Childcare Worker Salary in Colorado (2026)

Official state-level BLS pay data for Childcare Workers in Colorado, plus how it compares with the rest of the country.

Official BLS state wage data · Unknown vintage
Colorado Median
$40,750
per year
Hourly Rate
$19.59
based on 2,080 hrs/yr
vs National
+16% vs US median
US median $34,980
State Rank
#4 of 51
13,310 employed here

How much does a Childcare Worker make in Colorado?

A Childcare Worker working in Colorado earns a median salary of $40,750 per year, or about $19.59 per hour. That is 16% above the national median of $34,980 for this occupation.

Within Colorado, entry-level pay starts around $33,430 while the top 10% make $49,190 or more. The middle 50% of earners fall between $36,990 and $46,260 a year.

Childcare Worker salary range in Colorado

Pay levelAnnual salaryHourly rate
10th percentile (entry level)$33,430$16.07
25th percentile (early career)$36,990$17.78
50th percentile (median)$40,750$19.59
75th percentile (experienced)$46,260$22.24
90th percentile (top earners)$49,190$23.65

How Colorado compares

Colorado ranks 4th out of 51 states and territories for Childcare Worker pay. The top 5 best-paying states:

RankStateMedian salary
1District of Columbia$47,340
2Washington$41,680
3Massachusetts$40,900
4Colorado$40,750
5California$40,020

Working as a Childcare Worker in Colorado

Nationally, about 519,000 people work as Childcare Workers in the United States. A high school diploma is typically enough, with most skills learned on the job.

Considering a move? Compare Colorado pay ($40,750) against the highest-paying state above, and weigh the difference against housing and everyday costs — a smaller paycheck in a cheaper state can stretch further.

Frequently asked questions

How much does a Childcare Worker make in Colorado?
The median Childcare Worker salary in Colorado is $40,750 per year, or about $19.59 per hour, per official BLS state wage estimates. Salaries typically range from $33,430 at the entry level to $49,190 for the top 10% of earners.
How does Colorado pay compare to the national average?
Colorado pays Childcare Workers about 16% more than the national median of $34,980. Colorado ranks 4th out of 51 states and territories reporting this occupation.
Is Colorado a good state for Childcare Workers?
Yes on pay — Colorado pays above the national median for this occupation, at $40,750 a year. About 13,310 Childcare Workers are employed in Colorado. Weigh that against local housing and living costs before moving.
What are the highest-paying jobs in Colorado?
The highest-paying occupations in Colorado include Orthodontist ($416,000), Dermatologist ($398,810), Orthopedic Surgeon, Except Pediatric ($385,410), based on median annual pay in official BLS state estimates.

← See the national Childcare Worker salary report

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Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), Unknown vintage. Education requirements: O*NET (U.S. Department of Labor). State figures are official BLS state-level wage estimates. Where BLS suppresses a state percentile, it is scaled from the official national distribution. Individual pay varies by employer, metro area, and experience.