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
$51,850
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
$38,810
10th percentile
Early Career
$45,640
25th percentile
Median
$51,850
50th percentile
Experienced
$62,540
75th percentile
Top Earners
$77,180
90th percentile
National Salary Distribution
10th
$38,810
25th
$45,640
Middle 50%
MEDIAN
$51,850
Mean: $56,180
75th
$62,540
90th
$77,180
Middle 50% of earners
Median salary
Mean (average)
Key Insights
- •Salary range spans $38,370 from entry level to top earners
- •Middle 50% earn between $45,640 and $62,540
- •Salary spread is 32.6% around the median, showing moderate variation
- •Total national employment: 61,660 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 Services22.4%
Social Assistance20.4%
Individual and Family Services16.5%
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
9,500 jobs$58,0501.31x
New York
5,800 jobs$58,1301.51x
Texas
4,210 jobs$48,7200.75x
Maryland
3,030 jobs$50,5502.76x
Massachusetts
2,970 jobs$55,5602.06x
Washington
2,640 jobs$57,0701.87x
Illinois
2,040 jobs$49,2400.84x
Oregon
1,980 jobs$53,3502.54x
Pennsylvania
1,970 jobs$50,7100.82x
Ohio
1,910 jobs$50,6500.87x
Michigan
1,890 jobs$49,3801.08x
Missouri
1,820 jobs$48,7701.56x
North Carolina
1,680 jobs$47,5600.86x
New Jersey
1,330 jobs$55,7900.78x
Indiana
1,310 jobs$47,9601.03x
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 2025
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
Customer and Personal Service
100%
#3
Oral Comprehension
100%
#4
Social Perceptiveness
94%
#5
Oral Expression
92%
#6
English Language
90%
#7
Speaking
86%
#8
Written Comprehension
82%
#9
Writing
80%
#10
Education and Training
80%
Skills Overview
Active Listening
advanced5.0
100%
Customer and Personal Service
advanced5.0
100%
Oral Comprehension
advanced5.0
100%
Social Perceptiveness
advanced4.7
94%
Oral Expression
advanced4.6
92%
English Language
advanced4.5
90%
Speaking
intermediate4.3
86%
Written Comprehension
intermediate4.1
82%
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
Customer and Personal Service
advancedImportance100%
knowledge
5.0/5.0
Oral Comprehension
advancedImportance100%
abilities
5.0/5.0
Social Perceptiveness
advancedImportance94%
skills
4.7/5.0
Oral Expression
advancedImportance92%
abilities
4.6/5.0
English Language
advancedImportance90%
knowledge
4.5/5.0
Speaking
intermediateImportance86%
skills
4.3/5.0
Written Comprehension
intermediateImportance82%
abilities
4.1/5.0
Writing
intermediateImportance80%
skills
4.0/5.0
Education and Training
intermediateImportance80%
knowledge
4.0/5.0
Reading Comprehension
basicImportance74%
abilities
3.7/5.0
Problem Sensitivity
intermediateImportance74%
abilities
3.7/5.0
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
- ✓Customer and Personal Service
Learn on the Job:
- →Service Orientation
- →Coordination
- →Medicine and Dentistry
Mid Career
Expected:
- ✓Active Listening
- ✓Social Perceptiveness
- ✓Speaking
- ✓Writing
- ✓Customer and Personal Service
Senior Level
Mastery Required:
- ★Active Listening
- ★Social Perceptiveness
- ★Speaking
- ★Writing
- ★Customer and Personal Service
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?
Explore educational programs that can help you become a Community Health Workers.
Browse Training Programs →The Apprenticeship Route: Earn While You Learn
You don't necessarily need to pay for school to enter this field. There are 169 registered apprenticeship sponsors for this occupation in the U.S. DOL system — including 3 union/joint labor-management programs. Apprentices earn a wage from day one, typically starting at 40–50% of the journeyman rate, and finish with no tuition debt.
Most sponsors: TX (22) , CA (14) , NH (10) , HI (9) , IL (9)
How apprenticeships work →Source: U.S. Department of Labor, Registered Apprenticeship sponsors (apprenticeship.gov)
Trade Colleges That Train for Community Health Workers
Top trade colleges by completions in fields that prepare students for this career.
Cerritos College
Norwalk, CA
1.3k program completions/year
City College of San Francisco
San Francisco, CA
993 program completions/year
College of the Sequoias
Visalia, CA
636 program completions/year
Mt San Antonio College
Walnut, CA
627 program completions/year
College of the Desert
Palm Desert, CA
555 program completions/year
Long Beach City College
Long Beach, CA
549 program completions/year
Victor Valley College
Victorville, CA
499 program completions/year
East Los Angeles College
Monterey Park, CA
479 program completions/year
Fresno City College
Fresno, CA
470 program completions/year
Merced College
Merced, CA
460 program completions/year
Pasadena City College
Pasadena, CA
432 program completions/year
Central New Mexico Community College
Albuquerque, NM
426 program completions/year