Child Development Careers
Careers in child development give professionals the opportunity to work with children from birth through adolescence and understand how they emotionally, mentally, and physically develop over time. Myriad jobs can be found in this growing field, including in clinical care, education, and research settings. Keep reading to learn about different degree levels, available jobs, and opportunities for continued professional growth.
Child Development Career Outlook
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects that employment of preschool teachers will grow by 2% between 2019-2029, adding 13,500 new jobs in the field. Positions for preschool and childcare center directors are projected to grow 1% during that time frame. Available careers for a child development major vary depending on an individual’s experience and level of education.
Students should consider which child development careers most interest them before enrolling in a program. While a preschool teacher, for instance, may only need an associate or bachelor’s degree, a child psychologist must possess a doctorate and license to practice in clinical settings. The following table takes a look at median annual salaries for a few child development positions that require an associate or bachelor’s degree.
| Job Title | Entry-Level (0-12 months) | Early Career (1-4 Years) | Midcareer (5-9 Years) | Experienced (10-19 Years) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Childcare Worker | $26,860 | $25,960 | $29,150 | $32,160 |
| Child Life Specialist | $40,750 | $44,180 | $45,660 | N/A |
| Preschool Teacher | $30,700 | $31,640 | $32,200 | $33,080 |
| Childcare Director | $31,100 | $38,370 | $39,130 | $40,960 |
Source: PayScale
Skills Gained With a Child Development Degree
Child development programs equip students with the skills and knowledge needed for careers in education, psychology, criminal justice, social service administration, and a variety of other disciplines. Undergraduate and graduate programs in child development often rely on a combination of classroom instruction and field-based learning experiences.
Child Development Career Paths
Individuals with a career in child development can find positions in many different industries. Some may gravitate more toward counseling and family support services, while others may find that working in the classroom best suits their interests. The list below describes a few concentrations that help prepare students for specific roles in the field.
Early Development and Learning
Upon graduation, students who concentrate in early development and learning typically work with children from birth to age five. Graduates may serve as childcare providers, preschool teachers, or early childhood curriculum designers. Coursework in this area explores subjects such as early language learning and supervision in early childhood settings.
Counseling and Family Services
Many child development students hope to work as family counselors or social service providers. They may study topics such as the sociology of alcohol and drug use, psychological perspectives on death and dying, and theories of personality. They typically complete an internship or practicum, as well.
Juvenile Delinquency
A concentration in juvenile delinquency positions learners for roles such as probation officer, correctional treatment specialist, or youth victim advocate. Through classes in criminal justice and youth subcultures, students learn to design interventions and programs that reduce criminal behavior among adolescents. They also learn to connect youth offenders with resources that can help them avoid recidivism.
Management and Administration
Some child development majors plan to lead nonprofit organizations or government agencies that provide services to youth and their families. Students who choose this concentration complete coursework in areas like human resource management, program evaluation, and the foundations of public administration.
Child Development Research
Some programs offer research-intensive tracks to prepare students for graduate study. Courses in this concentration include advanced statistics, methodology and design, and assessment. Students may also need to conduct original research and write a thesis.
How to Start Your Career in Child Development
A variety of careers are available for child development majors. For example, graduates can work as a preschool or elementary teacher at a public or private school. They may instead choose to work in the nonprofit sector, serving as the director of a childcare center or the head of an organization that runs an after-school enrichment program. Some child development graduates also find employment at local and state government agencies, coordinating the delivery of public services like Medicaid, food stamps, and housing assistance.
Your professional opportunities will largely be shaped by the type of degree you earn. For instance, you typically need to earn a master’s to qualify for clinical positions in family counseling or school psychology. The child development career tables below indicate which jobs you can pursue with an associate, bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree in child development.
Associate Degree in Child Development
Associate programs in child development generally consist of about 60 credits and require two years of full-time study. In addition to completing general education coursework in subjects like English and mathematics, students in these programs examine topics such as curriculum development, early childhood literacy, and the use of technology in the classroom.
While you can qualify for some entry-level roles, such as teaching assistant, with just an associate degree in child development, you must have a bachelor’s degree to teach at a K-12 public school.
What Can You Do With an Associate in Child Development?
Childcare workers help feed, bathe, and dress young children. They also oversee play and may provide basic instruction in areas like reading or music. While many work at childcare centers, others may operate as independent childcare providers for one or more families. Requirements vary, but many employers prefer to hire childcare workers with at least some postsecondary education.
