Childcare workers
SOC Code: 39-9011Also known as:
After School Coordinator, After School Counselor, Attendant, Baby Attendant, Baby Sitter
Median Annual Salary
$32,050
-2.9% growth (2024-2034)
160K
Openings/Year
992K
Current Jobs
What Childcare workers Do
Attend to children at schools, businesses, private households, and childcare institutions. Perform a variety of tasks, such as dressing, feeding, bathing, and overseeing play.
💰 Salary
$32,050
Median annual wage (2024)
📈 Job Growth
-2.9%
Decline
🎓 Education
High school diploma or equivalent
Typical entry-level requirement
🚀 Annual Openings
160K
Projected average per year
📚 On-the-Job Training
Short-term on-the-job training
Expected training period
Employment Projections (2024-2034)
Current Employment (2024)
991,600
Projected Employment (2034)
962,400
Related Careers
Preschool teachers, except special education
$37,120 •
+4.1% growth
Childcare workers
$32,050 •
-2.9% growth
Top Skills Required
Active Listening
Monitoring
Social Perceptiveness
Speaking
Service Orientation
Daily Tasks & Responsibilities
- Maintain a safe play environment.
- Observe and monitor children's play activities.
- Communicate with children's parents or guardians about daily activities, behaviors, and related issues.
- Support children's emotional and social development, encouraging understanding of others and positive self-concepts.
- Care for children in institutional setting, such as group homes, nursery schools, private businesses, or schools for people with disabilities.
- Sanitize toys and play equipment.
- Dress children and change diapers.
- Keep records on individual children, including daily observations and information about activities, meals served, and medications administered.
- Identify signs of emotional or developmental problems in children and bring them to parents' or guardians' attention.
- Instruct children in health and personal habits, such as eating, resting, and toilet habits.
Technology & Tools
📚 Entry-Level Education
High school diploma or equivalent
Most common requirement
🎯 Recommended Education
High School Diploma
O*NET recommended level
Degree Programs for Childcare workers
These degree programs can prepare you for a career as a childcare workers:
Child Care Provider/Assistant
22,533 degrees awarded •
410 colleges offer this program
Child Development
4,599 degrees awarded •
221 colleges offer this program
Early Childhood and Family Studies
439 degrees awarded •
18 colleges offer this program
Best Colleges for Becoming a Childcare workers
Ranked by Repit grade, then by degrees in related programs. These are the top-rated colleges that prepare students to become childcare workers.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much do childcare workers make?
The median annual salary for childcare workers is $32,050.
What education do childcare workers need?
Most childcare workers positions require a high school diploma or equivalent.
Common degree programs include Child Care Provider/Assistant, Child Development, Early Childhood and Family Studies.
Is becoming childcare workers a good career choice?
Childcare workers is projected to see -2.9% job growth from 2024 to 2034,
which reflects some decline in the field. With approximately 160,200 job openings expected annually,
there are good opportunities for those entering the field.
What are the best colleges for childcare workers?
Top colleges for aspiring childcare workers include
Tufts University, California State University-Long Beach, California State University-San Bernardino, California State University-Fresno, Santa Ana College.
These schools are ranked based on their Repit grade and the number of graduates in related programs.
What other job titles are similar to childcare workers?
Childcare workers may also be known as: After School Coordinator, After School Counselor, Attendant, Baby Attendant, Baby Sitter, Before and After School Daycare Worker, Boarding Mother, Care Provider, Caregiver, Child Attendant, Child Care Aide, Child Care Assistant, Child Care Attendant, Child Care Development Specialist, Child Care Provider, Child Care Sitter, Child Care Teacher, Child Care Worker, Child Caregiver, Child Daycare Worker.
These titles often refer to similar roles with varying responsibilities or specializations.