34 Jobs Working With Children

By Caitlin Mazur - Apr. 28, 2022
Articles In Guide

Find a Job You Really Want In

If you are an individual who enjoys spending time working with children, finding a job in a field where you teach or frequently interact with kids may be the right career path for you. Working with children can be one of the most satisfying career choices out there. Kids are the future of our communities, and dedicating your time, abilities, and skills to help shape their minds is a critical role to play.

There are a wide variety of careers out there that involve spending time with children, whether it be frequently interacting, caring, or teaching them. If you are passionate about nurturing the next generation of kids, you may consider making this a long-term career for yourself.

  1. Child Psychologist Jobs (Overview)

  2. Pediatric Nurse Jobs (Overview)

  3. Pediatrician Jobs (Overview)

  4. Pediatric Dentist Jobs (Overview)

  5. School Nurse Jobs (Overview)

  6. Social Worker Jobs (Overview)

  7. Juvenile Corrections Officer Jobs (Overview)

  8. School Counselor Jobs (Overview)

  9. Speech Language Pathologist Jobs (Overview)

  10. Occupational Therapist Jobs (Overview)

  11. Recreation Worker Jobs (Overview)

  12. Special Education Teachers Jobs (Overview)

  13. Principal Jobs (Overview)

  14. Teacher Jobs (Overview)

  15. Teacher Aide Jobs (Overview)

  16. Crossing Guard Jobs (Overview)

  17. Bus Driver Jobs (Overview)

  18. Cafeteria Worker Jobs (Overview)

  19. Preschool Teacher Jobs (Overview)

  20. Child Care Center Director Jobs (Overview)

  21. Nanny Jobs (Overview)

  22. Photographer Jobs (Overview)

  23. Camp Counselor Jobs (Overview)

  24. Physical Education Teacher Jobs (Overview)

  25. Coach Jobs (Overview)

  26. Entertainer Jobs (Overview)

  27. Nutritionist Jobs (Overview)

  28. Hair Stylist Jobs (Overview)

  29. Librarian Jobs (Overview)

  30. Museum Curator Jobs (Overview)

  31. Creative Art Therapist Jobs (Overview)

  32. Child And Family Counselor Jobs (Overview)

  33. Music Therapist Jobs (Overview)

Highest-Paying Jobs Working With Children

  1. Pediatrician
    Average Annual Salary: $169,000

    Pediatricians are doctors for children. This is like any other medical job with the same amount of required certification and schooling. This job’s reward comes from watching children grow, keeping them healthy, and ensuring they are properly cared for.

    Find Pediatrician jobs near me

  2. Pediatric dentist
    Average Annual Salary: $161,000

    Children’s dentists are important for maintaining adequate oral hygiene for children. They also instill necessary hygiene behavior for small children that they may carry with them for the rest of their lives.

    Pediatric dentists must be skilled in helping children feel comforted during the time in their office, as a visit to the dentist can be scary for some children.

    Find Pediatric Dentist jobs near me

  3. Principal
    Average Annual Salary: $130,000

    Elementary school principals oversee how any given school is run on a daily basis. They must manage class schedules, implement classroom curriculums, discipline students, deal with parents, and more.

    They work closely with teachers and other school professionals every day and have the opportunity to engage with various kids of different ages. This profession may require observation and analysis of classrooms and children. Principals also need a school administration license from their state.

    Find Principal jobs near me

  4. Child psychologist
    Average Annual Salary: $71,231

    One of the more rewarding yet difficult occupations that involves working with kids daily. Child psychologists or therapists are responsible for diagnosing and treating mental health or disorders for children.

    Typically, this role requires higher education degrees as well as a license to work in the state. Beyond private practices and hospitals, child psychologists can also be found in schools or be called in for exceptional circumstances at police departments.

    Find Child psychologist jobs near me

  5. Pediatric nurse
    Average Annual Salary: $71,000

    This role requires the individual to provide nursing care for children in doctor’s offices, hospitals, or medical clinics. This can be a gratifying profession but also emotionally, mentally, and physically draining.

    Pediatric nurses require nursing degrees and are responsible for diagnostic tests, data records, medical reporting, and medication distribution, among other things.

    Find Pediatric nurse jobs near me

Jobs Working With Special Needs Children

  1. Speech language pathologist
    Average Annual Salary: $68,000

    These individuals provide therapy for children who may have speech impediments. They will use various methods, tools, and skills to help their young patients learn how to speak more clearly or overcome any impediments.

