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Child Life Specialist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Nebraska Medicine

Child Life Specialist

Omaha, NE

First Shift (United States of America) Child Life Specialist Works with members of the multidisciplinary team to facilitate and implement psychosocial support interventions to decrease stress and ...

RWJBarnabas Health

Child Life Specialist

New Brunswick, NJ · On-site

$64K - $80K/yr

Child Life Specialist Location: Bristol Myers Squibb Hospital Department Name: Child Life Program Req #: 0000256613 Status: Salaried Shift: Evening Pay Range: $64,500.00 - $80,700.00 per year Pay ...

University Health

Child Life Specialist

San Antonio, TX · On-site

$20.80 - $34.75/hr

Completion of a Child Life internship from an accredited Child Life Program is required. At least 3 years of full-time experience as child life specialist. LICENSURE/CERTIFICATION Must be a certified ...

RWJBarnabas Health

Child Life Specialist

New Brunswick, NJ · On-site

$64K - $80K/yr

Child Life Specialist Location: Bristol Myers Squibb Hospital Department Name: Child Life Program Req #: 0000256613 Status: Salaried Shift: Evening Pay Range: $64,500.00 - $80,700.00 per year Pay ...

Boston Medical Center

Child Life Specialist

Boston, MA · On-site

$53K - $77K/yr

The Child Life Specialist is responsible and accountable for planning and implementing therapeutic activities and programs to meet psychosocial and developmental needs and facilitates the adjustment ...

Nebraska Medicine

Child Life Specialist

Omaha, NE · On-site

First Shift (United States of America) Child Life Specialist Works with members of the multidisciplinary team to facilitate and implement psychosocial support interventions to decrease stress and ...

University Health

Child Life Specialist

San Antonio, TX

$20.80 - $34.75/hr

Completion of a Child Life internship from an accredited Child Life Program is required. At least 3 years of full-time experience as child life specialist. LICENSURE/CERTIFICATION Must be a certified ...

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How much do child life specialist jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 24, 2026, the average hourly pay for child life specialist in the United States is $26.90, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.91 and $30.77 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a child life specialist?

A Child Life Specialist works in a medical facility and provides emotional support for young children. They help kids prepare for medical procedures, understand their illnesses or injuries, or cope with disabilities. Child Life Specialists create a personalized care plan based on their knowledge of child development, health education, and therapeutic play methods. Young patients and their families may have difficulty coping with the medical challenges they face, so Child Life Specialists develop care plans to alleviate the fear and anxiety the child may have and to educate families about what to expect from diagnoses. Child Life Specialists also advise hospital staff on how to meet the child’s emotional and developmental needs for the duration of the child's hospital stay.

What skills and qualifications are needed to thrive as a child life specialist?

To thrive as a Child Life Specialist, you need a bachelor’s or master’s degree in child life, psychology, or a related field, along with knowledge of child development and hospital procedures. Certification through the Association of Child Life Professionals (CCLS) and experience with age-appropriate therapeutic interventions and medical play are typically required. Outstanding communication, emotional intelligence, and cultural sensitivity help you provide effective support to children and families during stressful medical experiences. These skills are essential to help young patients cope with hospitalization, reduce anxiety, and promote positive health outcomes.

How does a child life specialist typically collaborate with medical staff and families during a child's hospital stay?

Child Life Specialists work closely with doctors, nurses, and other healthcare professionals to support the emotional and developmental needs of pediatric patients. They serve as a bridge between the medical team and families, helping to explain complex procedures in child-friendly ways and advocating for the child's comfort. Collaboration often includes participating in care planning meetings, preparing children for medical procedures, and offering coping strategies to both patients and their families. This teamwork ensures that the child's psychological well-being is considered alongside their physical care, fostering a more holistic healing environment.

What is the difference between Child Life Specialist vs Pediatric Nurse?

AspectChild Life SpecialistPediatric Nurse
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree, Child Life Certification (CCLS)Registered Nurse (RN) license, Pediatric nursing certification
Work EnvironmentHospitals, clinics, pediatric units, patient advocacyHospitals, clinics, pediatric wards, direct patient care
Employer & IndustryHealthcare facilities, hospitals, pediatric care centersHospitals, clinics, healthcare organizations

Child Life Specialists focus on emotional support, play therapy, and preparing children for medical procedures, while Pediatric Nurses provide direct medical care and treatment. Both roles work closely in pediatric healthcare settings but have different primary responsibilities and certifications.

Are child life specialists in demand?

Child life specialists are in growing demand due to increased awareness of the emotional needs of pediatric patients in healthcare settings. They typically work in hospitals, requiring strong communication skills and certification from the Child Life Professional Certification Examination. Job prospects are favorable, especially in hospitals with pediatric units and specialized pediatric care facilities.

Is becoming a child life specialist worth it?

Child life specialists support children and families in healthcare settings by providing emotional support and education, often requiring a bachelor's degree in child life, healthcare, or related fields, along with certification from the Child Life Professional Certification Examination. The role offers meaningful work but typically involves working in hospitals or clinics with irregular hours and emotional demands. Salaries vary based on experience and location, but the profession is valued for its impact on patient well-being.

What degree is best for a child life specialist?

A child life specialist typically needs a bachelor's degree in child life, child development, psychology, or a related field. Many employers prefer candidates with a certification from the Child Life Professional Certification Examination, which requires relevant coursework and supervised clinical experience.
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Child Life Specialist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Child Life Specialist job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 50% Full Time, and 50% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $55,951 per year, or $26.9 per hour.

Child Life Specialist

Ironside Human Resources

Abilene, TX

$24 - $30/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 22 days ago

Job description

A facility near Abilene, Texas, is seeking a full-time, permanent Child Life Specialist to join their team. This position comes with relocation assistance to qualified candidates! See details below!

Pay: $24.00-$30.00/hour, depending on experience

Child Life Specialist Opportunity:

  • Full-Time, Permanent Role
  • Schedule: Monday-Friday, 8:00AM-4:30PM
  • The Child Life Specialist will collaborate with a multidisciplinary team to support the developmental, psychosocial, and emotional needs of pediatric patients and their families.
  • The Child Life Specialist will plan and lead age-appropriate therapeutic play and medical preparation activities while helping train and supervise students and volunteers.

Child Life Specialist Qualifications:

  • Bachelor's Degree in Child Life, Therapeutic Recreation, or a related field with coursework aligned to the Child Life Council’s recommendations
  • Child Life Professional Certification required

The Surrounding Area:

  • Affordable housing options that let you enjoy a comfortable lifestyle without the high costs of big cities
  • A welcoming, family-oriented community with plenty of parks, local attractions, and a strong neighborhood feel
  • Excellent public and private schools make this area ideal for families looking to settle down
  • A vibrant West Texas city offering a mix of cultural attractions, outdoor recreation, and a relaxed small-city lifestyle
Ironside Human Resources logo

About Ironside Human Resources

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Ironside Human Resources, based in Dallas, TX, US, is a national healthcare recruitment company that offers staffing solutions to hospitals and healthcare providers across the United States. With an official website located at ironsidehr.com, the firm specializes in direct-hire recruitment for diverse sectors, including nursing, allied health, ancillary, administrative and executive-level roles in the healthcare industry. The company was founded in 2011 and has since committed to solving the healthcare staffing shortage through their unique, cost-effective recruitment strategies. Their core commitment is defined by their professional integrity, exceptional customer service, and dedication to delivering value and effective solutions.

Industry

Recruiting and staffing services

Company size

1 - 10 Employees

Headquarters location

Dallas, TX, US

Year founded

2011

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