Childcare workers supervise, care for, and teach children in day care programs.
| Quick Facts: Child Care Workers | |
|---|---|
| Wages | Earn $31,663 per year |
| Employment | Very large occupation |
| 10 Year Growth | More slowly than average |
| Annual Openings | Very High |
Preparation
A childcare worker typically needs to:
- have at least a high school diploma or equivalent
- complete short-term, on-the-job training
Working Conditions
In a typical work setting, child care workers:
- Have a high level of contact with children, parents, and staff.
- Work very near children. They may lift, carry, and hold children.
- Can make most decisions and set most tasks without consulting a supervisor. Their decisions strongly impact the wellbeing of children in their care.
- May work early morning, day, or early evening hours. Most child care centers operate 10 to 12 hours per day.
Wages
In Illinois, child care workers earn a median wage of $31,663 per year.
| $0 | $50 | $100 | $150 | $200 |
| Illinois |
$ amounts are in thousands of dollars.
Employment and Outlook
In Illinois, 27,869 child care workers work in this very large occupation.
| Location | Employment | 10 Year Growth | Annual Openings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Illinois | 27,869 Very large | 4.4% Slow | 4,030 Very High |