Responsibilities The role of the Lead Child Life Therapist is to assess, plan, implement, and evaluate psychosocial patient/family needs for patients aged neonatal to 17 years (Neonates, Pediatric ...
Responsibilities The role of the Lead Child Life Therapist is to assess, plan, implement, and evaluate psychosocial patient/family needs for patients aged neonatal to 17 years (Neonates, Pediatric ...
Collaborates In The Development Of Age-Appropriate Pediatric Policies And Procedures. * 8. Networks With Other Child Life Therapists To Ensure Current Practices. * 9. Ensures Adequate Numbers Of Safe ...
Collaborates In The Development Of Age-Appropriate Pediatric Policies And Procedures. * 8. Networks With Other Child Life Therapists To Ensure Current Practices. * 9. Ensures Adequate Numbers Of Safe ...
Collaborates In The Development Of Age-Appropriate Pediatric Policies And Procedures. * 8. Networks With Other Child Life Therapists To Ensure Current Practices. * 9. Ensures Adequate Numbers Of Safe ...
Collaborates In The Development Of Age-Appropriate Pediatric Policies And Procedures. * 8. Networks With Other Child Life Therapists To Ensure Current Practices. * 9. Ensures Adequate Numbers Of Safe ...
Child Life
New London, CT · On-site
Collaborates In The Development Of Age-Appropriate Pediatric Policies And Procedures. * 8. Networks With Other Child Life Therapists To Ensure Current Practices. * 9. Ensures Adequate Numbers Of Safe ...
Child Life
New London, CT · On-site
Collaborates In The Development Of Age-Appropriate Pediatric Policies And Procedures. * 8. Networks With Other Child Life Therapists To Ensure Current Practices. * 9. Ensures Adequate Numbers Of Safe ...
Child Life Therapy Weekly Hours: 20 Status: Part time Shift: Days (United States of America) Sign On Bonus: Job Requisition Qualifies for Sign on Bonus Bonus Amount: $5,000 Job Summary: When children ...
Child Life Therapy Weekly Hours: 20 Status: Part time Shift: Days (United States of America) Sign On Bonus: Job Requisition Qualifies for Sign on Bonus Bonus Amount: $5,000 Job Summary: When children ...
Responsibilities The role of the Child Life Therapist is to assess, plan, implement, and evaluate psychosocial patient/family needs for patients aged neonatal to 17 years (Neonates, Pediatric ...
Responsibilities The role of the Child Life Therapist is to assess, plan, implement, and evaluate psychosocial patient/family needs for patients aged neonatal to 17 years (Neonates, Pediatric ...
Child Life Specialist
Madison, WI · On-site
Provide age-appropriate information and administer appropriate child life therapies in conjunction with the patient's age, medical condition, and family/significant others. * Work with both ...
Child Life Specialist
Madison, WI · On-site
Provide age-appropriate information and administer appropriate child life therapies in conjunction with the patient's age, medical condition, and family/significant others. * Work with both ...
The role of the Child Life Therapist is to assess, plan, implement, and evaluate psychosocial patient/family needs for patients aged neonatal to 17 years (Neonates, Pediatric, Adolescent). The Child ...
The role of the Child Life Therapist is to assess, plan, implement, and evaluate psychosocial patient/family needs for patients aged neonatal to 17 years (Neonates, Pediatric, Adolescent). The Child ...
The role of the Child Life Therapist is to assess, plan, implement, and evaluate psychosocial patient/family needs for patients aged neonatal to 17 years (Neonates, Pediatric, Adolescent). The Child ...
The role of the Child Life Therapist is to assess, plan, implement, and evaluate psychosocial patient/family needs for patients aged neonatal to 17 years (Neonates, Pediatric, Adolescent). The Child ...
Child Life Specialist
New Brunswick, NJ · On-site
Knowledge of child and adolescent growth and development, family dynamics, play therapy and basic pediatric medicine required. * Special Training - Successful completion of Child Life Internship is ...
