Childcare Workers vs Computer Programmers: Salary Comparison (2024)
Side-by-side salary comparison using 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics data.
Which Career Pays More?
Computer Programmers professionals earn $66,620 more per year than Childcare Workers professionals — that's 207.9% higher. At the 90th percentile, Childcare Workers earns $44,560 compared to $162,090 for Computer Programmers.
Salary Range Comparison
Childcare Workers$22,900 – $44,560
Computer Programmers$52,190 – $162,090
$22,900$162,090
Detailed Salary Comparison
| Percentile | Childcare Workers | Computer Programmers | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $22,900 | $52,190 | $-29,290 |
| 25th Percentile | $28,000 | $71,860 | $-43,860 |
| Median (50th) | $32,050 | $98,670 | $-66,620 |
| 75th Percentile | $36,960 | $128,960 | $-92,000 |
| 90th Percentile | $44,560 | $162,090 | $-117,530 |
| Mean (Average) | $33,140 | $103,640 | $-70,500 |
Employment Numbers
Childcare Workers
520,180
employed nationwide
Computer Programmers
109,870
employed nationwide
Top Paying Cities
Best Cities for Childcare Workers
| City | Median |
|---|---|
| San Francisco-Oakland-Berkeley, CA | $44,970 |
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA | $43,640 |
| Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA | $40,180 |
| Boston-Cambridge-Nashua, MA-NH | $39,290 |
| Denver-Aurora-Lakewood, CO | $38,720 |
Best Cities for Computer Programmers
| City | Median |
|---|---|
| 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 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who earns more: Childcare Workers or Computer Programmers?
Computer Programmers professionals earn more, with a median salary difference of $66,620 (207.9% higher) as of 2024 BLS data.
What is the salary range for Childcare Workers?
Childcare Workers salaries range from $22,900 (10th percentile) to $44,560 (90th percentile), with a median of $32,050.
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.
How many Childcare Workers and Computer Programmers jobs are there?
There are approximately 520,180 Childcare Workers positions and 109,870 Computer Programmers positions nationwide according to 2024 BLS data.
Is it worth switching from Computer Programmers to Childcare Workers?
Career decisions depend on many factors beyond salary. Childcare Workers has a median salary of $32,050 while Computer Programmers earns $98,670. Consider job satisfaction, growth prospects, required education, and work-life balance.
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Data verified March 2026 · Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS