SOC 21-1099.00Bright outlook
All community and social service specialists not listed separately.
Data verified Nov 2026 · CollegesRef 2026–27 edition
Source: BLS 2025 wages · 2025–35 projections
Annual pay range
107,730 people work in this occupation.
In short
Community and social service specialists assist individuals and groups through advocacy, counseling, and case management. This career offers a median annual pay of $56,730, with opportunities available across various community and social service roles.
Written with AI from the BLS, O*NET and CareerOneStop data on this page. Every figure is checked against that data before it is published.
All community and social service specialists not listed separately.
People in this career field perform a variety of community and social service duties that are not categorized under other specific titles. Depending on their exact role, they may work as activists, case managers, case investigators, or community center workers. Their day-to-day activities focus on helping individuals navigate social systems, coordinating support services, and advocating for community needs.
Succeeding in this work requires strong interpersonal skills, active listening, and a deep understanding of human behavior and social systems. These specialists must be organized and empathetic as they manage cases, review client progress, and coordinate with local organizations. They often serve as a vital link between vulnerable populations and the resources or counseling services they need.
To enter this field, candidates typically need a bachelor's degree. Students preparing for this career often major in human services, human development and family studies, behavioral sciences, or community organization and advocacy. Other relevant fields of study include cognitive science, pastoral counseling, and specialized ministries.
While a degree is the standard entry requirement, credentialing requirements can vary depending on where you plan to work. Some states list specific licensing requirements for these specialists, so candidates should check the regulations in their local area.
In 2025, the median annual pay for these community and social service specialists was $56,730. Earnings can vary significantly based on experience and location; the lowest 10 percent of workers earn less than $37,310, while the highest 10 percent earn more than $84,210.
There are 107,730 people employed in this occupation. Between 2025 and 2035, employment is projected to grow by 5.5 percent, which is faster than the average for all occupations. This growth is expected to result in approximately 11,600 job openings each year.
Activist · Business Representative · Case Investigator · Case Manager · Case Reviewer · Case Supervisor · Case Worker · Children's Counselor · Community Center Worker · Community Chest Officer
Career pathway
Interests that fit the work, the career, majors that lead there and colleges whose graduates in those majors earn the most. Hover or focus a step to follow one path.
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This career
Majors
Colleges
College Scorecard program outcomes
Programs that lead to this career, ranked by what their graduates earn four years after finishing. Earnings are for graduates who received federal aid.
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard field-of-study data, 2025. Programs with few graduates are not listed.
NCES CIP–SOC crosswalk
Related programs by four-digit CIP code. They are common routes in, not the only ones.
1,004 colleges offer it
496 colleges offer it
235 colleges offer it
171 colleges offer it
144 colleges offer it
84 colleges offer it
CareerOneStop
What community and social service specialists, all other may need beyond a degree, where a license is required, and what the work pays in each state.
Programs of study that prepare people for this work.
1 state lists a license for this work. Open your state for the license and the agency that issues it.
Certified Professional Guardian
Data from CareerOneStop, sponsored by the U.S. Department of Labor (Employment and Training Administration, with the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development). Retrieved November 6, 2026.
Your plan
Courses, majors, colleges, scholarships and a timeline for this career, built from your profile.
Written with AI from the BLS, O*NET and CareerOneStop data on this page. Every figure is checked against that data before it is published.
Workers in this field hold many different titles depending on their specific employer. Common titles include case manager, case investigator, community center worker, activist, children's counselor, and business representative.
Students can prepare for this career by majoring in human services, behavioral sciences, or human development and family studies. Other applicable majors include community organization and advocacy, cognitive science, and pastoral counseling.
Licensing requirements depend on your location. While a bachelor's degree is the typical entry requirement, some states do list specific licensing guidelines for these social service roles.
Every figure on this page comes from these public datasets. Missing values are shown as not reported, never estimated.
Version 31.0
Version 2025-35 · Data year 2025
Version 2025 · Data year 2025
Version 2020 · Data year 2020
O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. CollegesRef has modified all or some of this information.
Data from CareerOneStop, sponsored by the U.S. Department of Labor (Employment and Training Administration, with the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development). Retrieved November 6, 2026.
Page data updated November 5, 2026.