Career comparison
Childcare Worker vs. School Bus Monitor
Side-by-side pay, training, growth and day-to-day duties to help you choose between two related careers.
School bus monitors earn more at the median ($35,100 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. School bus monitors ride school buses to keep students safe and help them on and off.
Pay data: BLS OEWS, May 2025 · Outlook: BLS 2025–35 · Checked October 15, 2026
| Childcare Worker | School Bus Monitor | |
|---|---|---|
| Median pay | $34,980 ($16.82/hr) | $35,100 ($16.88/hr) |
| Pay range (10th–90th) | $24,260 – $46,010 | $28,130 – $43,250 |
| Job growth, 2025–35 | -2.0% (a projected decline) | -1.9% (a projected decline) |
| Openings per year | 150,300 | 13,400 |
| Typical entry education | High school diploma or equivalent | High school diploma or equivalent |
| Training time | 1–4 weeks of required training | A few days to weeks |
| Key credential | CPR and pediatric first aid | Monitor training |
| Work setting | Childcare workers work in centers, homes and schools. | Monitors work on school buses.. |
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
School Bus Monitor
- Help students board and exit
- Secure wheelchairs and seats
- Manage behavior
- Assist students with disabilities
- Communicate with drivers
How they’re similar
Both careers involve helping others, working with people, and physical work. They sit in different fields, education & childcare and transportation & logistics, but share transferable skills such as patience and patience.
Which should you choose?
Choose childcare worker if…
- I love caring for children
- I’m patient
- I can handle messes
Choose school bus monitor if…
- I like kids
- I’m patient
- I stay calm
Still torn? Take the Childcare Worker fit quiz and the School Bus Monitor fit quiz, or the full Career Match Quiz.
Quick comparisons
Which pays more, childcare worker or school bus monitor?
School Bus Monitors earn more at the median: $35,100 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 school bus monitors (A few days to weeks).
Which career has better job growth?
BLS projects school bus monitors to grow -1.9% from 2025–35, compared with -2.0% for childcare workers.