SalaryByCity

Computer Programmers vs Education and Childcare Administrators, Preschool and Daycare: Salary Comparison (2024)

Side-by-side salary comparison using 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics data.

Computer Programmers

$98,670

Median annual salary

109,870 employed nationally

Education and Childcare Administrators, Preschool and Daycare

$56,270

Median annual salary

71,620 employed nationally

Which Career Pays More?

Computer Programmers professionals earn $42,400 more per year than Education and Childcare Administrators, Preschool and Daycare professionals — that's 75.4% higher. At the 90th percentile, Computer Programmers earns $162,090 compared to $96,400 for Education and Childcare Administrators, Preschool and Daycare.

Salary Range Comparison

Computer Programmers$52,190 – $162,090
Education and Childcare Administrators, Preschool and Daycare$37,060 – $96,400
$37,060$162,090

Detailed Salary Comparison

PercentileComputer ProgrammersEducation and Childcare Administrators, Preschool and DaycareDifference
10th Percentile$52,190$37,060+$15,130
25th Percentile$71,860$45,310+$26,550
Median (50th)$98,670$56,270+$42,400
75th Percentile$128,960$72,690+$56,270
90th Percentile$162,090$96,400+$65,690
Mean (Average)$103,640$62,640+$41,000

Employment Numbers

Computer Programmers

109,870

employed nationwide

Education and Childcare Administrators, Preschool and Daycare

71,620

employed nationwide

Top Paying Cities

Best Cities for Computer Programmers

CityMedian
Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA$167,970
San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA$159,250
San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA$133,560
Denver-Aurora-Lakewood, CO$122,580
San Francisco-Oakland-Berkeley, CA$122,000

Best Cities for Education and Childcare Administrators, Preschool and Daycare

CityMedian
New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA$79,000
Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA$77,390
Denver-Aurora-Lakewood, CO$64,180
San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA$62,530
Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA$61,880

Frequently Asked Questions

Who earns more: Computer Programmers or Education and Childcare Administrators, Preschool and Daycare?
Computer Programmers professionals earn more, with a median salary difference of $42,400 (75.4% higher) as of 2024 BLS data.
What is the salary range for Computer Programmers?
Computer Programmers salaries range from $52,190 (10th percentile) to $162,090 (90th percentile), with a median of $98,670.
What is the salary range for Education and Childcare Administrators, Preschool and Daycare?
Education and Childcare Administrators, Preschool and Daycare salaries range from $37,060 (10th percentile) to $96,400 (90th percentile), with a median of $56,270.
How many Computer Programmers and Education and Childcare Administrators, Preschool and Daycare jobs are there?
There are approximately 109,870 Computer Programmers positions and 71,620 Education and Childcare Administrators, Preschool and Daycare positions nationwide according to 2024 BLS data.
Is it worth switching from Education and Childcare Administrators, Preschool and Daycare to Computer Programmers?
Career decisions depend on many factors beyond salary. Computer Programmers has a median salary of $98,670 while Education and Childcare Administrators, Preschool and Daycare earns $56,270. 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

Cost of Living by CityCollege & University DataSalary Calculators

Was this data helpful?

Data verified March 2026 · Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS