Rates and Fees

Child care is an expensive service, and can be one of a family’s largest monthly costs. Montana child care averages between $4,000 and $4,600 per year per child. In shopping for child care, parents find a range of costs. Southwestern Montana’s daily child care rates range from $15/day to $32/day.

Some types of child care are more expensive than others. For example, infant-toddler care usually costs more per hour than preschool care. Part-time care usually costs more than full-time care. Center care may cost more than family or group home care. Location influences the cost of care also. Child care usually costs less in rural or outlying areas.

The state rate of payment for child care subsidy programs is set at the 75th percentile of the range. This means that 25% of Montana providers charge more than the state will pay.

Your child care provider is not getting rich! Most providers struggle to cover their costs. Their average hourly wage is estimated to be $7.00/hour regardless of education and experience.