Promote health within a community by assisting individuals to adopt healthy behaviors. Serve as an advocate for the health needs of individuals by assisting community residents in effectively communicating with healthcare providers or social service agencies. Act as liaison or advocate and implement programs that promote, maintain, and improve individual and overall community health. May deliver health-related preventive services such as blood pressure, glaucoma, and hearing screenings. May collect data to help identify community health needs.
Community Health Workers
SOC: 21-1094 O*NET: 21-1094.00
Median Salary
$51,030
per year
Job Growth
🚀 11.3%
Much Faster (2024-2034)
Annual Openings
7.8
projected jobs/year
Education Level
Bachelor's degree or higher
Job Zone 4
Promote health within a community by assisting individuals to adopt healthy behaviors. Serve as an advocate for the health needs of individuals by assisting community residents in effectively communicating with healthcare providers or social service agencies. Act as liaison or advocate and implement programs that promote, maintain, and improve individual and overall community health. May deliver health-related preventive services such as blood pressure, glaucoma, and hearing screenings. May collect data to help identify community health needs.
What does a Community Health Workers do?
How much can you earn?
Entry Level
$37,930
10th percentile
Early Career
$44,370
25th percentile
Median
$51,030
50th percentile
Experienced
$63,150
75th percentile
Top Earners
$78,560
90th percentile
National Salary Distribution
10th
$37,930
25th
$44,370
Middle 50%
MEDIAN
$51,030
Mean: $55,970
75th
$63,150
90th
$78,560
Middle 50% of earners
Median salary
Mean (average)
Key Insights
- •Salary range spans $40,630 from entry level to top earners
- •Middle 50% earn between $44,370 and $63,150
- •Salary spread is 36.8% around the median, showing moderate variation
- •Total national employment: 60,730 professionals
What's the job outlook?
Job Market Intelligence
High Demand
Market demand
Medium Risk
Automation risk
Current Employment
National Employment:65,100
Top Industries
Ambulatory Health Care Services22%
Social Assistance21.2%
Individual and Family Services16.9%
10-Year Outlook
Growth Rate:+11.3%
Annual Openings:7,800
Employment Projections
2024 (Current)65,100
Current
2034 (Projected)72,500
+11.3%
+7,400
Employment Change
+11.3%
Growth Rate
10
Year Projection
Growth Category: Faster than average
Geographic Salary & Employment Data
Explore where Community Health Workers professionals work across the United States
Showing 15 of 50 locations
California
9,200 jobs$57,5601.29x
New York
6,740 jobs$56,9501.79x
Texas
4,360 jobs$47,4400.80x
Washington
2,440 jobs$56,4601.75x
Massachusetts
2,310 jobs$54,1601.61x
Pennsylvania
2,160 jobs$50,3500.91x
Ohio
2,100 jobs$54,2400.97x
Maryland
2,020 jobs$51,5201.87x
Illinois
1,860 jobs$47,6100.78x
Florida
1,740 jobs$45,3000.45x
Missouri
1,710 jobs$47,4101.48x
North Carolina
1,600 jobs$46,9300.83x
Oregon
1,580 jobs$55,5102.03x
Michigan
1,580 jobs$47,2900.91x
New Jersey
1,400 jobs$51,7100.84x
Understanding the Data
Location Quotient (LQ):
- • LQ > 1.0: More jobs than national average
- • LQ = 1.0: Same as national average
- • LQ < 1.0: Fewer jobs than national average
Data Source:
Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2024
Key Growth Factors
- •Faster than average growth expected
- •High current market demand
What skills do you need?
Top 10 Most Important Skills
#1
Active Listening
100%
#2
Social Perceptiveness
94%
#3
Speaking
86%
#4
Writing
80%
#5
Reading Comprehension
74%
#6
Service Orientation
66%
#7
Critical Thinking
60%
#8
Coordination
54%
#9
Active Learning
46%
#10
Persuasion
40%
Skills Overview
Active Listening
advanced5.0
100%
Social Perceptiveness
advanced4.7
94%
Speaking
intermediate4.3
86%
Writing
intermediate4.0
80%
Reading Comprehension
basic3.7
74%
Service Orientation
intermediate3.3
66%
Critical Thinking
intermediate3.0
60%
Coordination
basic2.7
54%
Skills are rated on a scale of 0-5, with 5 being the most important. The complexity level indicates how advanced the skill typically needs to be.
