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Child Life Jobs in Texas (NOW HIRING)

University Health

Child Life Specialist

San Antonio, TX · On-site

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE Bachelors Degree in Child Life, Psychology, Child Development, Special Education or related field is required. Completion of a Child Life internship from an accredited Child Life ...

University Health

Child Life Specialist

San Antonio, TX

$20.80 - $34.75/hr

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE Bachelors Degree in Child Life, Psychology, Child Development, Special Education or related field is required. Completion of a Child Life internship from an accredited Child Life ...

University Health

Child Life Specialist

San Antonio, TX · On-site

$20.80 - $34.75/hr

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE Bachelors Degree in Child Life, Psychology, Child Development, Special Education or related field is required. Completion of a Child Life internship from an accredited Child Life ...

11th Hour Service

Child Life Specialist

Abilene, TX · On-site

Child Life Specialist Relocation Allowance Available!Join Our Multidisciplinary Team and Make a Difference in Young LivesWe're seeking a compassionate and skilled Child Life Specialist to become an ...

11th Hour Service

Child Life Specialist

Abilene, TX · On-site

$25.20 - $30/hr

Child Life Specialist Relocation Allowance Available! Join Our Multidisciplinary Team and Make a Difference in Young Lives We're seeking a compassionate and skilled Child Life Specialist to become an ...

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How much do child life jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average hourly pay for child life in Texas is $15.59, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.41 and $16.78 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a child life specialist?

Child Life specialists are trained professionals who support children and families in hospitals and other healthcare settings. They help children cope with the stress and anxiety of medical procedures, hospitalization, and illness through play, education, and emotional support. Their goal is to promote healthy development and reduce the trauma associated with medical experiences. Child Life specialists also provide guidance to parents and collaborate with the healthcare team to ensure the child's emotional and developmental needs are met.

How does a child life specialist support children and families during stressful medical procedures?

Child Life Specialists play a crucial role in helping children and their families cope with the emotional and psychological challenges of hospitalization and medical procedures. They use age-appropriate explanations, therapeutic play, and distraction techniques to reduce anxiety and promote understanding. Additionally, they often collaborate with medical staff to advocate for the needs of pediatric patients and provide guidance to families on how to support their child’s well-being during treatment. This role requires strong communication skills, empathy, and the ability to adapt interventions to each child’s unique needs.

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

To thrive as a Child Life Specialist, you need a bachelor’s degree in child life, psychology, or a related field, along with knowledge of child development and family systems. Certification as a Certified Child Life Specialist (CCLS) and experience with therapeutic play, patient education tools, and hospital information systems are commonly required. Exceptional communication, empathy, and stress-management skills help you support children and families coping with medical challenges. These competencies are crucial for reducing patient anxiety, fostering resilience, and improving overall patient experiences in healthcare environments.

Are child life specialists in demand?

Child life specialists are in growing demand due to increased awareness of the importance of psychosocial support for pediatric patients. They work in hospitals, healthcare settings, and community programs, often requiring certification and strong interpersonal skills. Employment prospects are generally favorable, especially in hospitals with specialized pediatric units.

How many years does it take to become a child life specialist?

Becoming a child life specialist typically requires a bachelor's degree in child life, child development, or a related field, which takes about four years. Additionally, completing a 480-hour internship and obtaining certification through the Child Life Professional Certification Examination are required, which can add several months to a year to the process.

What can I do with a child life degree?

A child life degree prepares individuals to work with children and families in healthcare settings, focusing on emotional support, developmentally appropriate education, and coping strategies. Graduates often work as child life specialists, providing psychosocial support in hospitals, clinics, or community programs, and may need certification from the Child Life Professional Certification Examination.

What are the most commonly searched types of Child Life jobs in Texas?

The most popular types of Child Life jobs in Texas are:

What cities in Texas are hiring for Child Life jobs?

Cities in Texas with the most Child Life job openings:

Child Life jobs near you
Infographic showing various Child Life job openings in Texas as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $32,430 per year, or $15.6 per hour.

Child Life Specialist II - Anc Child Life

CHRISTUS Health

San Antonio, TX • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 26 days ago

CHRISTUS Health rating

6.7

Company rating: 6.7 out of 10

Based on 531 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

530th of 891 rated healthcare providers

Job description

Summary:
The Child Life Specialist II demonstrates progressive skill and knowledge of the therapeutic process of working with children and families; evaluating their development skills and psychosocial needs and providing them with a variety of appropriate and purposeful medical play and developmental experiences that will elevate their quality of life during the health care visit and enhance their personal development. Facilitates child life advocacy through collaboration with other health care providers. Serves as a leader in the department.
Responsibilities:
  • Meets expectations of the applicable OneCHRISTUS Competencies: Leader of Self, Leader of Others, or Leader of Leaders.
  • Assesses the patients and families to include development, family stressors, impact of procedures, diagnosis, and health care; identifies complex needs for child life intervention
  • Observes and interprets the child/family's response to health care and illness
  • Implements planned and purposeful play activities /interventions which are supportive of the child's needs during the health care visit
  • Assesses and facilitates, through informal interaction and/or formal structured support groups or classes, topics such as stress & coping, adapting to illness & the health care experience, family dynamics, and other parenting-related topics
  • Documents observations of patient and family and patient response to interventions
  • Plans for, orders, and collects needed materials and equipment to support the therapeutic and educational activities within budgeted guidelines and in consultation with the Manager
  • Maintains an accurate account of patient contacts and other related productivity information
  • Serves as a resource to patients, families, and other healthcare team members regarding services available through child life and the community
  • Evaluates Child Life Programming in collaboration with the Manager
  • Supervises and guides interns, volunteers, and students in their Child Life learning experiences to include lectures, patient assignments, performance evaluation, and references, with direction from the Manager

Job Requirements:
Education/Skills
  • Bachelor's degree in Child Life or a related field is required.
  • Master's degree in a related field is preferred
  • Under the supervision of a Certified Child Life Specialist, must have completed a 600-hour child life internship.
  • Bilingual - English/Spanish is preferred.

Experience
  • Minimum of 2 years paid experience as a Certified Child Life Specialist.

Licenses, Registrations, or Certifications
  • Must maintain Child Life Certification.
  • BLS certification is preferred. BLS certification is required within 90 days of hire.

Work Schedule:
Varies
Work Type:
Full Time

What CHRISTUS Health employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

CHRISTUS Health logo

About CHRISTUS Health

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

CHRISTUS Health is a prominent name in the healthcare industry, with its headquarters situated in Irving, TX, USA. Established in 1999, the company has since been devoted to providing comprehensive care and extending the healing ministry of Jesus Christ. This not-for-profit health system primarily operates more than 600 healthcare services and programs, including long-term care facilities, health insurance products, community clinics, and outreach services, serving both urban and rural populations.

Industry

Outpatient health care

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Irving, TX, US

Year founded

1999

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