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Community and Social Service Occupations

Employment in community and social service occupations is projected to grow 12 percent from 2019 to 2029, much faster than the average for all occupations, adding about 348,600 jobs. Most projected new jobs in this occupational group are in counselor and social worker occupations, as their services will continue to be needed in areas such as drug abuse counseling and rehabilitation counseling, and also for school and career counseling. In addition to counselors and social workers, this group includes religious workers.

The median annual wage for community and social service occupations was $47,520 in May 2020, which was higher than the median annual wage for all occupations of $41,950.

OCCUPATION	JOB SUMMARY	ENTRY-LEVEL EDUCATION	2020 MEDIAN PAY
Health Educators and Community Health Workers	Health educators teach people about behaviors that promote wellness. Community health workers collect data and discuss health concerns with members of specific populations or communities.	See How to Become One	$48,140
Marriage and Family Therapists	Marriage and family therapists help people manage and overcome problems with family and other relationships.	Master's degree	$51,340
Probation Officers and Correctional Treatment Specialists	Probation officers and correctional treatment specialists assist in rehabilitation of law offenders in custody or on probation or parole.	Bachelor's degree	$55,690
Rehabilitation Counselors	Rehabilitation counselors help people with physical, mental, developmental, or emotional disabilities live independently.	Master's degree	$37,530
School and Career Counselors	School counselors help students develop the academic and social skills needed to succeed. Career counselors help people choose a path to employment.	Master's degree	$58,120
Social and Human Service Assistants	Social and human service assistants provide client services in a variety of fields, such as psychology, rehabilitation, and social work.	High school diploma or equivalent	$35,960
Social Workers	Social workers help people solve and cope with problems in their everyday lives.	See How to Become One	$51,760
Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors	Substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors provide treatment and advise people who suffer from alcoholism, drug addiction, or other mental or behavioral problems.	Bachelor's degree	$47,660