Child, Family, and School Social Workers vs Childcare Workers: Salary Comparison (2024)
Side-by-side salary comparison using 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics data.
Which Career Pays More?
Child, Family, and School Social Workers professionals earn $26,520 more per year than Childcare Workers professionals — that's 82.7% higher. At the 90th percentile, Child, Family, and School Social Workers earns $94,030 compared to $44,560 for Childcare Workers.
Salary Range Comparison
Child, Family, and School Social Workers$40,580 – $94,030
Childcare Workers$22,900 – $44,560
$22,900$94,030
Detailed Salary Comparison
| Percentile | Child, Family, and School Social Workers | Childcare Workers | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $40,580 | $22,900 | +$17,680 |
| 25th Percentile | $47,480 | $28,000 | +$19,480 |
| Median (50th) | $58,570 | $32,050 | +$26,520 |
| 75th Percentile | $74,060 | $36,960 | +$37,100 |
| 90th Percentile | $94,030 | $44,560 | +$49,470 |
| Mean (Average) | $62,920 | $33,140 | +$29,780 |
Employment Numbers
Child, Family, and School Social Workers
382,960
employed nationwide
Childcare Workers
520,180
employed nationwide
Top Paying Cities
Best Cities for Child, Family, and School Social Workers
| City | Median |
|---|---|
| Hartford-East Hartford-Middletown, CT | $80,280 |
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA | $78,700 |
| Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA | $76,600 |
| Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV | $75,780 |
| Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD | $74,530 |
Best Cities for Childcare Workers
| City | Median |
|---|---|
| San Francisco-Oakland-Berkeley, CA | $44,970 |
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA | $43,640 |
| Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA | $40,180 |
| Boston-Cambridge-Nashua, MA-NH | $39,290 |
| Denver-Aurora-Lakewood, CO | $38,720 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who earns more: Child, Family, and School Social Workers or Childcare Workers?
Child, Family, and School Social Workers professionals earn more, with a median salary difference of $26,520 (82.7% higher) as of 2024 BLS data.
What is the salary range for Child, Family, and School Social Workers?
Child, Family, and School Social Workers salaries range from $40,580 (10th percentile) to $94,030 (90th percentile), with a median of $58,570.
What is the salary range for Childcare Workers?
Childcare Workers salaries range from $22,900 (10th percentile) to $44,560 (90th percentile), with a median of $32,050.
How many Child, Family, and School Social Workers and Childcare Workers jobs are there?
There are approximately 382,960 Child, Family, and School Social Workers positions and 520,180 Childcare Workers positions nationwide according to 2024 BLS data.
Is it worth switching from Childcare Workers to Child, Family, and School Social Workers?
Career decisions depend on many factors beyond salary. Child, Family, and School Social Workers has a median salary of $58,570 while Childcare Workers earns $32,050. Consider job satisfaction, growth prospects, required education, and work-life balance.
Career Resources
Career Change Resources
Explore tools and guides for transitioning between careers.
Professional Certifications
Find certifications that can boost your earning potential.
Online Degree Programs
Browse accredited online degrees relevant to these careers.
Resume Writing Services
Get professional help crafting a standout resume.
Explore More
Was this data helpful?
Data verified March 2026 · Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS