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Childcare Workers Salary in Ohio: Cost of Living Adjusted (2025)

Last updated: 2025 BLS data · Page refreshed:

What does a Childcare Workers salary really buy you in Ohio?

Ohio is 8.5% cheaper than the US average

Data: BLS OEWS 2025 + BEA Regional Price Parities 2022 • Updated 2026-05-19

Nominal Salary
$29,680
Median annual (2025)
+9.3%
Real Purchasing Power
$32,437
COL-adjusted (RPP=91.5)

Ohio Cost of Living Index

Ohio's Regional Price Parity (RPP) is 91.5, meaning prices are 8.5% lower the national average. A Childcare Workers earning $29,680 in Ohio has the equivalent purchasing power of $32,437 in an average-cost US state.

OH: 91.5
Cheapest (~85) US Avg (100) Priciest (~115)

Salary Breakdown: Nominal vs. COL-Adjusted

Every dollar goes further in low-cost states. Here is how each salary percentile compares after adjusting for Ohio's cost of living.

Percentile Nominal Salary COL-Adjusted Difference
10th Percentile (P10) $23,800 $26,010 +$2,210
25th Percentile (P25) $27,540 $30,098 +$2,558
Median (P50) $29,680 $32,437 +$2,757
75th Percentile (P75) $36,450 $39,836 +$3,386
90th Percentile (P90) $40,390 $44,142 +$3,752
Key Insight

A Childcare Workers in Ohio earns $29,680 on paper, but low living costs mean your money goes 9% further — like earning $32,437 in an average-cost state. This makes Ohio one of the best value states for this occupation.

What the Cost-of-Living Data Says

Ohio Runs Well Below National Cost

RPP 91.5

Ohio's Regional Price Parity (RPP) of 91.5 means a basket of goods and services costs about 8.5% less than the national average. For a Childcare Workers, every dollar earned effectively buys more here than in a 100-RPP state.

Meaningful Purchasing-Power Shift

+9.3%

After applying Ohio's RPP, the $29,680 median salary translates to $32,437 in real terms — a 9.3% gain. That difference can cover several months of expenses over a year for a Childcare Workers.

Below-Median Adjusted Pay

#35 / 51

Ohio's rank of #35 of 51 states means real purchasing power for Childcare Workers trails the national half-way line.

Best States for Childcare Workers (After Cost of Living)

Where does Childcare Workers salary stretch the furthest? Top 10 states ranked by COL-adjusted median salary.

$40,600
RPP 116.6
$39,833
RPP 102.3
$39,384
RPP 91.0
4. Montana
$38,892
RPP 90.3
$37,959
RPP 109.8
6. Vermont
$37,616
RPP 101.1
$37,385
RPP 109.4
$36,356
RPP 97.7
9. Oregon
$36,257
RPP 106.6
10. Maine
$36,061
RPP 100.8

Ohio ranks #35 out of 51 states for Childcare Workers after cost-of-living adjustment.

How much do you actually take home? See Childcare Workers take-home pay in Ohio after taxes →

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the real salary for a Childcare Workers in Ohio after cost of living?

A Childcare Workers in Ohio earns a median salary of $29,680 per year. After adjusting for Ohio's cost of living (RPP=91.5), the real purchasing power is $32,437 — a +9.3% difference.

Is Ohio expensive to live in?

Ohio's cost of living is 8.5% lower than the national average according to the BEA Regional Price Parities (2022). The RPP index for Ohio is 91.5 (US average = 100).

What are Regional Price Parities (RPP)?

Regional Price Parities (RPPs) are price indexes published by the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) that measure differences in price levels across states. They are expressed as a percentage of the national average (US = 100). Higher RPP means higher cost of living.

How is the cost-of-living adjusted salary calculated?

The adjusted salary is calculated as: Nominal Salary x (100 / RPP). For a Childcare Workers in Ohio: $29,680 x (100 / 91.5) = $32,437. This represents what the salary would be worth in a state with average living costs.

Is it better to be a Childcare Workers in Ohio financially?

From a purchasing power perspective, yes. A Childcare Workers in Ohio enjoys 9.3% more buying power than the nominal salary suggests, because living costs are below the national average. However, other factors like job availability, career growth, and quality of life also matter.

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