How to Become a Community Health Worker
Be the trusted bridge between communities and the health system, helping people access care and healthier habits. It typically requires an associate degree, with a median salary of $51,850 per year and much faster than average projected job growth.
Median pay
$51,850/yr
Job growth
7%
Openings / yr
7,800
Majors that lead here
Key skills
- Health Outreach
- Community Engagement
- Health Education
- Cultural Competence
- Care Navigation
Helpful certifications
- State CHW certification
Is this career a fit?
Remote-friendly
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Work-life balance
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Stress level
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Satisfaction
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Related careers
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- Pharmacist$140,910 median
- Optometrist$136,570 median
Frequently asked questions
How much does a Community Health Worker make?
The median pay for a Community Health Worker is $51,850 a year (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2025). Actual pay varies with experience, location, and employer.
What degree do you need to become a Community Health Worker?
The usual entry point is an associate degree. Common majors are Public Health, Health Sciences, Human Services, and Sociology.
Is Community Health Worker a growing field?
The BLS projects much faster than average demand for this role, about 7% over the decade, with roughly 7,800 U.S. openings a year.
What skills does a Community Health Worker use most?
Common skills for this role are Health Outreach, Community Engagement, Health Education, Cultural Competence, and Care Navigation.
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Take the major quizSalary and job-growth figures: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and O*NET OnLine (median annual wages May 2025; employment projections 2024-2034). National figures; actual pay varies by location, employer, and experience.