Preschool Teacher
Teach young children through play, routines and early learning.
- $38,140
- 6 months (CDA) to 2 years (associate)
Education & Childcare career
Childcare Worker
Also called: Daycare Worker · Childcare Provider · Nanny · Child Care Assistant
What childcare workers do, what they earn, how long training takes and how to get started, with official BLS pay data and practical, job-level detail.
What does a childcare worker do?
Childcare workers care for children when parents are away, supervising activities, meals and naps, and supporting early learning and development. The median pay is $34,980 per year (BLS, May 2025), most people train for about 1–4 weeks of required training, and employment is projected to grow -2.0% from 2025–35.
Pay data: BLS OEWS, May 2025 · Outlook: BLS 2025–35 · Checked October 15, 2026
- Median pay$34,980$16.82/hour · May 2025
- Job growth-2.0%2025–35, a projected decline
- Openings per year150,300Average, 2025–35
- Typical entry educationHigh school diploma or equivalentBLS classification
- Time to train1–4 weeks of required trainingTypical program length
- U.S. jobs1,010,300Employment, 2025
What childcare workers do
Childcare workers keep children safe, happy and learning. They supervise play, prepare meals and snacks, change diapers, help with naps, lead simple activities, read stories and communicate with parents. They work in childcare centers, before- and after-school programs, family childcare homes and as nannies.
Most childcare workers have a high school diploma and complete state-required training, background checks and CPR. The Child Development Associate credential opens doors to lead teacher roles.
Typical duties
- Supervise children and keep them safe
- Prepare meals and snacks
- Change diapers and help with toileting
- Lead play and learning activities
- Help children with naps and routines
- Communicate with parents
- Clean and sanitize toys and spaces
Work environment and schedule
Childcare workers work in centers, homes and schools. The job involves lifting children, sitting on the floor and staying alert.
Schedule: Shifts include early mornings and evenings; many centers are open 10 to 12 hours a day.
A day in the life
- Open the infant room and greet families.
- Feed babies and log bottles.
- Lead tummy time and sensory play.
- Change diapers and record them.
See a full day in the life of a childcare worker →
Childcare Worker salary
Half of childcare workers earned more than $34,980 and half earned less in May 2025. Pay ranged from about $24,260 for the lowest 10% to $46,010 for the top 10%.
Full childcare worker pay scale and hourly rates →
How to become a childcare worker
- Pass background checks
- Complete required training
- Get hired
- Earn a CDA
- Advance
A high school diploma is typical. States require background checks and training hours. CPR and first aid are standard.
Step-by-step guide to becoming a childcare worker →
Skills and tools
Technical skills
- Child supervision
- Infant and toddler care
- Health and safety practices
- Age-appropriate activities
- Daily documentation
People skills
- Patience
- Warmth
- Reliability
- Communication
All childcare worker skills and tools →
Pros and cons
Pros
- Quick entry
- Meaningful work
- Flexible schedules
- Path to teaching roles
Cons
- Low pay
- Physically and emotionally tiring
- Exposure to illnesses
- Strict licensing rules
Certifications and licenses
- CPR and pediatric first aid: Required in most programs.
- Child Development Associate (CDA): National early childhood credential.
- State childcare training hours: Required by licensing.
- Safe sleep training: Training to prevent SIDS.
Career path
- Childcare Assistant: Support classrooms.
- Childcare Worker: Care for a group.
- Lead Teacher: Lead a classroom.
- Center Director: Run a center.
Learn the job before day one
Our Childcare Worker training (8 hours, $74.99) covers the role, 15+ key terms, step-by-step procedures such as put an infant down for safe sleep and ease separation anxiety at drop-off, safety and how to land your first job.
Related careers
Teacher Assistant
Support teachers and help students learn in classrooms.
- $36,780
- Weeks to 2 years depending on the district
Home Health Aide
Help older adults and people with disabilities live safely and comfortably at home.
- $35,800
- 2–6 weeks
Childcare Center Director
Lead childcare and preschool programs, staff and families.
- $59,300
- Bachelor’s plus 2–5 years of experience
Compare: Childcare Worker vs. Preschool Teacher · Childcare Worker vs. Teacher Assistant · Childcare Worker vs. Home Health Aide · Childcare Worker vs. Childcare Director
Childcare Worker FAQ
Do childcare workers need a degree?
No, but states require training and background checks.
What is the CDA?
A national credential for early childhood educators.
Can childcare lead to teaching?
Yes, with more education.
How much does a childcare worker make?
The median annual wage for childcare workers was $34,980 ($16.82 per hour) in May 2025, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The lowest 10% earned less than $24,260 and the highest 10% earned more than $46,010.
How long does it take to become a childcare worker?
Most people need about 1–4 weeks of required training of training. A high school diploma is typical. States require background checks and training hours. CPR and first aid are standard.
Do you need a degree to be a childcare worker?
No four-year degree is typically required. BLS lists “high school diploma or equivalent” as the typical entry-level education, plus short-term on-the-job training.
More childcare worker questions →
Sources
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025, SOC 39-9011 (Childcare workers).
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Employment Projections, Table 1.2 (2025–35).
- O*NET OnLine summary for Childcare workers (U.S. Department of Labor).
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook.
Reviewed by the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team. Pay figures are national estimates; local pay varies. See our editorial policy.