Social and Human Service Assistants Career, Salary and Skills
Social and Human Service Assistants have a BLS-reported national median annual wage of $45,930 based on the 2025 OEWS dataset, with reported national employment of 437,860. Wage data is published for 445 locations.
Occupation description
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.
O*NET code
21-1093.00
Job zone
4
Typical education
Bachelor's Degree
Experience
Over 6 months, up to and including 1 year
National salary and employment
Median annual
$45,930
Hourly median
$22.08
Employment
437,860
Data year
2025
National salary distribution
Top skills
| Skill | Importance | Level |
|---|---|---|
| Active Listening | 4.00 | 4.00 |
| Speaking | 4.00 | 4.12 |
| Social Perceptiveness | 4.00 | 4.12 |
| Service Orientation | 3.88 | 4.00 |
| Reading Comprehension | 3.75 | 4.00 |
| Coordination | 3.75 | 3.38 |
| Critical Thinking | 3.62 | 4.00 |
| Monitoring | 3.62 | 3.75 |
| Writing | 3.62 | 3.88 |
| Persuasion | 3.38 | 3.38 |
Typical tasks
- Develop and implement behavioral management and care plans for clients.
- 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.
- Interview individuals or family members to compile information on social, educational, criminal, institutional, or drug history.
- Provide information or refer individuals to public or private agencies or community services for assistance.
- Advise clients regarding food stamps, child care, food, money management, sanitation, or housekeeping.
- Assess clients' cognitive abilities and physical and emotional needs to determine appropriate interventions.
Technology
- Microsoft Outlook
- Database software
- Electronic medical record EMR software
- MEDITECH software
- Microsoft Access
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Office software
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Microsoft Word
- Nuance Dragon NaturallySpeaking
- PointClickCare healthcare software
- Web browser software
Social and Human Service Assistants salary by location
Areas with the highest reported employment for this occupation.
- Social and Human Service Assistants Salary in CAMedian $51,090 · Employment 58,730
- Social and Human Service Assistants Salary in NYMedian $47,190 · Employment 40,970
- Social and Human Service Assistants Salary in New York, NYMedian $47,860 · Employment 35,540
- Social and Human Service Assistants Salary in PAMedian $44,050 · Employment 24,340
- Social and Human Service Assistants Salary in FLMedian $44,410 · Employment 22,670
- Social and Human Service Assistants Salary in ILMedian $46,950 · Employment 22,220
- Social and Human Service Assistants Salary in TXMedian $45,860 · Employment 21,620
- Social and Human Service Assistants Salary in Los Angeles, CAMedian $50,330 · Employment 18,790
- Social and Human Service Assistants Salary in NJMedian $48,420 · Employment 17,270
- Social and Human Service Assistants Salary in Chicago, ILMedian $47,180 · Employment 16,080
- Social and Human Service Assistants Salary in MIMedian $39,160 · Employment 12,450
- Social and Human Service Assistants Salary in Philadelphia, PAMedian $45,370 · Employment 12,160
Related careers
- Personal Care AidesNational median not published
- School PsychologistsNational median $95,990
- Recreational TherapistsNational median $61,960
- Home Health AidesNational median not published
- Substance Abuse and Behavioral Disorder CounselorsNational median not published
- Social and Community Service ManagersNational median $80,390
- Occupational Therapy AidesNational median $39,160
- Patient RepresentativesNational median $50,290
Career and skills data: O*NET 31.0 (onetcenter.org). Salary and employment data: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS, 2025 (bls.gov/oes). Figures are published survey estimates, not real-time market data.