    Find Speech pathologist jobs near me

  2. Occupational therapist
    Average Annual Salary: $72,000

    These therapists are responsible for helping patients with physical mobility. They can help children who may have a delay in learning to walk, play, or do other self-care activities themselves.

    Like speech pathologists, they will use various strategies and tools to achieve the intended goal for their patients.

    Find Occupational therapist jobs near me

  3. Special education teacher
    Average Annual Salary: $47,000

    Special education teachers are an essential part of a school’s fabric. These educators need a specialized set of skills to work with children who may have physical, mental, or emotional disabilities.

    These teachers work closely with these students to ensure their learning environments are appropriate so they can address their challenges but also have the ability to learn at an age-appropriate level.

    Find Special education teachers jobs near me

jobs working with children skills

Jobs Working With Children

  1. School nurse
    Average Annual Salary: $50,000

    Nursing professionals who support school districts help children when they experience an injury or illness during the school day. They may be responsible for wound care, medications, CPR, and mental health treatments.

    They must also maintain constant communication with parents for students who may require care for continuous illnesses.

    Find School nurse jobs near me

  2. Social worker
    Average Annual Salary: $51,000

    Another tough occupation in a different field, social workers work with families to ensure that children in the home are properly cared for. Social workers are required to visit homes and schools to ensure the children’s care is adequate, which means frequently interacting with children.

    Social workers are considered government employees and are responsible for the children’s safety of the cases they work. If they determine a child is not adequately cared for, they are responsible for the removal and placement with an adoptive or foster family.

    Find Social worker jobs near me

  3. Juvenile corrections officer
    Average Annual Salary: $30,000

    Juvenile corrections officers are responsible for supervising minors who may have committed criminal offenses. This job is not for everyone, especially because you’ll need to work in a detention center for juveniles.

    Still, you have the opportunity to keep these children safe and discipline them in a constructive way.

    Find Juvenile corrections officer jobs near me

  4. School counselor
    Average Annual Salary: $47,000

    School counselors are a vital part of a school environment. They are responsible for providing guidance and mental health support to students in their school.

    This may vary from individual sessions to coordinating assemblies across elementary, middle, and high schools. School counselors are typically required to have a master’s degree and a license to work in the state.

    Find School counselor jobs near me

  5. Recreation worker
    Average Annual Salary: $30,000

    Most communities have parks and public recreation areas where kids can play, interact with one another, and have fun. For this occupation, there are many opportunities to get involved in these activities and help families take advantage of the great perks their communities have to offer.

    Find Recreation worker jobs near me

  6. School-age teacher/ Teacher
    Average Annual Salary: $46,000

    Teachers are a vital element in any child’s development. They are responsible for general education throughout a child’s elementary, middle, and high school experience.

    Teachers are often mentors for many students and may be support systems for many of their students, beyond education. School teachers require a bachelor’s degree in education as well as a variety of certifications and licenses, depending on what they teach.

    Find Teacher jobs near me

  7. Teacher aide
    Average Annual Salary: $24,000

    A job as an aide will allow you to support a school-age teacher in the classroom. You may be asked to gather supplies, help students with work, and help keep the teacher organized.

    Aides can work in the classroom without the same level of certification as teachers. Often, those aspiring to be teachers can snag a job as a teacher’s aide to help them when they’re finished with their schooling or licensing.

    Find Teacher’s aide jobs near me

  8. Crossing guard
    Average Annual Salary: $27,000

    Crossing guards are a staple in many communities, especially those where children frequently walk to school. They direct traffic and issue instructions to protect students as they cross the street to get to school or get home.

    Find Crossing guard jobs near me

  9. Bus driver
    Average Annual Salary: $33,000

    School bus drivers are tasked with picking up students, bringing them to school, and driving them back home. These individuals are specially trained and have certifications to drive school buses.

    School bus drivers can get to know their kids well during their routes, especially if they keep the same ones for many years in a row.

    Find Bus driver jobs near me

  10. Cafeteria worker
    Average Annual Salary: $24,000

    School cafeteria workers are responsible for preparing and serving food to students. Most schools provide a hot lunch to their students and may also provide breakfast and snacks. This job requires less training than others but still allows you to interact with children regularly.

