Jobs to Do With Children

Teacher

A career is a teacher is perhaps the first occupation that comes to mind for those who want to work closely with children. The most typical degree for a teacher is a bachelor's in education, although teachers often pursue a master's degree for higher salaries and more career opportunities. Teachers may also obtain a degree in a specific subject and teach after receiving a teaching license. The median annual salary for teachers was slightly below $50,000 as of May 2008, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics 2010-2011 job outlook handbook.

When your general ambition is to work closely with and watch over children but you don't have the desire to obtain an advanced degree, consider a career as a child care worker. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that about 33 percent of all child care workers are self-employed, running day-care operations in their own homes. Child care workers typically care for and educate preschool-age children and supervise older kids before and after school. Most states require daycare owners to obtain licenses, but general child care employees may not even need a high school diploma. A bachelor's degree in child development will boost your career, however. The median annual wage was just under $20,000 as of May 2009, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

A camp directorship may be a good job for those adults who still see themselves as kids at heart. Professionals in this occupation earn their money planning activities and schedules for the camp, communicating with campers and parents and supervising camp staff. Part-time positions usually do not require a degree, but those who desire to obtain an administrative position will want to pursue a bachelor's degree in a field such as parks and recreation. The high-end of the average annual salary in May 2008 was around $28,000, but those who hold upper-level positions earn much more, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Pediatric nurses provide routine screenings, diagnose illnesses and perform care for sick children in addition to overseeing standard checkups on healthy children. With only a bachelor's degree in nursing required in order to earn an average annual salary of $67,000 as of May 2008, this industry is a popular choice for those who love working with kids. The nursing field is expected to grow by 22 percent through 2018, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, a rate that is much higher than the average for other occupations.