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Masters Degree Child Development Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Child Life Specialist

Woodbury, MN ยท On-site

$24.16 - $36.23/hr

Masters degree in Child Life, Child Development or related field * One year's experience in a hospital child life program The pay range for this position is $24.16 - $36.23. Compensation is ...

Child Life Specialist

Woodbury, MN ยท On-site

$24.16 - $36.23/hr

Masters degree in Child Life, Child Development or related field * One year's experience in a hospital child life program The pay range for this position is $24.16 - $36.23. Compensation is ...

Child Development Specialist

Vista, CA ยท On-site

$26 - $30/hr

At Positive Development, we believe every child deserves the chance to grow, learn, and thrive and ... Bachelor's degree in a related field and at least 1 year of volunteer or working experience with ...

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Masters Degree Child Development information

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$74.5K

$112K

$163K

How much do masters degree child development jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for masters degree child development in the United States is $112,050.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $95,500.00 and $124,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in a career with a master's degree in child development?

A career with a Master's Degree in Child Development requires deep knowledge of developmental psychology, assessment techniques, and program planning, typically supported by a master's degree in child development or a related field. Familiarity with developmental screening tools, educational software, and data analysis systems is often essential. Strong communication, empathy, and cultural sensitivity help professionals build trust with children, families, and interdisciplinary teams. These skills ensure effective support for children's growth, learning, and well-being in educational, clinical, or community settings.

What is the difference between Masters Degree Child Development vs Child Life Specialist?

CriteriaMasters Degree Child DevelopmentChild Life Specialist
Required CredentialsMaster's degree in Child Development or related fieldBachelor's degree + certification (CCLS)
Work EnvironmentEducational settings, research, policyHospitals, pediatric units, healthcare settings
Employer & Industry UsageUniversities, research institutions, education agenciesHospitals, healthcare organizations, pediatric care

The Masters Degree in Child Development focuses on understanding child growth, research, and education, often in academic or policy roles. In contrast, a Child Life Specialist applies child development principles directly in healthcare settings to support children and families during medical experiences. Both roles require a background in child development, but their work environments and specific certifications differ.

What can I do with a master's degree in child development?

A master's degree in child development opens up a variety of career paths in both educational and clinical settings. Graduates often work as early childhood educators, child life specialists, program directors, or developmental therapists. Many also pursue roles in research, policy advocacy, or continue their education toward a PhD. The degree provides advanced knowledge of child growth, learning, and behavior, making graduates valuable in schools, hospitals, non-profit organizations, and government agencies.

What types of career advancement opportunities are available for professionals with a master's degree in child development?

With a master's degree in child development, professionals can pursue a variety of advancement opportunities, such as moving into supervisory or administrative roles within educational or childcare settings, becoming program directors, or specializing further in areas like early intervention or developmental research. Many also transition into policy-making, advocacy, or higher education positions, such as college instructors or researchers. Additionally, pursuing certifications or additional training can open doors to leadership positions in nonprofit organizations or government agencies focused on children and families.
More about Masters Degree Child Development jobs
What cities are hiring for Masters Degree Child Development jobs? Cities with the most Masters Degree Child Development job openings:
What states have the most Masters Degree Child Development jobs? States with the most job openings for Masters Degree Child Development jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Masters Degree Child Development jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Masters Degree Child Development jobs are:
Infographic showing various Masters Degree Child Development job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $112,050 per year, or $53.9 per hour.

Child Development Coordinator

SHASTA COUNTY HEAD START CHILD DEVE

Redding, CA โ€ข On-site

$27 - $28/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 22 days ago


Job description

Benefits
Shasta Head Start offers a comprehensive benefits package including:
  • Employer paid medical, dental, and vision insurance
  • Paid Time Off (PTO)
  • 15 paid holidays per year
  • 401(k) to eligible employees after one year
  • Extensive training opportunities

Position Summary
We are currently looking for a Child Development Coordinator with a proven track record of child development and education experience. If you enjoy building relationships, hard work and innovation, providing excellence, and want to have fun with your fellow employees, you may be who we are looking for. Under the direct supervision of the Child Development Manager, the Child Development Coordinator coordinates the implementation of Shasta Head Start Child Development Program policies and procedures to maintain best practices and effective service delivery to children and families, based on the theories and principles of child growth and development, early childhood education, and family support.
Responsibilities/Duties
  • Support the implementation of the Shasta Head Start child development program, systems, and services
  • Coordinate and provide training, and guidance to staff, parents, and community on a variety of pertinent topics in the area of child education and development
  • Assist in on-going monitoring, tracking, follow-up and analysis of child development services, and child outcomes
  • Assist in the maintenance of record keeping and reporting systems, schedules, and timeline policies and procedures for child development services
  • Communicate with staff, parents, program managers, consultants, and community to enhance services to children and families
  • Collaborate with state and community partners as needed to enhance Shasta Head Start child development services and to ensure effective transition planning for children and their families
  • Order supplies and materials as needed for effective service delivery
  • Act as a liaison between Shasta Head Start and the State of California Community Care Licensing to ensure the full compliance of licensing requirements
  • Support Child Development, Education, and Human Resources department in daily operations pertaining to licensing and accreditation requirements
  • Responsible for maintaining the agency substitute line

  • BA Degree in Early Childhood Education or related field, including 12 ECE core units
  • (BA Degree in Early Childhood Education or related field, including 6 (2+ unit) ECE classes)
  • Two years related experience required
  • (Four years related experience desired)
  • Child Development Permit or ability to obtain one within one year of hire
  • Knowledge of Community Care Licensing Regulations for early childhood settings
  • Knowledge of various software programs such as MS Word, Excel, Power-Point, Publisher, and Child Plus
  • Ability to read, analyze, and interpret periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, and government regulations in fields relevant to position
  • Ability to write technical reports, business correspondence, and procedures manuals
  • Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of managers, community members and regulatory agencies, employers, community groups, families, staff and the general public
  • Ability to use basic math skills, to compute rate, ratio and percent and to draw and interpret bar graphs
  • Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists
  • Ability to organize and manage time effectively, and work independently
  • Effective communication with individuals as well as with small groups
  • Pre-employment requirements:
    • Valid California Drivers License and clean DMV record
    • Criminal background check required
    • Pre-employment Strength Assessment
    • Pre-employment TB test
    • Up to date records of pertussis, measles, and influenza vaccines

Physical Requirements
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit; use hands to finger, handle or feel objects, tools or controls; reach with arms; and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; climb or balance; and stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl. The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 20 pounds. The employee must be able to occasionally lift 20 pounds overhead and 40 pounds from waist to shoulder. The employee frequently lifts and/or moves up to 40 pounds, and occasionally lifts 50 pounds from floor to waist. The employee must be able to push/pull up to 75 pounds horizontally. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distant vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.
Shasta Head Start is an Equal Opportunity Employer