Childcare Workers
O*NET 39-9011.00 · SOC 39-9011
Childcare Worker is a risky career choice. Median pay is $35k a year with -2% projected growth through 2035 (declining) and about 150,300 openings a year. AI exposure: Moderate.
Bureau of Labor Statistics projections 2025–2035 · Data updated 2026-07-27
What You'd Actually Do
- →Supervise children's play and ensure their physical safety.
- →Prepare and serve snacks or meals to children.
- →Plan and lead age-appropriate games and learning activities.
- →Change diapers and assist young children with toileting.
- →Communicate children's daily progress and behavior to parents.
Education & How to Get In
Childcare Worker roles typically require a high school diploma or equivalent, with most training happening on the job. This makes it one of the more accessible career paths, you can often start working while earning certifications or completing short-term training programs.
Get Started Learning
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Work Environment
People-facing, clinics, schools, or client sites
Collaborative, frequent interaction with teams, clients, or patients
A Day in the Life
While every role varies by employer and specialization, a typical day as a Childcare Worker involves a mix of core responsibilities:
Personality Fit (RIASEC)
Who Thrives as Childcare Worker?
Based on the interests and work style this role actually demands, these personality types tend to fit it best. Salary and growth tell you if a career is worth entering; personality fit tells you whether you'll still want it in five years.
Not sure which you are? Take the 7-minute quiz →
See Open Childcare Worker Roles
Browse live openings to get a feel for requirements and pay in your area.
Similar Careers
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Job Outlook
Employment of Childcare Workers is projected to decline 2% from 2025 to 2035, declining for all occupations.
Will AI Replace This Job?
- ·45% social/interpersonal tasks, hard for AI to replace
- ·Industry sector with low automation exposure
Scored from the mix of routine, creative, physical and social tasks the role involves, adjusted for sector and projected growth. An estimate, not a forecast.
Common Questions
How much does a Childcare Worker make?
The median Childcare Worker earns $35k a year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics' May 2025 wage data. Half earn more than that and half earn less, and pay varies considerably by state, industry and experience.
Will AI replace Childcare Worker jobs?
Our model puts Childcare Worker at 25 out of 100 for automation exposure, which is moderate, likely AI-complementary. The main drivers: 45% social/interpersonal tasks, hard for AI to replace; industry sector with low automation exposure.
Is Childcare Worker a growing field?
Employment is projected to shrink 2% between 2025 and 2035, which is declining. That works out to roughly 150,300 openings a year, counting both new positions and people leaving the occupation.
What degree do you need to be a Childcare Worker?
Most Childcare Worker roles need a high school diploma or equivalent, with training happening on the job. A degree is not the usual route in.
How long does it take to become a Childcare Worker?
Typically under a year, usually a high school diploma plus short training. O*NET classes this role as Job Zone 2 of 5, which describes how much preparation people in it usually have.
Is a Childcare Worker career right for you?
Your personality, values, and strengths matter as much as the job market. Take the quiz to see your personalized Future-Fit Score for this career and hundreds more.
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