Child Life Specialist
New Brunswick, NJ · On-site
Knowledge of child and adolescent growth and development, family dynamics, play therapy and basic pediatric medicine required. * Special Training - Successful completion of Child Life Internship is ...
Knowledge of child and adolescent growth and development, family dynamics, play therapy and basic pediatric medicine required. Special Training - Successful completion of Child Life Internship is ...
Knowledge of child and adolescent growth and development, family dynamics, play therapy and basic pediatric medicine required. Special Training - Successful completion of Child Life Internship is ...
Child Life Specialist
Hackensack, NJ · On-site
$56K/yr
Task supervises interns within Child Life/Creative Arts Therapy department. * Provides supervision to bachelor's level child life interns in accordance with department, educational site and ACLP ...
Child Life Specialist
Hackensack, NJ · On-site
$56K/yr
Task supervises interns within Child Life/Creative Arts Therapy department. * Provides supervision to bachelor's level child life interns in accordance with department, educational site and ACLP ...
Bachelor's degree in Child Life or Recreation Therapy Child Development Education. * Successful completion of a Clinical Internship in Child Life is required. * One year of experience preferred.
Bachelor's degree in Child Life or Recreation Therapy Child Development Education. * Successful completion of a Clinical Internship in Child Life is required. * One year of experience preferred.
Child Life Specialist
Butner, NC · On-site
$23.24 - $33.41/hr
Qualified candidates will work directly with the Mental Health Team Therapy Services Managers at ... This includes 600 child life internship hours under the supervision of a certified child life ...
Child Life Specialist
Butner, NC · On-site
$23.24 - $33.41/hr
Qualified candidates will work directly with the Mental Health Team Therapy Services Managers at ... This includes 600 child life internship hours under the supervision of a certified child life ...
Child Life Specialist
Huntington, WV · On-site
$21.44 - $27.02/hr
... therapy, and to serve as a liaison between parents and professionals of all disciplines within the facility as well as throughout the community. We currently provide Child Life Services to the ...
Child Life Specialist
Huntington, WV · On-site
$21.44 - $27.02/hr
... therapy, and to serve as a liaison between parents and professionals of all disciplines within the facility as well as throughout the community. We currently provide Child Life Services to the ...
Child Life Specialist
Omaha, NE · On-site
Works on the Child Life and Family Development team with a Music Therapist and Hospital Teachers to provide socialization, normalizing activities, and special programming for pediatric patients and ...
Child Life Specialist
Omaha, NE · On-site
Works on the Child Life and Family Development team with a Music Therapist and Hospital Teachers to provide socialization, normalizing activities, and special programming for pediatric patients and ...
Works on the Child Life and Family Development team with a Music Therapist and Hospital Teachers to provide socialization, normalizing activities, and special programming for pediatric patients and ...
Works on the Child Life and Family Development team with a Music Therapist and Hospital Teachers to provide socialization, normalizing activities, and special programming for pediatric patients and ...
Child Life Specialist
Fort Wayne, IN · On-site
Child Life Specialist- MUST BE A CERTIFIED CHILD LIFE SPECIALIST Location: Lutheran Hospital- Fort ... Provides therapeutic interventions, such as counseling, behavioral therapy, or play therapy (where ...
Child Life Specialist
Fort Wayne, IN · On-site
Child Life Specialist- MUST BE A CERTIFIED CHILD LIFE SPECIALIST Location: Lutheran Hospital- Fort ... Provides therapeutic interventions, such as counseling, behavioral therapy, or play therapy (where ...
Child Life Specialist
Huntington, WV · On-site
$21.44 - $27.02/hr
... therapy, and to serve as a liaison between parents and professionals of all disciplines within the facility as well as throughout the community. We currently provide Child Life Services to the ...
Child Life Specialist
Huntington, WV · On-site
$21.44 - $27.02/hr
... therapy, and to serve as a liaison between parents and professionals of all disciplines within the facility as well as throughout the community. We currently provide Child Life Services to the ...
