⭐ Bright Outlook

Social and Human Service Assistants

O*NET 21-1093.00 · SOC 21-1093

Social and Human Service Assistant is a solid career choice. Median pay is $46k a year with +7.4% projected growth through 2035 (about as fast as average) and about 48,900 openings a year. AI exposure: Moderate.

Bureau of Labor Statistics projections 2025–2035 · Data updated 2026-07-27

Projected Growth
+7.4%
2025–2035
Median Salary
$46k
BLS OEWS, May 2025
Annual Openings
49k
positions/year
Education Level
Zone 4
Considerable preparation needed (bachelor's degree)

What You'd Actually Do

  • →Help clients complete applications for food, housing, or benefits programs.
  • →Transport or accompany clients to appointments and community services.
  • →Maintain case files documenting client needs, services, and progress.
  • →Conduct intake interviews to identify clients' immediate support needs.
  • →Follow up with clients by phone to check on their well-being.

Education & How to Get In

🎯
Job Zone 4
Considerable preparation needed (bachelor's degree)

A bachelor's degree is the standard entry point for Social and Human Service Assistant roles. Related majors and internship experience during college significantly improve your chances. Many employers also value relevant certifications or project portfolios alongside the degree.

Get Started Learning

Ready to start building skills for a career as a Social and Human Service Assistant? These platforms offer courses you can start today, many with free trials or financial aid.

Coursera
University-backed courses and certificates
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Udemy
Affordable self-paced courses from $12.99
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Skillshare
Creative and professional skill classes
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LinkedIn Learning
Professional development with certificates
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Work Environment

Primary Setting

People-facing, clinics, schools, or client sites

Work Style

Collaborative, frequent interaction with teams, clients, or patients

A Day in the Life

While every role varies by employer and specialization, a typical day as a Social and Human Service Assistant involves a mix of core responsibilities:

MorningHelp clients complete applications for food, housing, or benefits programs.
MiddayTransport or accompany clients to appointments and community services.
AfternoonMaintain case files documenting client needs, services, and progress.

Personality Fit (RIASEC)

Social (Helpers)6.1
Conventional (Organizers)4.6
Enterprising (Persuaders)3.6
Investigative (Thinkers)2.8
Artistic (Creators)1.9
Realistic (Doers)1.3

Who Thrives as Social and Human Service Assistant?

Based on the interests and work style this role actually demands, these personality types tend to fit it best. Salary and growth tell you if a career is worth entering; personality fit tells you whether you'll still want it in five years.

ESFJThe ProviderISFJThe ProtectorENFJThe MentorINFJThe Advocate

Not sure which you are? Take the 7-minute quiz →

See Open Social and Human Service Assistant Roles

Browse live openings to get a feel for requirements and pay in your area.

Indeed ↗LinkedIn Jobs ↗ZipRecruiter ↗

Similar Careers

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Explore More Careers

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Job Outlook

Employment of Social and Human Service Assistants is projected to grow 7.4% from 2025 to 2035, about as fast as average for all occupations. The BLS flags this as a Bright Outlook occupation.

Will AI Replace This Job?

31/100Moderate, likely AI-complementary
  • ·51% social/interpersonal tasks, hard for AI to replace

Scored from the mix of routine, creative, physical and social tasks the role involves, adjusted for sector and projected growth. An estimate, not a forecast.

Common Questions

How much does a Social and Human Service Assistant make?

The median Social and Human Service Assistant earns $46k a year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics' May 2025 wage data. Half earn more than that and half earn less, and pay varies considerably by state, industry and experience.

Will AI replace Social and Human Service Assistant jobs?

Our model puts Social and Human Service Assistant at 31 out of 100 for automation exposure, which is moderate, likely AI-complementary. The main drivers: 51% social/interpersonal tasks, hard for AI to replace.

Is Social and Human Service Assistant a growing field?

Employment is projected to grow 7.4% between 2025 and 2035, which is about as fast as average. That works out to roughly 48,900 openings a year, counting both new positions and people leaving the occupation.

What degree do you need to be a Social and Human Service Assistant?

A bachelor's degree is the standard entry point for Social and Human Service Assistant roles, and relevant internships matter as much as the subject.

How long does it take to become a Social and Human Service Assistant?

Typically about four years, typically a bachelor's degree. O*NET classes this role as Job Zone 4 of 5, which describes how much preparation people in it usually have.

Is a Social and Human Service Assistant career right for you?

Your personality, values, and strengths matter as much as the job market. Take the quiz to see your personalized Future-Fit Score for this career and hundreds more.

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