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 customer needs and providing helpful, professional service.
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
Social and human service assistants typically need at least a high school diploma, although specific requirements may vary. Training is usually provided on the job. PayThe median annual wage for social and human service assistants was $45,930 in May 2025. Job Outlook Employment of social and human service assistants is projected to grow 7 percent from 2025 to 2035, much faster than the average for all occupations. About 48,900 openings for social and human service assistants 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 social and human service assistants. Similar Occupations Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of social and human service assistants with similar occupations. More Information, Including Links to O*NET Learn more about social and human service assistants 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 social and human service assistants was $45,930 in May 2025. Job Outlook Employment of social and human service assistants is projected to grow 7 percent from 2025 to 2035, much faster than the average for all occupations. About 48,900 openings for social and human service assistants 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 social and human service assistants. Similar Occupations Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of social and human service assistants with similar occupations. More Information, Including Links to O*NET Learn more about social and human service assistants by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
Job Outlook
Employment of social and human service assistants is projected to grow 7 percent from 2025 to 2035, much faster than the average for all occupations. About 48,900 openings for social and human service assistants 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 social and human service assistants. Similar Occupations Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of social and human service assistants with similar occupations. More Information, Including Links to O*NET Learn more about social and human service assistants by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
What They Do
Social and human service assistants provide client services in a variety of fields, such as psychology, rehabilitation, and social work.
Work Environment
Many social and human service assistants work for nonprofit organizations, for-profit social service agencies, and state and local governments. Most work full time, and some work evenings and weekends.
How to Become a Social and Human Service Assistant
Social and human service assistants typically need at least a high school diploma, although specific requirements may vary. Training is usually provided on the job.
Pay
The median annual wage for social and human service assistants was $45,930 in May 2025.
Job Outlook
Employment of social and human service assistants is projected to grow 7 percent from 2025 to 2035, much faster than the average for all occupations.
About 48,900 openings for social and human service assistants 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 social and human service assistants.
Similar Occupations
Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of social and human service assistants with similar occupations.
More Information, Including Links to O*NET
Learn more about social and human service assistants by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
Work Environment
Many social and human service assistants work for nonprofit organizations, for-profit social service agencies, and state and local governments. Most work full time, and some work evenings and weekends.
How to Become a Social and Human Service Assistant
Social and human service assistants typically need at least a high school diploma, although specific requirements may vary. Training is usually provided on the job.
Pay
The median annual wage for social and human service assistants was $45,930 in May 2025.
Job Outlook
Employment of social and human service assistants is projected to grow 7 percent from 2025 to 2035, much faster than the average for all occupations.
About 48,900 openings for social and human service assistants 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 social and human service assistants.
Similar Occupations
Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of social and human service assistants with similar occupations.
More Information, Including Links to O*NET
Learn more about social and human service assistants 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 social and human service assistants.
Similar Occupations
Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of social and human service assistants with similar occupations.
More Information, Including Links to O*NET
Learn more about social and human service assistants by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
More Information
Learn more about social and human service assistants 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.