What Social and Community Service Managers do
The U.S. Department of Labor's O*NET database describes the work of Social and Community Service Managers this way: "Plan, direct, or coordinate the activities of a social service program or community outreach organization. Oversee the program or organization's budget and policies regarding participant involvement, program requirements, and benefits. Work may involve directing social workers, counselors, or probation officers."
The core tasks O*NET records for this occupation include: "Establish and maintain relationships with other agencies and organizations in community to meet community needs and to ensure that services are not duplicated"; "Prepare and maintain records and reports, such as budgets, personnel records, or training manuals"; "Direct activities of professional and technical staff members and volunteers"; "Evaluate the work of staff and volunteers to ensure that programs are of appropriate quality and that resources are used effectively"; "Establish and oversee administrative procedures to meet objectives set by boards of directors or senior management".
Education, experience and training
According to the BLS Employment Projections, the typical education needed to enter this occupation is bachelor's degree. Work experience in a related occupation is typically less than 5 years.
Job outlook for Social and Community Service Managers
The Bureau of Labor Statistics counted 231,000 jobs in this occupation in 2025 and projects 247,700 in 2035, an increase of 16,700 jobs (+7.2%). That is faster than the 3.5% projected for all occupations.
About 18,500 openings a year are projected on average, counting both new positions and positions vacated by workers who retire or switch occupations. Relative to today's employment that is 8.0% a year, against 10.3% for all occupations. BLS lists a national median annual wage of $80,390, compared with $50,980 for all occupations.
Where Social and Community Service Managers earn the most
Across the 3 states with published data, the employment-weighted average of local median wages for this occupation ranges from $85,128 in California to $95,057 in New Jersey, a gap of $9,929 (1.12 times). 3 of those 3 states average above the BLS national median of $80,390 and 0 average at or below it.
California employs the most people in this occupation among the states covered, 32,880, which is 41.9% of the 78,460 counted across them. New Jersey follows with 22,800.
Highest-paying states
New Jersey ($95,057), New York ($94,966) and California ($85,128) lead the ranking, while California ($85,128) and New York ($94,966) are at the bottom. The table below lists every state with a link to its county-level detail.
Social and Community Service Managers: pay against the cost of living
We compare 3 labor markets, each represented by its most populous county. After federal, Social Security, Medicare and state taxes and the four basics (a one-bedroom rental, food, home energy and gasoline), the largest yearly margin is in Bergen County, NJ (New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ) at $43,760. The smallest margin is $27,412 in Los Angeles County, CA.
The median wage for this occupation covers all four basics in 3 of the 3 markets. A one-bedroom apartment takes between 31.8% and 44.1% of take-home pay, depending on the market.
Occupations related to Social and Community Service Managers
Other occupations in the same SOC minor group (11-9000) include Natural Sciences Managers, Architectural and Engineering Managers, Medical and Health Services Managers and Education Administrators, Kindergarten through Secondary.
Frequently asked questions about Social and Community Service Managers
What is the national median wage for Social and Community Service Managers?
BLS lists a national median annual wage of $80,390. Across the states covered here the average local median ranges from $85,128 to $95,057.
Which state pays Social and Community Service Managers the most?
New Jersey, with an employment-weighted average local median wage of $95,057. New York is next at $94,966.
What is the job outlook for Social and Community Service Managers?
BLS projects employment to grow by 7.2% between 2025 and 2035, compared with 3.5% for all occupations, with about 18,500 openings a year.
What education do Social and Community Service Managers need?
The typical entry-level education is bachelor's degree, with work experience in a related occupation of less than 5 years, according to BLS.
Where can Social and Community Service Managers afford to live best?
Among the markets covered, Bergen County, NJ leaves the largest yearly margin after taxes, rent, food, energy and gasoline: $43,760 on a median wage of $100,570.