Childcare Workers
Attend to children at schools, businesses, private households, and childcare institutions. Perform a variety of tasks, such as dressing, feeding, bathing, and overseeing play.
Common Job Titles
- Child Care Worker
- Childcare Provider
- Infant Teacher
- Toddler Teacher
What You'll Need to Succeed
AI-generatedKey competencies for this occupation at a glance
- MindsetEngage children in developmentally appropriate play activities in diverse childcare settings, adapting to individual needs and group dynamics.Developing
- Hands-onPerform daily care routines including feeding, dressing, and bathing for children of varying ages, ensuring safety and hygiene standards.Developing
- KnowledgeApply child development principles and behavioral observation techniques to identify developmental milestones and potential concerns.Developing
- KnowledgeEvaluate safety hazards and compliance with childcare regulations across multiple environments including indoor, outdoor, and transportation settings.Developing
- MindsetRespond to children's emotional and behavioral needs with empathy and patience during conflicts, distress, or transitions, maintaining a supportive environment.Developing
- KnowledgeOrganize daily schedules and educational activities balancing structured learning, free play, meals, and rest periods for multiple children.Developing
- Hands-onCoordinate supervision of children during physical activities and transitions maintaining constant awareness of safety while facilitating active play.Developing
- MindsetEngage with families and caregivers regarding children's progress and daily experiences through verbal and written communication, building collaborative partnerships.Developing
- KnowledgeApply conflict resolution and behavior guidance strategies in group settings, promoting positive social interactions among children.Developing
- Hands-onExecute emergency first aid and safety protocols using emergency equipment and following established procedures under time pressure.Developing
- KnowledgeDemonstrate age-appropriate learning activities and educational games using educational toys and technology to support cognitive and social development.Developing
- KnowledgeExplain daily observations and developmental progress documentation to supervisors and parents, using record-keeping systems and scheduling software.Developing
Wage Data According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics
Annual wage data for Childcare Workers (2024)
Estimated Total Employment (U.S.)
520,180
Wage Distribution by Percentile
Line chart of annual wages by percentile. U.S. is the solid line. 10th percentile: U.S. $22,900. 25th percentile: U.S. $28,000. 50th percentile: U.S. $32,050. 75th percentile: U.S. $36,960. 90th percentile: U.S. $44,560. Use the left and right arrow keys to move between percentiles.
- U.S.
| Metric | U.S. |
|---|---|
| 10% of workers earn the following or less | $22,900 |
| 10% of workers earn the following or more | $44,560 |
| Workers on average earn | $33,140 |
+ indicates wage is at or above the BLS reporting cap ($239,200/year)
Skills & Requirements
Key competencies for this occupation, ranked by importance
- Customer and Personal Service3.7/5
- English Language3.5/5
- Education and Training3.4/5
- Public Safety and Security3.2/5
- Psychology3.0/5
Tools & Technology
Equipment and software commonly used in this occupation
In-Demand Technology
Frequently requested by employers in job postings
- Microsoft Office software
- Microsoft Word
Technology Skills
- Educational software
- Google Classroom
- Nearpod
- Scheduling software
- Schoology
- Seesaw
- Tadpoles
- Web browser software
Tools & Equipment
- Alarms
- Baby bottles
- Child car safety seats
- Climbing structures
- Desktop computers
- Dryers
- Educational toys
- Emergency first aid kits