How to become a childcare worker

Attend to children at schools, businesses, private households, and childcare institutions. Perform a variety of tasks, such as dressing, feeding, bathing, and overseeing play.

Steps to get there

Most employers expect usually requires a high school diploma or ged, though some occupations may not..Some occupations may need little or no previous experience; others require several months to a year of experience. For example, landscaping and groundskeeping workers might require very little training or previous experience, while agricultural equipment operators can benefit from on-the job training.

What childcare workers do

• Sanitize toys and play equipment.
• Maintain a safe play environment.
• Observe and monitor children's play activities.
• Support children's emotional and social development, encouraging understanding of others and positive self-concepts.
• Instruct children in health and personal habits, such as eating, resting, and toilet habits.
• Read to children and teach them simple painting, drawing, handicrafts, and songs.

Skills that matter most

• Monitoring
• Active Listening
• Speaking
• Critical Thinking
• Reading Comprehension
• Writing
• Active Learning
• Learning Strategies

Is childcare worker a good career?

On the numbers, this job is close to the average across occupations. Median pay is 31% below the all-occupation median. Whether it fits you depends on the work itself, the schooling you are willing to do and where you want to live.

Where it pays most

• District of Columbia $47,340
• Washington $41,680
• Massachusetts $40,900
• Colorado $40,750
• California $40,020

Childcare Workers salary by state and city

Sources: O*NET® 31.0 (CC BY 4.0, USDOL/ETA) and BLS Employment Projections 2025–35. Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025.