What is the highest paying job in Early Childhood Education?
There is no single “highest paying” job in the Early Childhood sector, however, some roles generally dominate others in the area of pay. The highest paying jobs are generally managerial and specialist positions that require degrees and experience. There are various avenues for growth in the Early childhood sector that include strong earning potential. Level of responsibility, experience and qualifications and also employer and location can influence earnings.
Level of responsibility: Management positions are usually paid more than classroom-based roles. This may include Centre Manager, Lead Educator (Room Leader), or School Age Childcare Coordinator.
Experience and Qualifications: Those with more experience and qualifications can negotiate for higher pay.
Employer and Location: Level of pay can vary according to the type of childcare facility (private vs public) and its location, e.g. careers in Dublin are likely to pay a higher compared to rural areas.
Roles that tend to be at the higher end of the ECE pay scale.
As mentioned above, the highest paying jobs are generally managerial and specialist positions that require degrees and experience. These include:
- Childcare Centre Manager: Hold the responsibility for overseeing the operation of a childcare centre, including curriculum progress, staff management, budgeting and complying with ensuring compliance with regulations.
- Early Childhood Education Coordinator: In charge of planning and implementing educational programmes for young people.
- Early Childhood Education Consultant: Provide expertise and guidance to childcare centres, schools and other organizations.
- Specialist Early Years Professionals e.g. Speech and Language Therapists
Please note, there is a national push to improve salaries and attract more qualified professionals.
Education in Early Childhood can be a steppingstone onto various career paths of higher pay. The Early Childhood Education degree positions graduates for a fulfilling career making a real difference in children’s lives. Please click here to read more about the BA Early Childhood Education.