Shigoto Zukan
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How to become childcare workerseducation, training, experience and the steps to enter

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

How to become childcare workers

Typical education
High school diploma or equivalent
BLS
Related experience
None
On-the-job training
Short-term on-the-job training

A step-by-step guide for this occupation is being prepared. The education, training and experience data above show the typical path.

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)

Career path and how to earn more as childcare workers

Career-path guidance is being prepared. Pay by percentile is shown in the Pay section.

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.