Childcare Workers pay in Des Moines-West Des Moines
In Des Moines-West Des Moines (IA), the median pay for childcare workers is $14.31 an hour ($29,760 a year). About 1,720 people work in this job there.
That is 15% lower than the U.S. median ($34,980). It is 5% higher than the Iowa median ($28,420).
Pay range for childcare workers in Des Moines-West Des Moines (IA)
| Earns more than | Hourly | Yearly |
|---|---|---|
| 10% of workers | $11.30 | $23,500 |
| 25% of workers | $13.12 | $27,290 |
| Half of workers (median) | $14.31 | $29,760 |
| 75% of workers | $16.34 | $33,990 |
| 90% of workers | $20.65 | $42,960 |
Childcare Workers pay in Iowa metro areas
| Metro area | Median yearly pay | People in this job |
|---|---|---|
| Davenport-Moline-Rock Island | $32,300 | 810 |
| Dubuque | $31,730 | 370 |
| Des Moines-West Des Moines (this page) | $29,760 | 1,720 |
| Sioux City | $29,330 | 280 |
| Iowa City | $29,170 | 460 |
| Cedar Rapids | $28,170 | 380 |
| Ames | $27,850 | 260 |
| Waterloo-Cedar Falls | $27,580 | 380 |
Iowa unemployment rate: 3.2% (August 2026), U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Education, experience and outlook for childcare workers
- Typical education to start: High school diploma or equivalent (BLS)
- Related work experience most have: 1 to 2 years (O*NET)
- Training on the job: Short-term on-the-job training (BLS)
- Job outlook: -2% over ten years, declining · about 150,300 openings a year (BLS)
Related jobs in Des Moines-West Des Moines (IA)
| Job | Median yearly pay |
|---|---|
| Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education | $33,850 |
Other job titles for this job
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Post a job freeFind jobsCheck pay for any jobSource: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025 estimates. Figures are for wage and salary workers and do not include the self-employed. The median is the middle wage: half earn more, half earn less. Other job titles: O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license; O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. JAI Bot has modified this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.