Education and Childcare Administrators, Preschool and Daycare
O*NET 11-9031.00 · SOC 11-9031
Education and Childcare Administrator is a risky career choice. Median pay is $59k a year with -3.1% projected growth through 2035 (declining) and about 5,200 openings a year. AI exposure: Moderate.
Bureau of Labor Statistics projections 2025–2035 · Data updated 2026-07-27
What You'd Actually Do
- →Manage daily operations of preschool or daycare facilities
- →Develop and implement early childhood education curricula
- →Hire, train, and supervise teaching and support staff
- →Ensure compliance with licensing and safety regulations
- →Communicate with parents regarding children's progress and needs
Education & How to Get In
A bachelor's degree is the standard entry point for Education and Childcare Administrator roles. Related majors and internship experience during college significantly improve your chances. Many employers also value relevant certifications or project portfolios alongside the degree.
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 an Education and Childcare Administrator involves a mix of core responsibilities:
Personality Fit (RIASEC)
Who Thrives as Education and Childcare Administrator?
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 Education and Childcare Administrator 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 Education and Childcare Administrators, Preschool and Daycare is projected to decline 3.1% from 2025 to 2035, declining for all occupations.
Will AI Replace This Job?
- ·51% social/interpersonal tasks, hard for AI to replace
- ·25% creative/strategic tasks, AI augments, doesn't replace
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 an Education and Childcare Administrator make?
The median Education and Childcare Administrator earns $59k 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 Education and Childcare Administrator jobs?
Our model puts Education and Childcare Administrator at 27 out of 100 for automation exposure, which is moderate, likely AI-complementary. The main drivers: 51% social/interpersonal tasks, hard for AI to replace; 25% creative/strategic tasks, AI augments, doesn't replace.
Is Education and Childcare Administrator a growing field?
Employment is projected to shrink 3.1% between 2025 and 2035, which is declining. That works out to roughly 5,200 openings a year, counting both new positions and people leaving the occupation.
What degree do you need to be an Education and Childcare Administrator?
A bachelor's degree is the standard entry point for Education and Childcare Administrator roles, and relevant internships matter as much as the subject.
How long does it take to become an Education and Childcare Administrator?
Typically about four years, typically a bachelor's degree. O*NET classes this role as Job Zone 4 of 5, which describes how much preparation people in it usually have.
Is an Education and Childcare Administrator 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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