Social and Human Service Assistants
SOC code 21-1093 · O*NET-SOC 21-1093.00 · Considerable preparation needed
Bright Outlook — O*NET expects rapid growth for this occupation
Social and Human Service Assistants pay
U.S. national figures, May 2025 BLS survey · How we got this number
Median pay
$45,930
a year
Hourly
$22.08
per hour
The solid band is the middle 50% of workers; the bar spans the 10th to 90th percentile.
Average pay
$47,690
$22.93 per hour
Middle 50%
$38,150 – $54,350
25th to 75th percentile
Full spread
$34,200 – $63,290
10th to 90th percentile
People employed
437,860
nationwide
National U.S. figure, May 2025. Local pay can be higher or lower.
- 10th percentile
- $34,200
- $16.44/hr
- 25th percentile
- $38,150
- $18.34/hr
- Median percentile
- $45,930
- $22.08/hr
- 75th percentile
- $54,350
- $26.13/hr
- 90th percentile
- $63,290
- $30.43/hr
Job outlook · federal projection 2024–34
+6%
Growing faster than average
449,600
jobs in 2024
478,500
projected for 2034
About 28,900 more jobs
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics employment projections, 2024–34. Projections describe the broader occupation group and are estimates, not guarantees.
What do social and human service assistants do?
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 tasks that matter most day to day
- Assess clients' cognitive abilities and physical and emotional needs to determine appropriate interventions.
- Develop and implement behavioral management and care plans for clients.
- Oversee day-to-day group activities of residents in institution.
- 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.
- Submit reports and review reports or problems with superior.
- Assist in locating housing for displaced individuals.
- Interview individuals or family members to compile information on social, educational, criminal, institutional, or drug history.
How to qualify for this work
Most people in this role hold bachelor's degree — 39% of workers surveyed reported it as their level of education.
Preparation level: zone 4 — Considerable preparation needed
- Education
- Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.
- Experience
- A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations. For example, an accountant must complete four years of college and work for several years in accounting to be considered qualified.
- Training
- Employees in these occupations usually need several years of work-related experience, on-the-job training, and/or vocational training.
Education reported by people doing this job
- Bachelor's Degree39%
- Associate's Degree or other 2-year degree18%
- Some College Courses16%
- High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED)10%
Common questions
How much does a social and human service assistants earn?
The national median is $45,930 a year. The full range runs from $34,200 at the 10th percentile to $63,290 at the 90th — entry pay sits closer to the lower figure, and experience, licensing and specialisation move you up the range.
Can you become a social and human service assistants without a degree?
Not usually — this occupation sits in preparation zone 4, where the typical entry route is most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not. The education breakdown above shows what people in the role actually reported.
Is social and human service assistants in demand?
Federal projections expect employment to grow by about 6% between 2024 and 2034 — growing faster than average. Openings also come from people retiring or changing jobs, which the growth figure does not count.
Skills and knowledge you need
Core skills
- Active Listening4.0/5
- Speaking4.0/5
- Reading Comprehension3.8/5
- Writing3.6/5
- Critical Thinking3.6/5
- Monitoring3.6/5
Knowledge areas
- Customer and Personal Service4.5/5
- Psychology4.3/5
- Therapy and Counseling3.9/5
- English Language3.7/5
- Administrative3.3/5
- Sociology and Anthropology3.3/5
- Computers and Electronics3.2/5
- Education and Training3.1/5
Transferable strengths: Social Perceptiveness, Service Orientation, Coordination, Persuasion.