Community Health Worker: Job Description, Pay & Outlook

What does a community health worker do?

Community health workers promote health in their communities, helping people access care, understand health information and overcome barriers like transportation and insurance. The median pay is $51,850 per year (BLS, May 2025), most people train for about 1–3 months, and employment is projected to grow +12.7% from 2025–35.

Pay data: BLS OEWS, May 2025 · Outlook: BLS 2025–35 · Checked October 15, 2026

Median pay
$51,850
$24.93/hour · May 2025
Job growth
+12.7%
2025–35, much faster than average
Openings per year
7,000
Average, 2025–35
Typical entry education
High school diploma or equivalent
BLS classification
Time to train
1–3 months
Typical program length
U.S. jobs
64,700
Employment, 2025

What community health workers do

Community health workers bridge communities and health systems. They visit homes, help people enroll in insurance, schedule appointments, explain care plans, teach about chronic disease, connect people with food and housing, and share community needs with health providers. Many share language and culture with the people they serve.

Most CHWs have a high school diploma and short on-the-job training, and many states offer CHW certification. Employment is projected to grow much faster than average as health systems invest in prevention.

Typical duties

Conduct outreach and home visits
Help people enroll in insurance
Schedule and remind about appointments
Teach about chronic disease and prevention
Connect people with social services
Advocate for clients
Collect data and report needs

Work environment and schedule

CHWs work in clinics, hospitals, health departments, nonprofits and out in the community.

Schedule: Most work full-time, with some evenings and weekends for events.

A day in the life

8:30 AMReview the day’s client list with the care team.
9:30 AMVisit a patient with diabetes at home.
11:00 AMHelp a family enroll in Medicaid.
12:30 PMStaff a health fair booth.

See a full day in the life of a community health worker →

Community Health Worker salary

Half of community health workers earned more than $51,850 and half earned less in May 2025. Pay ranged from about $38,810 for the lowest 10% to $77,180 for the top 10%.

$38,81010th$51,850Median$77,18090th

Full community health worker pay scale and hourly rates →

How to become a community health worker

Connect with your community
Get hired
Complete CHW training
Earn state certification
Advance

A high school diploma is typical, plus short on-the-job training. Many states offer CHW certification.

Step-by-step guide to becoming a community health worker →

Skills and tools

Technical skills

Health education
Outreach
Care coordination
Insurance enrollment
Motivational interviewing

People skills

Cultural humility
Empathy
Communication
Trustworthiness

All community health worker skills and tools →

Pros and cons

Pros

Much faster-than-average growth
Help your own community
Quick entry
Path into health careers

Cons

Modest pay
Emotional situations
Driving and fieldwork
Grant-funded jobs

Certifications and licenses

State CHW certification: Available in many states.
Certified Application Counselor: Insurance enrollment.
Mental Health First Aid: Crisis awareness.
Chronic disease self-management training: Program leader credentials.

Career path

Community Health Worker: Serve clients.
Lead CHW: Lead teams.
Program Coordinator: Run programs.
Public Health or Nursing Career: Advance with education.

Learn the job before day one

Our Community Health Worker training (8 hours, $74.99) covers the role, 15+ key terms, step-by-step procedures such as use teach-back and screen for social needs, safety and how to land your first job.

View Community Health Worker training Is this career right for me?

Health Educator

Teach people and communities how to live healthier lives.

$64,070
4 years

Human Services Assistant

Help clients get food, housing, benefits and support services.

$45,930
1–4 weeks on the job

Medical Assistant

Room patients, take vitals, give injections and keep clinic records accurate.

$45,690
9–12 months

Healthcare Social Worker

Help patients and families cope with illness and plan care after the hospital.

$67,880
6 years (BSW + MSW)

Compare: Community Health Worker vs. Health Educator · Community Health Worker vs. Human Services Assistant · Community Health Worker vs. Medical Assistant · Community Health Worker vs. Medical Social Worker

Community Health Worker FAQ

Do CHWs need a degree?

No, a high school diploma and training are typical.

Is the field growing?

Yes, BLS projects much faster than average growth.

Is certification required?

Some states and employers require it.

How much does a community health worker make?

The median annual wage for community health workers was $51,850 ($24.93 per hour) in May 2025, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The lowest 10% earned less than $38,810 and the highest 10% earned more than $77,180.

How long does it take to become a community health worker?

Most people need about 1–3 months of training. A high school diploma is typical, plus short on-the-job training. Many states offer CHW certification.

Do you need a degree to be a community health worker?

No four-year degree is typically required. BLS lists “high school diploma or equivalent” as the typical entry-level education, plus short-term on-the-job training.

More community health worker questions →

Sources

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025, SOC 21-1094 (Community health workers).
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Employment Projections, Table 1.2 (2025–35).
O*NET OnLine summary for Community health workers (U.S. Department of Labor).
BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook.

Reviewed by the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team. Pay figures are national estimates; local pay varies. See our editorial policy.

Community Health Worker