Iowa ranks 43rd of 51 states and D.C. for childcare workers pay, trailing top-paying District of Columbia ($45,400) by $17,470 — a 63% gap.
Iowa employs roughly 1.1% of all childcare workers in the country (5,870 workers).
Salary Range: 10th to 90th Percentile
Full Percentile Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Wage |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry-level) | $20,390 | $9.80 |
| 25th percentile | $22,800 | $10.96 |
| 50th percentile (median) | $27,930 | $13.43 |
| 75th percentile | $31,070 | $14.94 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $42,650 | $20.50 |
| Mean (average) | $28,630 | $13.76 |
How Iowa Compares
| State | Median Annual | vs. Iowa |
|---|---|---|
| Iowa (current) | $27,930 | n/a |
| District of Columbia | $45,400 | +63% |
| Massachusetts | $39,290 | +41% |
| Colorado | $38,410 | +38% |
| California | $38,220 | +37% |
| Vermont | $37,830 | +35% |
| Washington | $37,800 | +35% |
| New York | $36,630 | +31% |
| Hawaii | $36,440 | +30% |
Showing top-paying states with available data. View all states →
Related Occupations in Iowa
| Occupation | Median Annual | Employment |
|---|---|---|
| Personal Care and Service Workers, All Other | $27,780 | 300 |
| Fast Food and Counter Workers | $28,400 | 37,060 |
| Hosts and Hostesses, Restaurant, Lounge, and Coffee Shop | $28,430 | 3,410 |
| Teaching Assistants, Except Postsecondary | $28,500 | 22,910 |
| Library Assistants, Clerical | $28,700 | 1,530 |
| Cooks, Fast Food | $28,770 | 5,900 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Childcare Workers salary in Iowa?
The mean childcare workers salary in Iowa is $28,630 per year. The median (middle) salary is $27,930 per year.
What is the starting salary for a Childcare Workers in Iowa?
Entry-level childcare workerss (10th percentile) in Iowa typically earn around $20,390 per year. Workers at the 25th percentile earn approximately $22,800 per year.
What is the highest Childcare Workers salary in Iowa?
Top earners (90th percentile) in this occupation in Iowa make approximately $42,650 per year. Those in the 75th percentile earn around $31,070 per year.
How does the Iowa Childcare Workers salary compare to the national average?
The median childcare workers salary in Iowa is $27,930, which is -13% below national average of $32,050.