Education and Childcare Administrators
O*NET title: Education and Childcare Administrators, Preschool and Daycare
Also called: Childcare Center Directors
Plan, direct, or coordinate academic or nonacademic activities of preschools or childcare centers and programs, including before- and after-school care.
Also called: After School Site Director, Before and After School Program Director, Before and After School Site Director, Center Administrator, Center Manager, Child Care Center Administrator (Child Care Center Admin)
Median pay
$59,300
per year, U.S.
Pay range (10th–90th)
$38,580 – $98,240
People employed
73,660
Holland code
SEC
Social · Enterprising · Conventional
Updated October 2026 · Data: O*NET 31.0 and BLS OEWS May 2025 · How we match careers
Is this career right for you?
These are the things that stand out in this job compared with other U.S. jobs (O*NET 31.0 work context). Answer honestly.
- 1.Do you want a job with little physical risk?
- 2.Do you want the same hours every week?
- 3.Are you OK working outdoors in all kinds of weather?
- 4.Do you enjoy serving customers or the public?
- 5.Are you happy talking and working with people most of the day?
The hard parts
- Dealing with conflict is part of the job
- Tight deadlines are common
Education and Childcare Administrators pay by state
Highest-paying states
Annual median pay by state (49 states and DC with published data). Source: BLS OEWS May 2025.
Education and Childcare Administrators salary in every state →
What education and childcare administrators do
- 01Recruit, hire, train, and evaluate primary and supplemental staff and recommend personnel actions for programs and services.
- 02Confer with parents and staff to discuss educational activities and policies and students' behavioral or learning problems.
- 03Teach classes or courses or provide direct care to children.
- 04Determine allocations of funds for staff, supplies, materials, and equipment and authorize purchases.
- 05Direct and coordinate activities of teachers or administrators at daycare centers, schools, public agencies, or institutions.
- 06Monitor students' progress and provide students and teachers with assistance in resolving any problems.
Skills that matter most
- Speaking
- Reading Comprehension
- Critical Thinking
- Active Listening
- Active Learning
- Learning Strategies
Knowledge
- Education and Training
- Administration and Management
- Personnel and Human Resources
- Customer and Personal Service
- Administrative
Work styles that stand out
- Dependability
- Integrity
- Cooperation
- Social Orientation
- Self-Control
Education and first steps
O*NET has no education survey data for this job.
How people get started
- Usually needs a bachelor's degree (O*NET Job Zone 4).
- Related work experience: over 1 year, up to and including 2 years.
- On-the-job training: anything beyond short demonstration, up to and including 1 month.
- A professional certification is often expected.
Most common answers from O*NET 31.0 Education, Training and Experience.
Interest fit (Holland code)
O*NET occupational interest scores, scale 1–7. Take the Free Career Test to compare with your own.
Career changes
Change from education and childcare administrators
- Training and Development Managers86% · +124%
- Training and Development Specialists82% · +17%
- Instructional Coordinators82% · +31%
- Special Education Teachers, Secondary School81% · +25%
- Health Education Specialists80% · +8%
Change into education and childcare administrators
Jobs whose skills carry over best (skill match, their median pay).
- Directors, Religious Activities and Education83% · $52,100
- Training and Development Specialists79% · $69,280
- Coaches and Scouts78% · $47,320
- Residential Advisors78% · $42,240
- Recreation Workers77% · $36,560
Majors that lead here
- Educational Leadership and Administration, General
- Educational, Instructional, and Curriculum Supervision
- Superintendency and Educational System Administration
- International School Administration/Leadership
- Early Childhood Program Administration
From the NCES CIP 2020 to SOC 2018 crosswalk.