Filter:
Sort by:
Active Listening
advancedImportance100%
skills
5.0/5.0
Social Perceptiveness
advancedImportance94%
skills
4.7/5.0
Speaking
intermediateImportance86%
skills
4.3/5.0
Writing
intermediateImportance80%
skills
4.0/5.0
Reading Comprehension
basicImportance74%
abilities
3.7/5.0
Service Orientation
intermediateImportance66%
skills
3.3/5.0
Critical Thinking
intermediateImportance60%
abilities
3.0/5.0
Coordination
basicImportance54%
skills
2.7/5.0
Active Learning
basicImportance46%
abilities
2.3/5.0
Persuasion
basicImportance40%
skills
2.0/5.0
Highly Transferable Skills
These skills are valuable across multiple career paths, making career transitions easier:
Bartenders82%
5 shared skills
Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers82%
5 shared skills
Executive Secretaries and Executive Administrative Assistants82%
5 shared skills
Fundraisers82%
5 shared skills
Healthcare Social Workers82%
5 shared skills
Medical Assistants82%
5 shared skills
Skills by Career Stage
Entry Level
Must Have:
- ✓Active Listening
- ✓Social Perceptiveness
- ✓Speaking
- ✓Writing
Learn on the Job:
- →Service Orientation
- →Coordination
- →Critical Thinking
Mid Career
Expected:
- ✓Active Listening
- ✓Social Perceptiveness
- ✓Speaking
- ✓Writing
Senior Level
Mastery Required:
- ★Active Listening
- ★Social Perceptiveness
- ★Speaking
- ★Writing
- ★Reading Comprehension
Skill Development Tips
- •Focus on developing the top 5 skills first - they have the highest impact on career success
- •Transferable skills open doors to related careers and provide flexibility
- •Balance technical skills with soft skills for well-rounded professional development
- •Entry-level positions prioritize foundational skills that can be built upon over time
What technology will you use?
Technology & Digital Skills
Essential technology proficiencies for Community Health Workers
Technology Intensity
High
Digital Literacy Requirements
This career requires advanced digital literacy
1
Basic
2
Intermediate
3
Advanced
4
Expert
Key Digital Competencies:
Proficiency with specialized softwareTechnical documentationData analysis toolsSystem integration
🔥
Hot Technologies in Demand
These technologies are currently trending and highly sought after in this field
Microsoft Access
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Outlook
🔥 Hot TechGoogle Workspace software
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Office software
🔥 Hot TechApple macOS
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft PowerPoint
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Excel
🔥 Hot TechZoom
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Word
🔥 Hot TechTechnology Stack
Technology Stack Overview
Key technologies used in this career
Microsoft Access
Microsoft Outlook
Google Workspace software
Microsoft Office software
Apple macOS
Microsoft PowerPoint
Microsoft Excel
Zoom
Microsoft Word
📚 Technology Learning Resources
Recommended Certifications
- •Vendor-specific software certifications
- •Industry-recognized technology credentials
- •Professional development courses
Online Learning Platforms
- •LinkedIn Learning - Comprehensive technology courses
- •Coursera - University-level programs
- •Udemy - Practical skills training
💡 Technology Skill Development Tips
- •Focus on mastering hot technologies first - they're currently most in-demand
- •Build a portfolio demonstrating your proficiency with key tools and software
- •Stay current through continuous learning - technology evolves rapidly
- •Consider vendor certifications to validate your skills to employers
What's the work environment like?
🏢
Location
MOSTLY INDOOR
💪
Physical Demand
HIGH
👥
Team Orientation
MOSTLY TEAM
🤝
Customer Interaction
FREQUENT
💡Is This Work Environment Right for You?
Consider these factors when evaluating if you'll thrive in this work environment:
- •Are you comfortable working in mostly indoor environments?
- •Can you meet high physical demands?
- •Do you enjoy mostly team team environments?
- •Are you comfortable working with safety protocols and protective equipment?