Salary:$24,230
Source: BLS
Bachelor’s Degree in Child Development
Earning a bachelor’s degree in child development may qualify you to apply for state licensure as a public school teacher. It also prepares you for certain careers in nonprofit and public administration.
What Can You Do With a Bachelor’s in Child Development?
Child life specialists typically work in hospitals or community health centers. They assess child patients, collaborate with doctors and other medical professionals on the provision of care, and provide support to families. They may also serve as a point of contact for ongoing treatment plans. Most of these specialists have at least a bachelor’s degree.
Salary:$43,850
Sources: BLS and PayScale
Master’s Degree in Child Development
With a master’s degree in child development, you can take on more specialized and supervisory roles. For example, you may serve as a marriage and family therapist, helping children cope with life changes such as their parents’ divorce or the death of a loved one. You may also find work as a school counselor, supporting the academic and social development of students.
Master’s programs in child development feature coursework in areas like human prenatal development, adolescent psychology, and quantitative design and analysis. Depending on their career path, graduate students may also choose to complete a research-based thesis or a field-based capstone project.
What Can You Do With a Master’s in Child Development?
Special education teachers work with students dealing with various mental, emotional, and physical disabilities. In addition, they often create and implement IEPs to ensure that learners receive appropriate accommodations and support — both inside and outside the classroom. Some schools may prefer to hire special education teachers who hold a master’s degree.
Salary:$61,030
Source: BLS
Doctoral Degree in Child Development
To teach or conduct child development research at a college or university, you typically must first earn a doctoral degree. You must also hold a doctorate to qualify for licensure as a clinical psychologist.
Doctoral programs typically begin with 2-3 years of classroom instruction in subjects such as developmental neurobiology, social and emotional processes, and clinical intervention with children. After completing this coursework, students may need to take a comprehensive examination. Learners then spend several months or years working on their dissertation.
The dissertation process involves conducting original research and then summarizing your methodology and findings in a written document — usually 100-200 pages in length. Once finished, you must successfully defend your dissertation before a faculty committee to formally earn your doctorate.
What Can You Do With a Doctorate in Child Development?
Professors and other postsecondary teachers instruct students at colleges, universities, and trade schools. Many also conduct and publish research within their area of expertise. Others may perform additional administrative duties, such as chairing a department in child development. Most postsecondary faculty jobs — especially those leading to tenure — require a doctoral degree.
Salary:$88,130
Sources: BLS and PayScale
How to Advance Your Career in Child Development
Careers in childhood development span the educational spectrum, allowing motivated professionals to continue advancing into new roles over the years as they gain experience. While some of these workers may decide to go back to school to earn a full advanced degree, others may decide that a certification best suits their needs.
Continuing education plays a critical role in child development, and professionals are expected to stay up to date on contemporary challenges, issues, and emerging research in the field. The following sections take a look at how individuals in this field can progress over the course of their careers.
Certifications and/or Licensure
Licensure and certification requirements vary based on individual careers in child development. In some states, for instance, preschool teachers working in public schools may be expected to earn certification from the Council for Professional Recognition. Other states require childcare workers to pass background checks and receive CPR/first aid certification.
To work as a K-12 teacher in a public school, professionals must hold a state-issued license. Those employed by private schools may bypass this step, but they should speak with individual schools to learn more.
Those who aspire to work as child psychologists must seek state licensure in the area where they want to practice, while school counselors may need to hold certification from the American School Counselor Association.
Continuing Education
Continuing education can take on many different forms, depending on the type of learning a professional wants to engage in. While many people think going back to school for an advanced degree is the only option in continuing education, several other paths exist.
Certificate programs offer the opportunity to gain niche knowledge in less time than a traditional degree. Many of these programs are also offered online, making it easier for working professionals to further their education. Free online courses, such as massive open online courses (MOOCs), also offer the opportunity to engage in self-paced learning without committing to a full semester of study.
The path for every individual will look different. Consider your professional goals and then decide which options align best with your needs.
Next Steps
Aside from pursuing additional degrees, certificates, certification, and/or licensure, child development professionals can find other outlets for deepening their knowledge. For example, earning continuing education units may be a good option for shorter, more focused learning.
Additionally, networking helps students and professionals meet other professionals in the field, learn about their work, and potentially find a job. By joining professional organizations and associations, members can attend annual conferences, participate in a local or regional chapter, and subscribe to newsletters and publications in the field. These organizations may also offer in-person and online training, professional mentoring, and jobs boards.