    Find Cafeteria worker jobs near me

  11. Preschool teacher
    Average Annual Salary: $32,000

    Preschool teachers are the first exposure a child has to education, and these individuals are important in a variety of different ways. For many children, it’s their first experience with adults outside of their own homes, and their time spent with their preschool teacher will shape their lifelong relationship with learning.

    Pre-school teachers are also important in helping young children develop social skills.

    Find Pre-school teacher jobs near me

  12. Childcare Center Director
    Average Annual Salary: $65,632

    Childcare centers all across the country require directors who can run preschools or childcare centers. This is one of the fastest-growing positions that work with children on a daily basis, as the national average of the number of kids under five is projected to increase significantly over the next few years.

    Find Childcare Center Director jobs near me

  13. Nanny
    Average Annual Salary: $25,000

    Families who have demanding jobs or active lifestyles may hire nannies into their homes. These independent employees typically provide in-home childcare for individuals or families.

    Nannies may be part of a larger organization or be referred independently. Typically nannies do not require higher education, making experience the key factor in snagging higher-paying jobs.

    Find Nanny jobs near me

  14. Photographer
    Average Annual Salary: $49,000

    If you enjoy photography and children, being a portrait photographer might be the best of both worlds. Photographers typically work on a freelance basis taking high-quality photographs of individuals or families.

    Social skills, especially with children, is a key skill required for this type of position.

    Find Photographer jobs near me

  15. Camp counselor
    Average Annual Salary $23,000

    Camp counselors are responsible for care and fun during the summer months at camps across the country. You might find employment at sleepaway camps, which typically require on-premises stays for the entire length of summer employment, or day camps, which would behave like a typical day job.

    These individuals may be responsible for a variety of activities, including swimming, boating, music, drama, hiking, and more. Counselors typically have training for first aid and CPR.

    Find Camp counselor jobs near me

  16. Physical education teacher
    Average Annual Salary: $48,000

    Physical education teachers are individuals in schools who help to promote physical fitness and health to children. They are responsible for activities like basketball, swimming, aerobics, running, gymnastics, and more.

    They are also responsible for teaching health-related topics like sex education and nutrition. P.E. teachers require a specific physical education degree as well as a license to work in the state.

    Find P.E. Teacher jobs near me

  17. Coach
    Average Annual Salary: $47,000

    Kids love to play sports, and being a coach can be one of the most rewarding experiences of your life. Individuals who coach play a vital role in a child’s personal development and watch them achieve a goal they may set out to achieve.

    Find Coach jobs near me

  18. Child Entertainer
    Average Annual Salary: $61,000

    If you have a unique talent like performing magic, singing, or playing an instrument, you can consider using your skills for kids. Many parents are looking for activities or entertainment for private parties. If you have a special gift that you can share with children, this could be an excellent opportunity for you.

    Find Child entertainer jobs near me

  19. Nutritionist
    Average Annual Salary: $49,000

    Kids are no different than adults when it comes to nutrition. Nutritionists that cater to children can help parents and caregivers develop a lifestyle to ensure their children are as healthy as possible. They also have the expertise to determine whether children are being well-fed and developing properly.

    Find Nutritionist jobs near me

  20. Hair stylist or barber
    Average Annual Salary: $36,000

    These individuals are responsible for hair hygiene and cutting, coloring, and styling hair. Clients can include children of all ages, so those who cater to children should have some techniques up their sleeves to keep their young clients feeling comfortable.

    Find Hairstylist jobs near me

  21. Librarian
    Average Annual Salary: $50,000

    Whether you work in a school or a library, librarians will typically come in contact with children who love to read. This can be an incredibly rewarding job as librarians have the ability to shape reading habits in young children for years and years to come.

    Find Librarian jobs near me

  22. Museum curator
    Average Annual Salary: $42,000

    Museum curators are responsible for collecting exhibits for museums. They typically oversee guest activities, and when you work for a children’s museum, this can be a unique opportunity to teach children about a variety of different topics. Curators might also get the chance to lead tours for school children.

    Find Museum curator jobs near me

  23. Creative Art therapist

  24. Average Annual Salary: $36,800

    Art therapists work to plan, direct, and coordinate art-based therapy and recreation sessions with their clients. It’s difficult for many children to express their feelings in words, and some find it helpful to use visual creativity as an outlet. It’s a rewarding career that provides fresh inspiration at work each day.

