Recreation Workers vs. Childcare Workers: Who Earns More?
Recreation Workers out-earn Childcare Workers by $2K a year at the national median, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Recreation Workers land at $36,560 and Childcare Workers at $34,980. The education gap is real: recreation worker programs typically require high school diploma or equivalent, while childcare worker programs require high school diploma or equivalent. Top-paying state for Recreation Workers is District of Columbia ($46,460); for Childcare Workers it's District of Columbia ($47,340).
Pay by state
States where both occupations have BLS data, sorted by Recreation Workers median pay.
Source: BLS OEWS May 2025. Highlighted value is higher in each row.
Common questions
Who earns more, Recreation Workers or Childcare Workers?
Recreation Workers earn more nationally. The median is $36,560 for Recreation Workers versus $34,980 for Childcare Workers, a difference of $2K. Per BLS OEWS May 2025.
Which has better job growth, Recreation Workers or Childcare Workers?
Recreation Workers has the better 10-year outlook at 4.1% projected growth, compared to -2.9% for the other field. Both are from BLS Employment Projections.
Which requires more education, Recreation Workers or Childcare Workers?
Recreation Workers typically requires high school diploma or equivalent. Childcare Workers requires high school diploma or equivalent. Education requirements vary by employer and state licensing board.
Where do Recreation Workers get paid the most?
District of Columbia is the top-paying state for Recreation Workers at $46,460/year, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Major metro areas within that state typically pay even more than the state average.
How does Recreation Workers vs. Childcare Workers pay differ by state?
The gap varies significantly by state. In District of Columbia, Recreation Workers earn $46,460 vs. $47,340 for Childcare Workers. See the state comparison table on this page for the full picture.