Childcare Workers Salary in Des Moines, IA

BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics • May 2025 • Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA

Median annual salary $30,560 -4.6% vs national
Median hourly $14.69
10th percentile $23,250
90th percentile $48,070
Employed locally 1,460
National median $32,050

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Childcare Workers
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Des Moines, IA
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    Salary percentile breakdown

    10th
    $23,250
    25th
    $26,730
    50th (median)
    $30,560
    75th
    $33,120
    90th
    $48,070

    Des Moines economic context

    Unemployment rate 3.00% 2024 annual avg • BLS LAUS
    Median household income $84,209 2023 • Census ACS
    Childcare Workers salary vs area income 36% Median Childcare Workers salary is 64% 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 Des Moines, IA

    OccupationMedian salary
    Amusement and Recreation Attendants$27,320
    Animal Caretakers$30,070
    Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists$37,060
    Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors$38,060
    Recreation Workers$33,140
    Ushers, Lobby Attendants, and Ticket Takers$25,700

    Frequently asked questions

    How much do Childcare Workers make per hour in Des Moines?

    The median hourly wage for Childcare Workers in Des Moines, IA is $14.69, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $20.65 or more per hour.

    Is Des Moines above or below average for Childcare Workers salaries?

    The median Childcare Workers salary in Des Moines, IA is 4.6% 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 Des Moines?

    Entry-level Childcare Workers (10th percentile) earn around $23,250 per year in Des Moines, IA. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $26,730.