Child Life Specialist/Dog Handler, Days
Louisville, KY · On-site
$17.25 - $22.50/hr
Responsibilities The role of the Child Life Therapist/Facility Dog Handler is to assess, plan, implement and evaluate the psychosocial needs of the patients and families we serve. The Child Life ...
Child Life Specialist/Dog Handler, Days
Louisville, KY · On-site
$17.25 - $22.50/hr
Responsibilities The role of the Child Life Therapist/Facility Dog Handler is to assess, plan, implement and evaluate the psychosocial needs of the patients and families we serve. The Child Life ...
Child Life Therapy information
See salary details
$69.5K - $72.2K
7% of jobs
$72.2K - $74.9K
11% of jobs
$77.2K is the 25th percentile. Wages below this are outliers.
$74.9K - $77.5K
9% of jobs
$77.5K - $80.2K
9% of jobs
$80.2K - $82.9K
9% of jobs
The median wage is $84.5K / yr.
$82.9K - $85.6K
11% of jobs
$85.6K - $88.3K
9% of jobs
$88.3K - $91K
9% of jobs
$92K is the 75th percentile. Wages above this are outliers.
$91K - $93.6K
9% of jobs
$93.6K - $96.3K
11% of jobs
$96.3K - $99K
9% of jobs
$69.5K
$85K
$99K
How much do child life therapy jobs pay per year?
As of Jun 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for child life therapy in the United States is $85,000.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $77,500.00 and $92,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.
How does a Child Life Therapist typically collaborate with medical staff to support pediatric patients during hospital stays?
Child Life Therapists work closely with doctors, nurses, and other healthcare professionals to create a supportive environment for pediatric patients. They often participate in interdisciplinary rounds, share insights on a child's emotional state, and develop individualized coping plans for procedures or treatments. By acting as a liaison between the patient, family, and medical team, Child Life Therapists ensure that each child’s emotional and developmental needs are addressed, reducing anxiety and promoting positive healthcare experiences.
What are the job opportunities for child life specialists?
Child life specialists can find job opportunities in hospitals, pediatric clinics, hospices, and educational settings, where they support children and families through healthcare experiences. These roles often require certification from the Child Life Professional Certification Examination and involve skills in child development, communication, and emotional support.
What is the difference between Child Life Therapy vs Child Life Specialist?
| Aspect | Child Life Therapy | Child Life Specialist |
|---|---|---|
| Credentials | Typically requires a degree in child life, psychology, or related field; certification often through Child Life Council | Same as Child Life Therapy, often certified through Child Life Council |
| Work Environment | Hospitals, clinics, pediatric units, and healthcare settings | Hospitals, pediatric clinics, educational settings, and community programs |
| Industry Usage | Used interchangeably with Child Life Specialist in many settings | Primary term for professionals providing child life services |
Child Life Therapy and Child Life Specialist roles often overlap, with both requiring similar credentials and working in healthcare environments to support children's emotional well-being. The main difference is that Child Life Therapy emphasizes therapeutic interventions, while Child Life Specialist is the more common job title used across various settings.
Where do child life specialists get paid the most?
Child life specialists tend to earn higher salaries in regions with a higher cost of living and greater healthcare funding, such as metropolitan areas with large hospitals and academic medical centers. States or cities with a higher demand for healthcare professionals and specialized pediatric services often offer increased compensation for this role.
What jobs pay 2000 a day?
Child Life Therapy is a specialized healthcare role focused on supporting children and families in medical settings, and it typically does not pay $2000 a day. High-paying jobs that can reach this level often include specialized medical professionals, senior executives, or consultants with extensive experience and certifications. Such roles usually require advanced education, significant expertise, and often involve high-stakes environments or private consulting work.
What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Child Life Therapist, and why are they important?
