What Social and Human Service Assistants do
The U.S. Department of Labor's O*NET database describes the work of Social and Human Service Assistants this way: "Assist other social and human service providers in providing client services in a wide variety of fields, such as psychology, rehabilitation, or social work, including support for families. May assist clients in identifying and obtaining available benefits and social and community services. May assist social workers with developing, organizing, and conducting programs to prevent and resolve problems relevant to substance abuse, human relationships, rehabilitation, or dependent care."
The core tasks O*NET records for this occupation include: "Provide information or refer individuals to public or private agencies or community services for assistance"; "Keep records or prepare reports for owner or management concerning visits with clients"; "Visit individuals in homes or attend group meetings to provide information on agency services, requirements, or procedures"; "Advise clients regarding food stamps, child care, food, money management, sanitation, or housekeeping"; "Submit reports and review reports or problems with superior".
Education, experience and training
According to the BLS Employment Projections, the typical education needed to enter this occupation is high school diploma or equivalent. Typical on-the-job training to reach competency is short-term on-the-job training.
Job outlook for Social and Human Service Assistants
The Bureau of Labor Statistics counted 463,400 jobs in this occupation in 2025 and projects 497,600 in 2035, an increase of 34,200 jobs (+7.4%). That is faster than the 3.5% projected for all occupations.
About 48,900 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 10.6% a year, against 10.3% for all occupations. BLS lists a national median annual wage of $45,930, compared with $50,980 for all occupations.
Where Social and Human Service Assistants earn the most
Across the 8 states with published data, the employment-weighted average of local median wages for this occupation ranges from $43,927 in Pennsylvania to $51,591 in California, a gap of $7,664 (1.17 times). 5 of those 8 states average above the BLS national median of $45,930 and 3 average at or below it.
California employs the most people in this occupation among the states covered, 57,470, which is 20.6% of the 278,390 counted across them. New York follows with 51,850.
Highest-paying states
California ($51,591), New Jersey ($47,294) and New York ($47,173) lead the ranking, while Pennsylvania ($43,927) and Indiana ($45,241) are at the bottom. The table below lists every state with a link to its county-level detail.
Social and Human Service Assistants: pay against the cost of living
We compare 10 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 Lake County, IN (Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN) at $17,757. The weakest market is Kings County, NY, where the basics cost $2,328 more than take-home pay.
The median wage for this occupation covers all four basics in 9 of the 10 markets and falls short in 1. A one-bedroom apartment takes between 36.5% and 84.9% of take-home pay, depending on the market.
Occupations related to Social and Human Service Assistants
Other occupations in the same SOC minor group (21-1000) include Marriage and Family Therapists, Healthcare Social Workers, Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors and Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers.
Frequently asked questions about Social and Human Service Assistants
How much do Social and Human Service Assistants earn in the United States?
BLS lists a national median annual wage of $45,930. Across the states covered here the average local median ranges from $43,927 to $51,591.
Which state pays Social and Human Service Assistants the most?
California, with an employment-weighted average local median wage of $51,591. New Jersey is next at $47,294.
Is Social and Human Service Assistants a growing occupation?
BLS projects employment to grow by 7.4% between 2025 and 2035, compared with 3.5% for all occupations, with about 48,900 openings a year.
What education do Social and Human Service Assistants need?
The typical entry-level education is high school diploma or equivalent and short-term on-the-job training, according to BLS.
Where can Social and Human Service Assistants afford to live best?
Among the markets covered, Lake County, IN leaves the largest yearly margin after taxes, rent, food, energy and gasoline: $17,757 on a median wage of $47,180.