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Is an Early Childhood Education Degree Worth It
Whether an early childhood education degree is worth it depends heavily on which role and degree level you’re weighing, and individual outcomes may vary. According to the BLS, median annual wages for early-childhood-related occupations range from $34,980 for childcare workers to $76,580 for special education teachers, with preschool teachers, childcare workers, and preschool/childcare administrators together accounting for roughly 231,200 annual job openings (BLS OEWS, May 2025; BLS Employment Projections 2024-2034). An associate degree can qualify you for entry-level classroom or caregiving roles at modest pay, while a bachelor’s degree paired with licensure opens higher-paying elementary teaching roles, and a master’s can support advancement into center leadership.
Back to Early Childhood Education Program Guide
What do early childhood occupations pay?
Key takeaway: Wages in this field vary widely by role and setting. Childcare-center roles pay the least, preschool teaching pays modestly more, and licensed elementary teaching and administrator roles pay substantially more – individual outcomes may vary by state, employer, and years of experience.
| Occupation | Median Annual Wage | Job Growth (2024-2034) | Annual Openings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Childcare Workers | $34,980 | -2.9% | 160,200 |
| Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education | $38,140 | 4.1% | 65,500 |
| Education and Childcare Administrators, Preschool and Daycare | $59,300 | -2.5% | 5,500 |
| Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education | $63,970 | -2.0% | 91,000 |
| Special Education Teachers, All Other | $76,580 | 1.1% | 2,900 |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025. Job growth and openings from BLS Employment Projections 2024-2034.
How does the cost compare to expected earnings?
Key takeaway: Because entry-level roles in this field pay modestly, total program cost matters more here than in higher-earning majors. College Scorecard figures below reflect the broader education-program (CIP) grouping, since a separate early-childhood-specific CIP breakout is not available in our data source.
| Degree Level | Median Debt | 1yr Median Earnings | 5yr Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Associate | $12,695 | $24,507 | $33,878 |
| Bachelor’s | $23,352 | $42,026 | $47,588 |
| Master’s | $29,724 | $56,255 | $63,222 |
| Doctoral | $63,256 | $90,007 | $96,664 |
Source: U.S. Department of Education, College Scorecard, latest academic year, education-program (CIP) grouping.
Bachelor’s-level graduates who move into licensed elementary teaching roles (median $63,970, BLS OEWS May 2025) generally see a stronger return than those who remain in unlicensed preschool or childcare roles, where median pay is lower ($34,980-$38,140). Graduates weighing whether to pursue licensure should compare the added time and coursework against the wage difference between preschool/childcare roles and licensed teaching roles in their state.
What is the job growth outlook for early childhood roles?
Key takeaway: Growth projections vary sharply by occupation within this field. Preschool teaching is projected to grow faster than average, while childcare-worker and elementary-teacher employment are each projected to decline slightly nationally (BLS Employment Projections 2024-2034) – even as total annual openings remain large due to high turnover in these roles.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects preschool teacher employment to grow 4.1% through 2034, with 65,500 annual openings driven substantially by the need to replace workers who leave the occupation. Childcare worker employment is projected to decline 2.9%, and elementary school teacher employment is projected to decline 2.0%, though both occupations still show large numbers of annual openings (160,200 and 91,000, respectively) due to turnover and the size of the workforce. Special education teacher employment (a common adjacent path for early-childhood graduates who add a special-education endorsement) is projected to grow 1.1%.
How do early childhood education degree levels affect earnings?
Key takeaway: Degree level and licensure status affect early childhood career outcomes more than the specific school you attend. An associate degree can open entry-level roles, but a bachelor’s degree paired with state licensure is generally what unlocks the higher-paying elementary teaching tier.
| Degree Level | Typical Role Access | Median Salary Range (Occupation) | Licensure? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Associate | Childcare aide, assistant teacher | $34,980-$38,140 | Generally no |
| Bachelor’s (no licensure) | Preschool teacher, center staff | $34,980-$38,140 | No |
| Bachelor’s (with licensure) | Licensed early-elementary teacher | $63,970 | Yes (state teaching license) |
| Master’s | Center director, curriculum specialist, instructional coordinator | $56,255-$63,222 (Scorecard 1-5yr earnings) / $59,300 (administrator median) | Varies by role |
Occupation salary figures: BLS OEWS, May 2025. Scorecard earnings figures reflect the broader education-program (CIP) grouping, not licensed-teacher earnings specifically.
