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Entry Level Child Life Specialist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

Child Life Specialist

Woodbury, MN · On-site

$25.34 - $38.02/hr

The Child Life Specialist Provides evaluation, therapeutic play, preparation, procedural support, special events and reintegration programming. The Child Life Specialist is responsible to work with ...

The Child Life Specialist is responsible for implementing a psychosocially and developmentally supportive program for children and families. Child Life Specialist is a member of the pediatric health ...

The Child Life Specialist is responsible for implementing a psychosocially and developmentally supportive program for children and families. Child Life Specialist is a member of the pediatric health ...

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Entry Level Child Life Specialist information

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$29

How much do entry level child life specialist jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level child life specialist in the United States is $19.77, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.83 and $21.88 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an entry level child life specialist?

An Entry Level Child Life Specialist supports children and families in healthcare settings by helping them cope with hospitalization, illness, and medical procedures. They use therapeutic play, education, and emotional support to reduce stress and anxiety. Working under the supervision of experienced Child Life Specialists, they assess patients’ needs and implement interventions to promote positive experiences. Typically, they have a degree in child life, psychology, or a related field and are working towards certification as a Child Life Specialist (CCLS).

What does an entry level child life specialist do?

A typical day for an Entry Level Child Life Specialist often involves preparing children for medical procedures using age-appropriate explanations and play, providing emotional support, and working closely with families to reduce anxiety and stress. You may organize therapeutic play sessions, assist with pain management strategies, and collaborate with nurses, doctors, and other healthcare staff to advocate for patients’ psychosocial needs. Documentation and participation in team meetings are also regular parts of the workday. This role is highly interactive and requires adaptability as patient needs and hospital activities can change rapidly. Teamwork, flexibility, and a child-focused approach are essential to delivering effective care in this setting.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an entry level child life specialist?

To thrive as an Entry Level Child Life Specialist, you need a bachelor's degree in child life, psychology, or a related field and a foundational understanding of child development and healthcare environments. Familiarity with medical terminology, patient charting systems, and eligibility for or completion of Child Life Certification (CCLS) are commonly expected. Compassion, patience, strong communication, and creative problem-solving are valuable soft skills in this role. These competencies are crucial for effectively supporting children through medical experiences, fostering trust, and collaborating with healthcare teams.

How much does an entry level child life specialist make?

Entry level child life specialists typically earn between $30,000 and $45,000 annually, depending on location, experience, and healthcare facility. Starting salaries may be lower in some regions, but the role often requires certification and strong interpersonal skills to support pediatric patients and families.

What degree do I need to get to be an entry level child life specialist?

An entry-level child life specialist typically needs a bachelor's degree in child life, child development, psychology, or a related field. Certification from the Child Life Professional Certification Examination is also required, which involves completing a supervised internship and meeting specific educational criteria.
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Infographic showing various Entry Level Child Life Specialist job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 16% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $41,119 per year, or $19.8 per hour.

Child Life Specialist

Ironside Human Resources

Abilene, TX • On-site

$24 - $30/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 2 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:

  • Collaborates with multidisciplinary healthcare teams to support the developmental, psychosocial, and educational needs of pediatric patients and their families
  • The Child Life Specialist provides therapeutic preparation for medical procedures and coordinates age-appropriate play activities to reduce anxiety and promote coping
  • Trains, guides, and supervises students and volunteers assigned to the unit

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

Interested? Contact Aidan | 469-921-0777 | aidan@ironsidehr.com | Ironsidehr.com 


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