Explore This Path

Childcare Worker

💰 Earn $36K-$46K

📚 High School Diploma or GED

⏱️ 6–12 Month Training

📈 -2.9% Job Growth

Ideal for nurturing young minds and fostering early development.
Shape the future by creating a safe and engaging environment for children.
Build strong connections with families through daily interactions and support.

What Childcare Workers DoAttend to children at schools, businesses, private households, and childcare institutions. Perform a variety of tasks, such as dressing, feeding, bathing, and overseeing play.

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 the handicapped.

Childcare Workers Education, Salary, and Growth

Minimum EducationHigh School Diploma or GED

Career ProspectsShaky (Decreasing by 1-5%)

Training Time6 months to 1 year

Job Openings160,200 Annually

Median Earnings

$38,220 in California

$32,050 Nationally

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Only you can decide how much you need to earn — but knowing what it actually costs to live in your area can help. The Family Budget Calculator can guide you.

Real Talk Reel

We've curated a playlist for you to get a glimpse into a day in the life of this career.

@destinydaycarebestie

Is This Career Right For You?

YOU Like

Being creative or artistic
Relating with or serving others

you value

Having support
Having freedom
Personal relationships

you are skilled in

Speaking
Active Listening
Social Perceptiveness
Negotiation
Persuasion

Go Deeper: Childcare Workers Explained

Childcare WorkerExplore career pathways, key skills, and what each role has to offer.

How Do You Train for This Career?

Learn about the education and training paths that can lead to this career — and what to expect from each one.

Bachelor's DegreeA bachelor's degree typically results in increased knowledge about a variety of academic subjects, specialized knowledge in a focused field of study, and is considered the foundational qualification for many careers.

🎓 College

⏱️ Finish in 4-5+ years

Vocational SchoolA vocational school typically equips students with specialized skills and practical training in specific trades or occupations, enhancing their employability and providing direct pathways to relevant careers.

🎓 Skills-Focused

⏱️ Finish in 6 months - 2 years

Workforce Development ProgramA workforce development program typically enhances participants' opportunities to succeed in the workforce through employment skill-building, career counseling, connections to employers, and pathways to high-demand and high-wage jobs.

🎓 Skills-Focused

⏱️ Finish in 6 months - 2 years

Associate's DegreeAn associate's degree typically provides graduates with foundational knowledge and skills for entry-level jobs in the graduate's industry, or serves as a stepping stone towards further education.

🎓 College

⏱️ Finish in 2-3 years

ApprenticeshipAn apprenticeship typically offers a combination of hands-on training and classroom instruction, leading to practical skills, industry-specific knowledge, and the potential for long-term employment in a specific trade or profession.

🎓 Paid Work

⏱️ Finish in 2-5 years

Technology BootcampA technology bootcamp typically offers intensive training in specific tech skills, preparing participants for entry-level roles in the tech industry in a relatively short period of time.

🎓 Skills-Focused

⏱️ Finish in Less than a year

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