What are the key tasks?
Tasks & Responsibilities
21
Core Tasks
8
Daily Tasks
20
Work Activities
0
Emerging Tasks
Filter:
Sort by:
General Responsibilities (16)Management & Supervision (1)Planning & Development (2)Analysis & Evaluation (1)Operations & Execution (1)
1
Administer immunizations or other basic preventive treatments.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities100% perform100%
2
Advise clients or community groups on issues related to diagnostic screenings, such as breast cancer screening, pap smears, glaucoma tests, or diabetes screenings.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities97% perform98%
3
Advise clients or community groups on issues related to improving general health, such as diet or exercise.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities94% perform96%
4
Advise clients or community groups on issues related to risk or prevention of conditions, such as lead poisoning, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), prenatal substance abuse, or domestic violence.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities91% perform94%
5
Advise clients or community groups on issues related to sanitation or hygiene, such as flossing or hand washing.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities88% perform92%
6
Advise clients or community groups on issues related to self-care, such as diabetes management.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Management & Supervision85% perform90%
7
Advise clients or community groups on issues related to social or intellectual development, such as education, childcare, or problem solving.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Planning & Development82% perform88%
8
Advise clients or community groups to ensure parental understanding of the importance of childhood immunizations and how to access immunization services.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities79% perform86%
9
Advocate for individual or community health needs with government agencies or health service providers.
🟡Weekly
Importance:
General Responsibilities76% perform84%
10
Attend community meetings or health fairs to understand community issues or build relationships with community members.
🟡Weekly
Importance:
General Responsibilities73% perform82%
💡 Key Takeaways
- •Daily tasks focus primarily on general responsibilities activities
- •33% of tasks are performed by most workers in this occupation
- •Career advancement brings increased leadership and strategic responsibilities
What career paths are available?
Career Pathways
0
Advancement Opportunities
0
Lateral Move Options
0%
Avg. Salary Increase
Advancement Opportunities
Typical career progression paths from Community Health Workers
💡 Career Planning Tips
- •Most successful advancement happens after 3-5 years of experience
- •Lateral moves can provide valuable cross-functional experience for future leadership roles
- •Focus on developing skills that are transferable across multiple career paths
- •Consider industry trends when planning long-term career moves
Is this career right for you?
Personality & Values Fit
Is This Career Right for You?
Community Health Workers professionals typically have a SEI Holland code and highly value relationships
SSocial
EEnterprising
IInvestigative
Important Personality Traits
Work styles that contribute to success as a Community Health Workers
Dependability
CriticalDependability
Importance Level4.71
Integrity
CriticalIntegrity
Importance Level4.70
Cooperation
CriticalCooperation
Importance Level4.60
Independence
CriticalIndependence
Importance Level4.52
Adaptability/Flexibility
CriticalAdaptability/Flexibility
Importance Level4.51
Initiative
Very ImportantInitiative
Importance Level4.48
Complete Work Styles Profile
Dependability
4.7
Integrity
4.7
Cooperation
4.6
Independence
4.5
Adaptability/Flexibility
4.5
Initiative
4.5
Concern for Others
4.4
Social Orientation
4.4
Innovation
4.3
Leadership
4.3
💡 Tips for Career Fit Success
- •While personality fit is important, skills can be developed with practice and training
- •Consider informational interviews to better understand the day-to-day personality requirements
- •Work environments vary by employer - research specific companies for cultural fit
- •Your interests and values may evolve - reassess periodically throughout your career
What education is required?
Education Level
Bachelor's degree or higher
Typical duration: 4 years
Preparation Level
Job Zone 4
Considerable Preparation Needed
Experience Needed
A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience needed
📚 Education Requirement
Required Level:Bachelor's degree or higher
Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.
Training:
Significant preparation with related work experience
💼 Experience Requirement
A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience needed
Common pathways to gain experience:
- • Bachelor's degree in related field
- • Several years of work experience
- • Professional certifications often required
4
Job Zone Four: Considerable Preparation Needed
Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.
Bachelor's degree in related fieldSeveral years of work experienceProfessional certifications often required
Ready to Start Your Journey?
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