There are plenty of ways to work with kids if you want a career that focuses on the next generation.
Kids can be a handful, but for those who are up to the challenge, working with children is a rewarding career choice. If you have a love of children and the social skills to work with them, one of the jobs below could be right for you.
In the following list, we'll dive into some great jobs for people who like working with kids, identify some of the primary duties for each job, and take a look at the national average salary for each position. In addition to more common job titles — such as "teacher" and "principal" — we’ve highlighted a few kid-focused career paths you may not have considered.
10 jobs for people who like working with kids
1. Teacher
Job description: Teachers educate groups of students in classrooms (or virtually) at public schools, private schools, and other educational facilities. They get to know students' special educational needs, develop lesson plans around curricula, conduct classes, grade student work, review student progress with parents and guardians, and more. Kindergarten teachers, elementary school teachers, and other specialists in early childhood education prepare younger students for future schooling by teaching a variety basic subjects, such as math and reading. Middle school and high school teachers tend to specialize in a certain field or subject. For example, a science teacher might lead a biology or chemistry class, while a math teacher might introduce students to algebra, geometry or calculus.
Typical education level: Bachelor’s degree
Average national salary for teachers: $55,000
2. School principals and education administrators
Job description: Elementary, middle, and high school principals manage all school operations, including daily school activities. They help address issues facing their school district, coordinate curricula, oversee teachers and other school staff, and provide a safe and productive learning environment for students.
Typical education level: Master's degree (or, in some cases, a bachelor's degree with several years of work experience in education)
Average national salary for school principals: $95,500
3. Librarian
Job description: Librarians help people find information and conduct research for personal and professional use. Their job duties may change based on the type of library where they work, like a public, school, or medical library. Some school librarians may not need a master's degree in library science, provided they meet state teaching requirements.
Typical education level: Master’s degree
Average national salary for librarians: $56,000
4. Preschool and childcare center directors
Job description: Preschool and childcare center directors supervise staffs, design curricula, prepare budgets, and oversee activities on a daily basis. They are responsible for all aspects of their center’s program. Like all childcare workers, they need strong communication skills to manage the emotions of small children, help them navigate social interactions, and generally meet their needs.
Typical education level: Bachelor’s degree
Average national salary for preschool directors: $57,000
5. School bus driver
Job description: School bus drivers transport children to and from schools, field trip destinations, and extra-curricular activities. They may work with a variety of ages, from young children to high school students. They memorize school bus routes and may assist kids in boarding. If you have a thorough understanding of traffic laws, stellar driving skills, and a commercial driver's license (CDL), you could be a great candidate for a school bus driver job.
Typical education level: High school diploma, GED, or equivalent
Average national salary for school bus drivers: $48,000
6. Coach
Job description: Coaches work in schools, recreation centers, and other facilities to teach amateur or professional athletes the skills they need to succeed at their sport. They often become role models for young people, teaching them invaluable social and professional skills they can carry beyond athletics. Many coaches are also involved in scouting; they look for new players, evaluate their skills, and asses the likelihood of older children succeeding at the college, amateur, or even professional level of sports.
Typical education level: Bachelor’s degree
Average national salary for coaches: $63,500
7. Speech-language pathologist
Job description: Speech-language pathologists (sometimes called speech therapists) assess, diagnose, treat and help prevent communication and swallowing disorders in patients. Some speech pathology specialists work in schools to help treat communication issues in young patients, making a lasting impact on the lives of children.
Typical education level: Master's degree
Average national salary for speech pathologists: $74,500
8. Lawyer
Job description: Attorneys in the juvenile justice system specialize in legal issues applying to minors, which often differ from those that apply to people over 18. Juvenile justice attorneys work to protect the rights of minors who may have fallen victim to a crime or suffered an injustice. This critical role also defends minors who have been accused of committing a crime.
Typical education level: Doctoral or professional degree
Average national salary for lawyers: $86,500
9. Child social worker
Job description: Social work is a broad field aimed at helping people solve and cope with problems in their everyday lives. Clinical social workers also diagnose and treat mental, emotional, and behavioral problems. Social workers hold positions in a variety of settings, some of which require master's degrees. Clinical social workers need at least two years of work experience to earn their license.
Typical education level: Bachelor’s degree
Average national salary for social workers: $71,500
10. Pediatric registered nurse
Job description: Registered nurses (RNs) provide and coordinate patient care, educate patients and the public about various health conditions, and provide advice and emotional support to patients and their family members.
Typical education level: Bachelor’s degree
Average national salary for pediatric registered nurses: $81,000
