Occupational Outlook Handbook > Community and Social Service >

Community and Social Service Occupations

Community and social service occupations include social workers, counselors, and religious workers. Employment of community and social service occupations is projected to grow 11 percent from 2018 to 2028, much faster than the average for all occupations, adding about 306,200 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.

The median annual wage for community and social service occupations was $46,090 in May 2019, which was higher than the median annual wage for all occupations of $39,810.

OCCUPATION	JOB SUMMARY	ENTRY-LEVEL EDUCATION	2019 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	$46,910
Marriage and Family Therapists	Marriage and family therapists help people manage and overcome problems with family and other relationships.	Master's degree	$49,610
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	$54,290
Rehabilitation Counselors	Rehabilitation counselors help people with physical, mental, developmental, or emotional disabilities live independently.	Master's degree	$35,950
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	$57,040
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	$35,060
Social Workers	Social workers help people solve and cope with problems in their everyday lives.	See How to Become One	$50,470
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	$46,240