    Find Creative Art therapist jobs near me

  25. Child and family counselor

  26. Average Annual Salary: $39,900

    Ensuring that children have a safe and trauma-free childhood is the duty of child and family counselors. You’ll likely need a master’s in psychology or a related field, and most states require you to pass a licensing exam. But it’s an incredibly satisfying career with a double-digit job growth rate.

    Find Child and family counselor jobs near me

  27. Juvenile justice lawyer

  28. Average Annual Salary: N/A

    Juvenile justice lawyers work with minors who have committed criminal offenses. Like all lawyers, you’ll need to get through college, law school, and your state’s bar exam, but if you want to make sure that kids are treated fairly by the justice system, it’s one of the best places to be.

    Some juvenile lawyers also raise public awareness around children’s social and legal issues and act as advocates for policy change.

  29. Music therapist

  30. Average Annual Salary: $50,000

    Helping kids who struggle to communicate verbally through the healing power of music is what working as a children’s music therapist is all about. Musical ability is a job requirement, but you’ll also need to be sensitive to the needs of your clients.

    Find Music therapist jobs near me

The Benefits of Working With Kids

There are a variety of reasons why working with children is beneficial for you as a professional. These can include the following:

  • Building valuable skills. Working with children arms you with skills that are easily transferable in other work environments. In fact, working with kids will help build key skills like patience, verbal communication skills, organization skills, and conflict management.

    Learning these skills outside of a corporate work environment allows you to see things from a different perspective. If you were to switch careers at any point, it could be a valuable resource for organizations.

  • High job satisfaction. Working with children, especially if you are passionate about it, can yield high job satisfaction rates. Doing something that impacts children on a regular basis can be rewarding and enjoyable for the right individual.

    Studies have shown that “meaning” is one of the most central components of job satisfaction. Helping to shape the community of the next generation is certainly a meaningful profession, which is why it makes sense that so many of the most satisfying jobs involve working with children.

    Working with kids requires creativity, imagination, and the ability to have fun. It also requires a high level of patience and staying calm in high-tension situations. If you can bring those things to the table, you may be perfect for this type of job.

  • Maintaining job safety and demand. Jobs that involve working with kids are in high demand. This is typically not a career that goes out of that demand, either, as new children are born every year, and the need for teachers, caretakers, and others who work closely with children are needed regularly.

    Additionally, as you begin to build your credibility and skills, you’ll likely be able to transfer that experience to additional childcare jobs, if you so choose.

  • A fresh perspective. Jobs working with children are unlike any other in one sense: the people you’ll spend your time with are building their worldview each and every day. It’s a time of incredible curiosity, change, and growth, during which time the filters of adulthood haven’t quite set in.

    This means you’ll be exposed to new ways of thinking each day at work. Even if you don’t consider yourself naturally creative, working with kids naturally breaks down those critical barriers that stop us from fully exploring our ideas and passions.

    In short, if your job involves working with young people, and you’ll have an easier time staying young at heart yourself.

Skills Needed to Work With Children

How do you know if working with children is right for you? If you identify with any of the following, entering this career field might be the right move for you:

  • Flexibility. Children are naturally unpredictable, often changing their minds and attitudes in a split second. If you enjoy staying on your toes and have the ability to manage unexpected situations, this may be the right career path for you.

  • High energy. Kids have endless energy and aren’t shy about it. If you are high energy and active, you’ll fit right in with the young group.

  • Patience. Working with children isn’t always all fun and games. A high level of tolerance and patience is required. If you feel you can stay calm and level-headed in moments of stress, then you’d be a welcomed addition to working with children.

  • Creativity. Having an imagination is a crucial job requirement for working with children. Not only can your creativity get you out of stressful situations by thinking up solutions on the stop, but it will give you the ability to connect to the children on a deeper level.

  • Passion. Even if you are highly educated and trained in working with children, those skills won’t matter if you don’t have a true love for working with kids. For this line of work, you must genuinely love what you do.

  • Multitasking. If you are entering a field where you need to manage multiple children at any given time, multitasking is a must. You may need to manage more than one situation at any given time based on children’s shifting needs or requirements from your employer.

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Author

Caitlin Mazur

Caitlin Mazur is a freelance writer at Zippia. Caitlin is passionate about helping Zippia’s readers land the jobs of their dreams by offering content that discusses job-seeking advice based on experience and extensive research. Caitlin holds a degree in English from Saint Joseph’s University in Philadelphia, PA.

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