To thrive as a Child Life Therapist, you need a solid background in child development, psychology, and therapeutic play, usually supported by a bachelor's or master's degree in Child Life or a related field, along with Child Life Specialist (CCLS) certification. Familiarity with assessment tools, medical terminology, and hospital information systems is typically required in clinical settings. Outstanding communication, emotional intelligence, and cultural competence help build trust with children and families during stressful medical experiences. These skills are essential for reducing anxiety, promoting healthy coping, and supporting positive outcomes for pediatric patients and their families.
What jobs pay 10,000 a month without a degree?
Child Life Therapy is a specialized healthcare role that typically requires a degree and certification; most jobs paying $10,000 a month without a degree are in sales, real estate, entrepreneurship, or skilled trades like plumbing or electrical work. High earnings in these fields often depend on experience, performance, and business skills rather than formal education. Some self-employed professionals or commission-based roles can reach this income level without a degree, but they usually require significant expertise and effort.
What is child life therapy?
Child life therapy is a specialized field within healthcare that focuses on supporting children and their families as they navigate medical experiences, such as hospitalizations, procedures, or chronic illnesses. Child life specialists use play, education, and therapeutic activities to help children cope with stress, express their feelings, and understand what to expect during their medical care. Their goal is to reduce anxiety, promote healthy development, and improve the overall patient and family experience in healthcare settings.
More about Child Life Therapy jobs
What cities are hiring for Child Life Therapy jobs? Cities with the most Child Life Therapy job openings:
What states have the most Child Life Therapy jobs? States with the most job openings for Child Life Therapy jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Child Life Therapy jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Child Life Therapy jobs are:
Full-time
Posted 2 days ago
Norton Healthcare rating
7.4
Based on 181 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz
252nd of 870 rated healthcare providers
Job description
Responsibilities
The role of the Lead Child Life Therapist is to assess, plan, implement, and evaluate psychosocial patient/family needs for patients aged neonatal to 17 years (Neonates, Pediatric, Adolescent). The Child Life Therapist provides psychosocial support to meet the needs of the patients and families; plans and coordinates activities designed to further the social, emotional, intellectual and physical growth of the child within the inpatient and outpatient setting, utilizing age appropriate principles of growth and development; acts an advocate for the patients and families. The Lead is also responsible for day to day department operations, coordinating the schedule and adjusting as needed, managing supplies for the department within budget and performs other related duties.
Qualifications
Required:
The role of the Lead Child Life Therapist is to assess, plan, implement, and evaluate psychosocial patient/family needs for patients aged neonatal to 17 years (Neonates, Pediatric, Adolescent). The Child Life Therapist provides psychosocial support to meet the needs of the patients and families; plans and coordinates activities designed to further the social, emotional, intellectual and physical growth of the child within the inpatient and outpatient setting, utilizing age appropriate principles of growth and development; acts an advocate for the patients and families. The Lead is also responsible for day to day department operations, coordinating the schedule and adjusting as needed, managing supplies for the department within budget and performs other related duties.
Qualifications
Required:
- Bachelor Degree
- Certified Child Life Specialist: Must obtain Certified Child Life Specialist (CCLS) credential within 12 months of hire
What Norton Healthcare employees say
Pay
Benefits
Hours and flexibility
Workplace
Get the full story on Breakroom
About Norton Healthcare
Sourced by ZipRecruiter
Norton Healthcare is a not-for-profit hospital and health care system and is Louisville's second largest employer, with more than 18,000 employees, over 1,700 employed medical providers and approximately 2,000 total physicians on its medical staff. The system includes six hospitals (five in Louisville and one in Madison, Indiana) with 1,993 licensed beds, eight outpatient centers, 18 Norton Immediate Care Centers, eight Norton Prompt Care at Walgreens clinics and an expanded telehealth program. It provides care at more than 340 locations throughout Kentucky and Southern Indiana.
Industry
Health care and social assistance
Company size
10,000+ Employees
Headquarters location
Louisville, KY, US
Year founded
1988