How to Switch Your Career to Child Development
Individuals who already have a career but want to move into child development can do so through several means, depending on their level of education and/or experience.
Switching into some child development positions may require returning to school and enrolling in a formal degree program; this is especially true for individuals who do not yet possess a bachelor’s or higher. Those with a bachelor’s in another field may be able to transfer into certain positions after completing a certificate or training program.
Depending on their desired career, individuals may be able to start work in an entry-level position and complete on-the-job training. This may be possible for positions such as preschool teacher or childcare worker. Candidates may then move up in the field over time.
Where Can You Work as a Child Development Professional?
Child development careers span several industries and locations, making it relatively easy for professionals to find a setting that matches their interests and skills. Many child development professionals work in elementary and secondary schools or child day care services. The section below describes common industries and settings for these professionals.
Industries
The industries that employ child development professionals are varied, offering many different options for individuals considering this field. Career options can be found across public, private, and nonprofit settings.
The section below describes popular industries for kindergarten teachers, providing a few examples of common work settings for child development professionals.
Elementary and Secondary Schools
Private and public elementary/secondary schools hire a variety of professionals, including educators, school counselors, instructional coordinators, and administrators. Public schools often pay more than similar employers in private and nonprofit settings.
Average Salary: $60,750
Child Day Care Services
Many jobs are available at day care centers for teachers and administrators. In addition to traditional day care settings, workers may also find positions with large companies that offer childcare services for employees.
Average Salary: $40,210
Religious Organizations
Many religious organizations offer day care and early education services to parishioners and community members. These jobs allow workers to get to know local families and participate in a larger religious community.
Average Salary: $54,460
Individual and Family Services
These organizations provide social services related to child well-being, including public welfare, adoption services, counseling, and community shelters. These services may be provided by government agencies or nonprofits. These roles may require professionals to offer counseling or provide referrals.
Average Salary: $54,420
Other Schools and Instruction
Other schools and instruction positions can be found outside of traditional education settings, including in schools located on military bases or in youth detention centers. These roles mostly exist within the government, but candidates may also find jobs at nonprofits.
Average Salary: $48,980
Source: BLS
Locations
Careers in child development can be found in all 50 states and all U.S. territories, making it relatively easy for these professionals to locate work no matter where they live.
In terms of employment levels, heavily populated states such as California, New York, and Texas employ the most child development specialists. Individuals interested in earning the highest salaries should consider seeking work in states such as New York, Oregon, or Connecticut. Massachusetts and California also offer above-average wages in this field.
As mentioned earlier, membership in a professional organization can help individuals scope out available roles in their region and find a position that meets their professional and personal needs.
Choose Your State Below
Interview With a Professional in Child Development
Michelle Person has almost 20 years of experience in education. After graduating from Skidmore College, she joined the Teach For America program and began her career in New Jersey. She worked in various urban schools, raising test scores, developing curricula, and building relationships. After earning an MA in educational leadership, she became a school building leader.
Resources for Child Development Majors
Educational and professional resources abound for child development careers. Professional associations offer many opportunities for networking, continuing education, and career support. Open courseware and publications allow individuals to learn about cutting-edge research and new findings in the discipline.
Frequently Asked Questions About Child Development Careers
Is a degree in child development worth it?
Individuals who enjoy working with children and their families can benefit from earning a degree in this field. Professionals can find meaningful work in several different settings and industries.
What degree is needed to work with children?
Individuals who want to work with children can pursue different degrees, including options in education, psychology, and child development. Those considering a career that predominantly involves working with children should consider which professional path best aligns with their academic interests and long-term professional goals.
Is child development a good career?
Child development can be a great career for individuals who feel passionate about understanding the cognitive, emotional, physical, and social markers that define normal and abnormal child development. Individuals who do not enjoy working with children — especially those with special needs — may be better suited for a different field.
How do I get a job in child development?
The path to a job in child development depends on a worker’s specific role. Some jobs may require only an associate degree, while others mandate a master’s-level qualification. Some require applicants to hold licensure, while others do not. Research the requirements of specific roles to learn more.
What do child development jobs pay?
Annual salaries offered by child development roles also depend on the specific job. According to the BLS, preschool teachers earned a median annual salary of $30,520 in 2019, while preschool and childcare center directors brought home $48,210.
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