Top Skills for This Career
BLS identifies these as the three highest-rated skills for this detailed occupation. TrustInEd adds the plain-language explanations so visitors understand what each skill means.
Working effectively with people by building relationships, understanding others, and responding appropriately.
Adjusting effectively when priorities, conditions, tools, or expectations change.
Understanding written information and communicating ideas clearly in writing.
How Do You Prepare for This Career?
BLS describes the typical preparation for this occupation. Requirements can vary by employer, state, licensing rules and individual circumstances.
How to Become One
To enter the occupation, community health workers typically need at least a high school diploma; some employers prefer to hire candidates who have postsecondary education. To attain competency, they typically complete a brief period of on-the-job training, and some states require certification. PayThe median annual wage for community health workers was $51,850 in May 2025. Job Outlook Employment of community health workers is projected to grow 13 percent from 2025 to 2035, much faster than the average for all occupations. About 7,000 openings for community health workers are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire. State & Area Data Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for community health workers. Similar Occupations Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of community health workers with similar occupations. More Information, Including Links to O*NET Learn more about community health workers by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
Your Next Step
Review training, certifications, apprenticeships, or employer-based preparation that may support entry into this career.
Pay
The median annual wage for community health workers was $51,850 in May 2025. Job Outlook Employment of community health workers is projected to grow 13 percent from 2025 to 2035, much faster than the average for all occupations. About 7,000 openings for community health workers are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire. State & Area Data Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for community health workers. Similar Occupations Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of community health workers with similar occupations. More Information, Including Links to O*NET Learn more about community health workers by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
Job Outlook
Employment of community health workers is projected to grow 13 percent from 2025 to 2035, much faster than the average for all occupations. About 7,000 openings for community health workers are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire. State & Area Data Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for community health workers. Similar Occupations Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of community health workers with similar occupations. More Information, Including Links to O*NET Learn more about community health workers by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
What They Do
Community health workers promote wellness by helping people adopt healthy behaviors. They implement programs and advocate for people who may have limited access to health resources and social services.
Work Environment
Community health workers are employed in a variety of settings, including hospitals, public health departments, and community-based organizations. Most work full time.
How to Become a Community Health Worker
To enter the occupation, community health workers typically need at least a high school diploma; some employers prefer to hire candidates who have postsecondary education. To attain competency, they typically complete a brief period of on-the-job training, and some states require certification.
Pay
The median annual wage for community health workers was $51,850 in May 2025.
Job Outlook
Employment of community health workers is projected to grow 13 percent from 2025 to 2035, much faster than the average for all occupations.
About 7,000 openings for community health workers are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
State & Area Data
Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for community health workers.
Similar Occupations
Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of community health workers with similar occupations.
More Information, Including Links to O*NET
Learn more about community health workers by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
Work Environment
Community health workers are employed in a variety of settings, including hospitals, public health departments, and community-based organizations. Most work full time.
How to Become a Community Health Worker
To enter the occupation, community health workers typically need at least a high school diploma; some employers prefer to hire candidates who have postsecondary education. To attain competency, they typically complete a brief period of on-the-job training, and some states require certification.
Pay
The median annual wage for community health workers was $51,850 in May 2025.
Job Outlook
Employment of community health workers is projected to grow 13 percent from 2025 to 2035, much faster than the average for all occupations.
About 7,000 openings for community health workers are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
State & Area Data
Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for community health workers.
Similar Occupations
Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of community health workers with similar occupations.
More Information, Including Links to O*NET
Learn more about community health workers by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
State & Area Data
Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for community health workers.
Similar Occupations
Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of community health workers with similar occupations.
More Information, Including Links to O*NET
Learn more about community health workers by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
More Information
Learn more about community health workers by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
Take the Next Step
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Start with ED →Career data and occupational profile text are sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook and Employment Projections program. Education requirements are typical entry-level requirements and may vary by employer, state, occupation or individual circumstance. View the official BLS profile.