Overall employment of child care workers is projected to decline by 2 percent from 2022 to 2032, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. Job opportunities are declining because the cost of child care is expensive in many areas and more people are working at home (which reduces, in some instances, the need for childcare services). Some sectors will offer better employment prospects for child care workers. For example, employment at private elementary and secondary schools is expected to increase by 7.5 percent (faster than the average for all careers) through 2032. Job opportunities for child care workers at state, local, and private colleges, universities, and professional schools will also grow faster than the average.
Many parents will continue to need assistance during working hours to care for their children. Because the number of children requiring child care is expected to grow, there will continue to be a need for child care workers. In addition, job opportunities will be good because there is high turnover in this field, resulting in the need for many replacement workers. One reason for this turnover rate is the low pay; in order to keep quality employees, center owners may have to charge clients more so that they may better compensate staff members. More franchises and national chains, as well as centers that cater exclusively to corporate employees, will offer job opportunities to child care professionals. Child care workers may work with older children as more day care centers expand to include elementary school services.
Bilingual child care workers, and those who are certified, will find more job opportunities and better salaries.