Community Health Workers
Community health workers promote wellness by helping people in their communities adopt healthy behaviors. They implement programs and advocate for people who may have limited access to health resources and social services.
Is community health workers a good career?
It scores 26/100 and ranks #189 of 825 occupations on pay, growth, employment and openings. Here's what the federal data says, with no editorializing.
Advantages
- Faster-than-average projected growth (+11.3% through 2034)
- No college degree typically required to enter
Possible tradeoffs
- Pays below the U.S. median wage ($51,850 vs $61,390)
What community health workers earn
Wages: BLS OEWS May 2025Pay is a range, not a number. Half of U.S. community health workers earn between $45,640 and $62,540 a year.
Best-paying states
Best-paying metros
Strongest employment concentration
Live community health workers jobs
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- Typical education
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Work experience
- None
- On-the-job training
- Short-term on-the-job training
- Outlook
- Employment is projected to grow much faster than average through 2034.
Education
Community health workers typically need at least a high school diploma, although some jobs require postsecondary education. Postsecondary community health worker programs may lead to a 1-year certificate or a 2-year associate’s degree. These programs cover topics such as wellness, ethics, and cultural awareness.
Training
Community health workers typically complete on-the-job training. They learn about topics useful in their work, including communication styles, outreach and advocacy methods, and legal and ethical issues.
Some workers participate in apprenticeships or other programs that provide opportunities for hands-on experience.
Licenses, certifications & registrations
Some states require certification for community health workers, which may include completing an approved training program.
Advancement
Experienced community health workers may move into supervisory positions.
With additional education, community health workers may be able to transition to occupations such as health education specialists; registered nurses; social workers; or substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors.
Important qualities
Communication skills. Community health workers must be able to clearly convey information in health-related materials to those they serve and in written proposals for programs and funding.
Cultural sensitivity. Community health workers must be respectful of the communities they serve and be understanding of their concerns.
Instructional skills. Community health workers lead programs and facilitate discussions with clients.
Interpersonal skills. Community health workers interact with people from a variety of backgrounds. They must be good listeners and be empathetic in responding to the needs of the communities they serve.
Problem-solving skills. Community health workers must think creatively about the best ways to serve their clients. For example, they may need to adapt program planning because of budget constraints or when encountering resistance from community members.
Related occupations
How much do community health workers make?
The national median wage is $51,850 a year, with the middle half earning between $45,640 and $62,540 (BLS OEWS May 2025).
Is community health workers a good career?
On the Jobs.best index it scores 26 of 100 and ranks #189 of 825 occupations, weighing pay, growth, employment and openings. Employment is projected to change +11.3% through 2034.
What education do you need to become a community health worker?
The typical entry-level education is high school diploma or equivalent.
Where do community health workers earn the most?
Among states, New Hampshire pays the highest median ($66,680). Local pay for every state and metro is below.