Social and Community Service Managers
Social and community service managers coordinate and supervise programs and organizations that support public well-being.
Is social and community service managers a good career?
It scores 26/100 and ranks #194 of 825 occupations on pay, growth, employment and openings. Here's what the federal data says, with no editorializing.
Advantages
- Pays well above the U.S. median wage ($80,390 vs $61,390)
Possible tradeoffs
- Typically requires a bachelor's degree
- Often needs prior experience (less than 5 years)
What social and community service managers earn
Wages: BLS OEWS May 2025Pay is a range, not a number. Half of U.S. social and community service managers earn between $64,290 and $103,200 a year.
Best-paying states
Best-paying metros
Strongest employment concentration
Live social and community service managers jobs
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- Typical education
- Bachelor's degree
- Work experience
- Less than 5 years
- On-the-job training
- None
- Outlook
- Employment is projected to grow faster than average through 2034.
Education
Social and community service managers typically need a bachelor's degree in social work or a related public policy and social services field. However, some positions also require a master’s degree.
Important qualities
Analytical skills. Social and community service managers need to understand and evaluate data in order to provide strategic guidance to their organization. They must be able to monitor and assess current programs as well as determine new initiatives.
Communication skills. Social and community service managers must be able to speak and write clearly. Public speaking experience is also helpful because these managers often participate in community outreach.
Managerial skills. Social and community service managers spend much of their time administering budgets and responding to a variety of issues.
Problem-solving skills. Social and community service managers must be able to address client, staff, and agency-related issues.
Time-management skills. Social and community service managers must prioritize and handle numerous tasks, often in a short timeframe.
Related occupations
How much do social and community service managers make?
The national median wage is $80,390 a year, with the middle half earning between $64,290 and $103,200 (BLS OEWS May 2025).
Is social and community service managers a good career?
On the Jobs.best index it scores 26 of 100 and ranks #194 of 825 occupations, weighing pay, growth, employment and openings. Employment is projected to change +6.4% through 2034.
What education do you need to become a social and community service manager?
The typical entry-level education is bachelor's degree, usually with less than 5 years.
Where do social and community service managers earn the most?
Among states, District of Columbia pays the highest median ($106,700). Local pay for every state and metro is below.