. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $27,700.