Shigoto Zukan
日本語

Will AI replace childcare workers?AI replacement risk 16% and how the work is changing

United States Social Services Confidence ★★★★★

Median annual pay
$34,980
25th–75th pct. $29,360–$38,570
Top pay (est.)
$59,800
Top 10% $46,010
Pay in 5 years
$40,500est.
2031
Pay in 10 years
$46,800est.
$40,300–$54,300
Outlook score
48/100
★★☆☆☆ Average
AI replacement risk
16%
Very low
Job growth (10 yr)
−2.0%
150K openings / yr

Will AI replace Childcare Workers? AI replacement risk

16%
Very low
Ranked #98 safest from AI among all U.S. occupations
Very lowLowModerateHighVery high

How AI is changing this job

A written analysis for this occupation is being prepared.

AI replacement risk compares the parts of a job that are easy to hand to AI or software (processing information, documentation, repetitive computer work) with the parts that are hard to automate (physical work, working closely with people, judgment in unpredictable settings), using O*NET work activities, work context, skills and knowledge. The result is a relative position among all occupations in the country, scaled to 0–100%. Methodology →

Skills, education and requirements for Childcare Workers

Key skills

Service Orientation
3.2
Social Perceptiveness
3.2
Learning Strategies
3.1
Monitoring
3.1
Coordination
3.0
Active Listening
3.0
Judgment and Decision Making
3.0
Reading Comprehension
3.0

O*NET skill level ratings (0–7).

Key knowledge areas

Customer and Personal Service
4.0
Education and Training
3.0
English Language
2.7
Psychology
2.6
Computers and Electronics
2.3
Public Safety and Security
2.2
Administrative
2.1
Administration and Management
2.0

What the work involves

Assisting and Caring for OthersOrganizing, Planning, and Prioritizing WorkEstablishing and Maintaining Interpersonal RelationshipsThinking CreativelyMonitoring Processes, Materials, or SurroundingsUpdating and Using Relevant KnowledgeResolving Conflicts and Negotiating with OthersPerforming General Physical Activities

Important abilities

Oral ComprehensionOral ExpressionProblem SensitivitySpeech RecognitionSelective AttentionWritten Comprehension

Education of workers

High school diploma
39%
Associate's degree
23%
Less than high school
14%
Some college
10%
Bachelor's degree
9%
Post-secondary certificate
6%

Training before entry

Up to 1 month
33%
None / short demo
24%
1–3 months
21%
6–12 months
15%
1–2 years
4%
3–6 months
3%

Related work experience

1–2 years
35%
None
20%
2–4 years
16%
Up to 1 month
14%
6–12 months
10%
3–6 months
4%
1–3 months
1%

Job Zone 2 — some preparation needed (O*NET)

Difficulty of entry: ★☆☆☆☆ Easy to enter (from education, training, experience and Job Zone)

Pay and employment figures are national statistics. Projected pay, outlook scores and AI replacement risk are estimates from the Shigoto Zukan model, not guarantees. To request a correction, use the contact form. How to read the data
Sources: BLS OEWS May 2025; BLS Employment Projections 2025–35; O*NET 31.0 Database by USDOL/ETA (CC BY 4.0), modified by Shigoto Zukan. Pay ranges, projections and scores are Shigoto Zukan estimates.