Career comparison
Childcare Worker vs. Preschool Teacher
Side-by-side pay, training, growth and day-to-day duties to help you choose between two related careers.
Preschool teachers earn more at the median ($38,140 vs. $34,980), while childcare workers usually get to work faster (1–4 weeks of required training of training). Childcare workers care for children’s safety, learning and daily needs. Preschool teachers teach young children through play, routines and early learning.
Pay data: BLS OEWS, May 2025 · Outlook: BLS 2025–35 · Checked October 15, 2026
| Childcare Worker | Preschool Teacher | |
|---|---|---|
| Median pay | $34,980 ($16.82/hr) | $38,140 ($18.34/hr) |
| Pay range (10th–90th) | $24,260 – $46,010 | $28,990 – $61,390 |
| Job growth, 2025–35 | -2.0% (a projected decline) | +4.5% (about as fast as average) |
| Openings per year | 150,300 | 66,700 |
| Typical entry education | High school diploma or equivalent | Associate's degree |
| Training time | 1–4 weeks of required training | 6 months (CDA) to 2 years (associate) |
| Key credential | CPR and pediatric first aid | Child Development Associate (CDA) |
| Work setting | Childcare workers work in centers, homes and schools. | Preschool teachers work in classrooms and playgrounds that are busy, noisy and active. |
What each job does
Childcare Worker
- 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
Preschool Teacher
- Plan play-based lessons and activities
- Teach early literacy, math and social skills
- Supervise children and keep them safe
- Manage daily routines and transitions
- Observe and assess child development
How they’re similar
Both careers involve helping others, working with people, indoor work, and physical work. Both are part of the education & childcare field, so many skills transfer between them.
Which should you choose?
Choose childcare worker if…
- I love caring for children
- I’m patient
- I can handle messes
Choose preschool teacher if…
- I love working with young children
- I’m patient and calm
- I enjoy creative activities
Still torn? Take the Childcare Worker fit quiz and the Preschool Teacher fit quiz, or the full Career Match Quiz.
Quick comparisons
Which pays more, childcare worker or preschool teacher?
Preschool Teachers earn more at the median: $38,140 versus $34,980 for childcare workers, based on BLS May 2025 data.
Which takes less time to train for?
Childcare Workers typically train faster (1–4 weeks of required training) than preschool teachers (6 months (CDA) to 2 years (associate)).
Which career has better job growth?
BLS projects preschool teachers to grow +4.5% from 2025–35, compared with -2.0% for childcare workers.