Jobs that will bring out the kid in you

Little kids can be unpredictable, moody, and even downright germy. But they’re also non-judgmental, delightfully goofy, and perpetually curious. If you’d rather explore your silly side than make office small talk, pursing jobs that work with kids can be some of most rewarding ones around.

Using data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics and PayScale.com, Monster found 10 jobs for people who love kids.

List of careers working with children

Camp director

What you’d do: Design and lead program schedules for campers in summer and/or afterschool programs. Activities might include arts and crafts, dance, sports, adventure programs, music, or outdoor camping. Camp directors also supervise staff and counselors, work to fulfill enrollment targets, and manage the camp’s budgets.
What you need: A bachelor’s in education or equivalent. Prior camp or child care experience is usually required for this position. View this sample resume for a camp counselor.
What you’d make: $38,944 per year

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Childcare director

What you’d do: Be responsible for all aspects of an early-childhood program, including supervising and leading staff, designing curriculum, preparing budgets, and overseeing staff and facilities.
What you need: Bachelor’s or associate’s degree, ideally in early childhood education; you may also need a teacher’s license or certificate. View this sample resume for a childcare worker.
What you’d make: $45,670 per year

Find childcare director jobs on Monster.

Children’s librarian

What you’d do: Education is a leading industry for jobs that work with kids. As a librarian, you'll organize and manage a collection of books, as well as organize activities like story time and craft time. You might work within a smaller section of a larger public library or in an elementary school.
What you need: A bachelor or master’s degree in library science. View this sample cover letter for a librarian.
What you’d make: $45,869 per year

Find children’s librarian jobs on Monster.

Nanny

What you’d do: Care for children in their own home, ensuring their health and safety, and keeping them entertained. You might also be asked to take on household tasks such as laundry and pet care. Older children may require transportation to and from afterschool activities, and homework help.
What you need: There may be no education requirements, but some parents seek our nannies with college degrees and/or fluency in a second language. Prior childcare experience is also helpful. View this sample resume for a nanny.
What you’d make: $24,000 per year

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Pediatric dentist

What you’d do: Examine little teeth, diagnose any issues, and perform corrective treatments. Most pediatric dentists also help educate kids and their parents in improving their oral health.
What you need: You must complete a DMD or DDS program and have a dental license. A certificate to practice pediatric dentistry is also usually needed.
What you’d make: $165,315 per year

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Pediatric nurse

What you’d do: Provide medical care to children under age 18. That could mean assisting families in caring for a child’s illness or injury, diagnosing ailments, and serving as a child’s medical advocate.
What you need: Beyond a college degree, there are a variety of nursing educational options which take between two and four years to complete. Then you’ll usually need to pass a state licensing exam. View this sample resume for a nurse and this sample cover letter for a nurse.
What you’d make: $54,936 per year

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Preschool teacher

What you’d do: Teach basic academic and developmental skills to children between the ages of two and five. Kids this age mainly learn through play, so you’ll need to incorporate lots of art, songs, and games into your lessons, along with routines like snack and naptime.
What you need: A bachelor’s degree, plus a state certificate or license, lots of creativity, and an endless supply of patience. View this sample resume for a preschool teacher.
What you’d make: $28,570 per year

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Reading specialist

What you’d do: Develop literacy programs, often within a school or school district. You might work with children one-on-one to improve their reading skills, or help other teachers and administrators implement a school-wide reading program. Since states and schools are under pressure to show stellar results on standardized tests, these professionals are in high demand.
What you need: Usually a master’s degree in special education, literacy, or something similar.
What you’d make: $49,514 per year

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School bus driver

What you’d do: Safely transport students to and from school, and occasionally to and from class trips. Get ready for lots of renditions of “Wheels on the Bus.”
What you need: A CDL license is required to drive a school bus.
What you’d make: $29,380 per year

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Speech therapist

What you’d do: Assess why some kids have delayed or hard to understand speech, and teach them to communicate better.
What you need: Speech therapists typically need a masters’ degree in speech pathology, as well as whatever licenses are required by their state.
What you’d make: $56,908 per year

Find speech therapist jobs on Monster.

Stop kidding around with your career

Whether you're interesting in recreation, health care, education, or even transportation, there are lots of jobs that let you hang out with the little people. Ready to start looking for that job? Join Monster for free today. As a member, you can upload up to five versions of your resume—each tailored to the types of jobs that work with kids that interest you. Recruiters search Monster every day looking to fill top jobs with qualified candidates, just like you. Additionally, you can get job alerts sent directly to your inbox to cut down on time spent looking through ads.