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Child Life Therapy Jobs (NOW HIRING)

UWHealth

Child Life Therapy Assistant

Madison, WI

$32K - $43K/yr

We are seeking a Child Life Therapist Assistant to: * Plan, conduct and evaluate spontaneous and formal activities for the playroom and at bedside to support developmental age appropriate activities

UW Health

Child Life Therapy Assistant

Madison, WI · On-site

$19.05 - $25.87/hr

We are seeking a Child Life Therapist Assistant to: * Plan, conduct and evaluate spontaneous and formal activities for the playroom and at bedside to support developmental age appropriate activities

UNC HEALTH

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 ...

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Child Life Therapy information

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$69.5K

$85K

$99K

How much do child life therapy jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 29, 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.

Where do child life specialists make the most money?

Child life specialists tend to earn higher salaries in large hospitals, academic medical centers, and specialized pediatric facilities, especially in regions with higher living costs. Salaries can also vary based on experience, certifications, and the complexity of the healthcare environment.

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.

Is a child life specialist a high demand job?

Child life specialists are in moderate demand, especially in hospitals and pediatric healthcare settings, as they support children and families through medical experiences. Employment opportunities can vary by region and healthcare facility, with a growing emphasis on psychosocial support for pediatric patients. Certification and specialized training can enhance job prospects in this field.

What is the difference between Child Life Therapy vs Child Life Specialist?

AspectChild Life TherapyChild Life Specialist
CredentialsTypically requires a degree in child life, psychology, or related field; certification often through Child Life CouncilSame as Child Life Therapy, often certified through Child Life Council
Work EnvironmentHospitals, clinics, pediatric units, and healthcare settingsHospitals, pediatric clinics, educational settings, and community programs
Industry UsageUsed interchangeably with Child Life Specialist in many settingsPrimary 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.

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 is the highest paying therapy job?

Child Life Therapists typically earn higher salaries compared to other therapy roles due to specialized training in pediatric healthcare and hospital settings. Advanced positions such as Clinical Child Psychologists or Pediatric Psychiatrists generally have higher compensation, often requiring advanced degrees and licensure. Salary varies based on experience, location, and work environment, with hospital-based roles tending to pay more than outpatient or community settings.

What can I do with a child life specialist degree?

A child life specialist degree prepares individuals to support children and families in healthcare settings by providing emotional support, education, and coping strategies. Graduates can work in hospitals, clinics, or community programs, often requiring certification such as the Child Life Professional Certification Examination. The role involves strong communication skills, understanding child development, and the ability to create a supportive environment for children facing medical challenges.

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:
Child Life Therapy jobs near you
Infographic showing various Child Life Therapy job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 72% Full Time, 24% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $85,000 per year, or $40.9 per hour.

Certified Child Life Specialist

By the Bay Health

San Francisco, CA

$37 - $43/hr

Other

Life

Posted 18 days ago

Job description

This per diem position offers competitive pay and a supportive work environment.

We are seeking a certified Child Life Specialist will use play and psychological preparation as primary tools to facilitate coping and adjustment at times and under circumstances that might prove overwhelming in dealing with life threatening illness.

Schedule

Per diem; approximately 8 hours per week

Location:

San Francisco County with additional coverage to San Mateo & Alameda Counties as needed

By the Bay Health follows all CDPH vaccine requirements for healthcare personnel.
Essential Duties & Responsibilities include (but are not limited to):

  • Plan, implement and document the Child Life treatment for each patient
  • Utilizes a variety of Child Life modalities based on a careful assessment of the patient and family needs
  • Address individual treatments that meet the needs of chronically ill and terminally ill patients using Child Life therapy techniques best suited for the client
  • Provides Child Life therapy to reduce anxiety or depression, as a coping method and allows for active involvement in the healing process for the patient/family

Education/Experience:

  • One year's experience in a health care setting

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations:

  • Certification through the Child Life Council

Pay Range:
$37.00 - $43.00 hourly

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