Childcare Workers Salary in Waterloo, IA

BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics • May 2025 • Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA

Median annual salary $27,380 -14.6% vs national
Median hourly $13.16
10th percentile $20,900
90th percentile $36,540
Employed locally 410
National median $32,050

Compare Childcare Workers salary & buying power

Type a city below to see how Waterloo, IA stacks up on salary and cost of living.

Full tool →
Childcare Workers
in
Waterloo, IA
vs

    Salary percentile breakdown

    10th
    $20,900
    25th
    $22,660
    50th (median)
    $27,380
    75th
    $31,450
    90th
    $36,540

    Waterloo economic context

    Unemployment rate 3.50% 2024 annual avg • BLS LAUS
    Median household income $68,916 2023 • Census ACS
    Childcare Workers salary vs area income 40% Median Childcare Workers salary is 60% 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 Waterloo, IA

    OccupationMedian salary
    Animal Caretakers $22,610
    Amusement and Recreation Attendants $25,060
    Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists $45,570
    Recreation Workers $29,260
    Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors $36,130
    Personal Care and Service Workers, All Other $36,030

    Frequently asked questions

    How much do Childcare Workers make per hour in Waterloo?

    The median hourly wage for Childcare Workers in Waterloo, IA is $13.16, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $16.49 or more per hour.

    Is Waterloo above or below average for Childcare Workers salaries?

    The median Childcare Workers salary in Waterloo, IA is 14.6% 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 Waterloo?

    Entry-level Childcare Workers (10th percentile) earn around $20,900 per year in Waterloo, IA. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $22,660.