Students planning to teach in a licensed classroom setting should confirm early whether their bachelor’s program includes a state-approved licensure pathway, since a non-licensure early childhood degree and a licensure-track degree can lead to very different pay tiers even though both are labeled “early childhood education.”
How does an early childhood education degree compare to alternatives?
Key takeaway: For students focused on child development broadly rather than classroom teaching specifically, a psychology or general education degree can be a competitive alternative depending on career goals.
| Path | Typical Time to Entry | Median Occupation Salary | Teaching Licensure? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Early childhood education associate | 2 years | $34,980-$38,140 | No |
| Early childhood education bachelor’s (licensure track) | 4 years | $63,970 | Yes |
| General elementary education bachelor’s | 4 years | $63,970 | Yes |
| Psychology bachelor’s | 4 years | $42,000-$65,000 (varies by role) | No |
| Child Development Associate (CDA) credential | 3-6 months (with experience hours) | $34,980-$38,140 | No |
Sources: BLS OEWS, May 2025; College Scorecard.
A general elementary education degree covers a broader age range than early childhood education specifically, and may suit students less focused on the birth-through-age-eight developmental window. A psychology degree can be a useful alternative for students more interested in child development research or clinical paths than classroom teaching.
Who might reconsider an early childhood education degree?
An early childhood education degree may not be the best fit if you:
- Expect high entry-level earnings immediately – unlicensed preschool and childcare roles pay modestly relative to many other bachelor’s-level fields
- Are unwilling to pursue licensure – the largest pay gains in this field are generally tied to a licensed teaching role, not the degree alone
- Cannot commit to required in-person field placement or student-teaching hours, which most licensure-track programs require regardless of online delivery
- Are looking for a career with minimal day-to-day interaction with young children or their families
If you are interested in child development but prefer a research or clinical focus rather than classroom teaching, consider a psychology degree with a developmental-psychology focus.
How can you maximize the value of an early childhood education degree?
Key takeaway: Strategic choices about licensure, specialization, and cost can meaningfully change your outcomes in this field.
- Confirm licensure alignment early – if you want to teach in a licensed classroom, verify your bachelor’s program is approved to prepare you for licensure in your target state
- Compare total program cost to your likely starting wage – see Affordable Early Childhood Education Programs
- Consider a leadership or administration track at the master’s level if you’re aiming for a center director or instructional coordinator role
- Ask about transfer credit and credit for prior learning, including whether a Child Development Associate (CDA) credential can apply toward degree requirements
- Weigh a special education endorsement, since special education teachers earned a higher median ($76,580) with modest projected growth (1.1%) as of BLS OEWS May 2025
Frequently asked questions
Is an early childhood education degree worth it in 2026?
It depends on the role and licensure path, and individual outcomes may vary. According to the BLS, median annual wages for early-childhood-related occupations range from $34,980 to $76,580 (OEWS, May 2025), with roughly 231,200 combined annual openings across childcare, preschool, and preschool/childcare administrator roles (BLS Employment Projections 2024-2034). Pursuing licensure at the bachelor’s level generally unlocks the higher end of that range.
Can I work in childcare with just an associate degree?
In many states, yes, for entry-level or assistant roles; some states require or increasingly prefer a bachelor’s degree for lead teacher or director positions. Check your state’s child care licensing agency for current requirements.
Is an online early childhood education degree respected by employers?
Programs at accredited institutions are generally regarded the same as campus programs, since transcripts typically don’t distinguish between online and in-person coursework. For licensure-track programs, employers and state licensing boards care most about whether the program is approved to prepare candidates for licensure in that state.
What is the highest-paying career for early childhood education graduates?
Among the occupations tracked here, special education teachers earned the highest median at $76,580 (BLS OEWS, May 2025), followed by elementary school teachers at $63,970. Both generally require a bachelor’s degree and state licensure.
Is early childhood education or general elementary education a better degree?
Both lead to similar licensed-teaching pay outcomes. Early childhood education focuses on the birth-through-age-eight range and often includes more coursework on caregiving and family engagement, while general elementary education covers a broader K-6 (or similar) range. Choose based on the age group and setting you want to work in.
Data verified: July 30, 2026. Salary, employment, and tuition figures on this page are sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OEWS May 2025; Employment Projections 2024–2034) and the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (2023 cohort). The source agency and data year are cited inline with every statistic.
Back to Online Early Childhood Education Degrees Guide: Levels and Careers