Childcare Workers vs Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers: Salary Comparison (2024)
Side-by-side salary comparison using 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics data.
Which Career Pays More?
Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers professionals earn $25,390 more per year than Childcare Workers professionals — that's 79.2% higher. At the 90th percentile, Childcare Workers earns $44,560 compared to $78,800 for Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers.
Salary Range Comparison
Childcare Workers$22,900 – $44,560
Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers$38,640 – $78,800
$22,900$78,800
Detailed Salary Comparison
| Percentile | Childcare Workers | Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $22,900 | $38,640 | $-15,740 |
| 25th Percentile | $28,000 | $47,230 | $-19,230 |
| Median (50th) | $32,050 | $57,440 | $-25,390 |
| 75th Percentile | $36,960 | $65,520 | $-28,560 |
| 90th Percentile | $44,560 | $78,800 | $-34,240 |
| Mean (Average) | $33,140 | $58,400 | $-25,260 |
Employment Numbers
Childcare Workers
520,180
employed nationwide
Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers
2,070,480
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 Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers
| City | Median |
|---|---|
| New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA | $65,220 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who earns more: Childcare Workers or Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers?
Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers professionals earn more, with a median salary difference of $25,390 (79.2% 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 Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers?
Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers salaries range from $38,640 (10th percentile) to $78,800 (90th percentile), with a median of $57,440.
How many Childcare Workers and Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers jobs are there?
There are approximately 520,180 Childcare Workers positions and 2,070,480 Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers positions nationwide according to 2024 BLS data.
Is it worth switching from Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers to Childcare Workers?
Career decisions depend on many factors beyond salary. Childcare Workers has a median salary of $32,050 while Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers earns $57,440. Consider job satisfaction, growth prospects, required education, and work-life balance.
Career Resources
Career Change Resources
Explore tools and guides for transitioning between careers.
Professional Certifications
Find certifications that can boost your earning potential.
Online Degree Programs
Browse accredited online degrees relevant to these careers.
Resume Writing Services
Get professional help crafting a standout resume.
Explore More
Was this data helpful?
Data verified March 2026 · Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS