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Job outlook for child support specialists in the United States
Child support specialist job growth summary. After extensive research, interviews, and analysis, Zippia's data science team found that:
The projected child support specialist job growth rate is 9% from 2018-2028.
About 64,000 new jobs for child support specialists are projected over the next decade.
Child support specialist salaries have increased 12% for child support specialists in the last 5 years.
There are over 7,242 child support specialists currently employed in the United States.
There are 143,623 active child support specialist job openings in the US.
The average child support specialist salary is $38,271.
Are child support specialist jobs in demand?
Child support specialist job and salary trends over time
Child support specialist jobs over time
Child support specialist job growth rate over time
| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 7,242 | 0.00% |
| 2020 | 6,988 | 0.00% |
| 2019 | 6,979 | 0.00% |
| 2018 | 6,819 | 0.00% |
| 2017 | 6,525 | 0.00% |
Average child support specialist salary over time
Child support specialist salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $38,271 | $18.40 | +2.2% |
| 2024 | $37,449 | $18.00 | +2.4% |
| 2023 | $36,564 | $17.58 | +4.3% |
| 2022 | $35,071 | $16.86 | +2.6% |
| 2021 | $34,178 | $16.43 | +2.1% |
Child support specialist jobs by state
Most common states for child support specialists
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Massachusetts | 6,859,819 | 2,757 | 40% |
| 2 | District of Columbia | 693,972 | 268 | 39% |
| 3 | South Dakota | 869,666 | 254 | 29% |
| 4 | Montana | 1,050,493 | 277 | 26% |
| 5 | Alaska | 739,795 | 193 | 26% |
| 6 | Washington | 7,405,743 | 1,783 | 24% |
| 7 | Missouri | 6,113,532 | 1,379 | 23% |
| 8 | Maryland | 6,052,177 | 1,315 | 22% |
| 9 | Arkansas | 3,004,279 | 674 | 22% |
| 10 | New Mexico | 2,088,070 | 462 | 22% |
| 11 | Nebraska | 1,920,076 | 420 | 22% |
| 12 | Maine | 1,335,907 | 289 | 22% |
| 13 | Michigan | 9,962,311 | 2,129 | 21% |
| 14 | Iowa | 3,145,711 | 630 | 20% |
| 15 | Delaware | 961,939 | 188 | 20% |
| 16 | North Dakota | 755,393 | 148 | 20% |
| 17 | South Carolina | 5,024,369 | 933 | 19% |
| 18 | New Hampshire | 1,342,795 | 256 | 19% |
| 19 | Vermont | 623,657 | 119 | 19% |
| 20 | Wyoming | 579,315 | 111 | 19% |
Most common cities for child support specialists
| Rank | City | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Searcy | 1 | 4% | $31,025 |
| 2 | South Portland | 1 | 4% | $38,496 |
| 3 | West Memphis | 1 | 4% | $31,008 |
| 4 | El Cajon | 1 | 1% | $38,470 |
| 5 | Jonesboro | 1 | 1% | $31,181 |
| 6 | Little Rock | 1 | 1% | $30,903 |
| 7 | Pembroke Pines | 1 | 1% | $28,724 |
| 8 | Miami | 1 | 0% | $28,727 |
| 9 | San Diego | 1 | 0% | $38,531 |
Child Support Specialist job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of child support specialist experts
Louisiana State University at Shreveport
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
Vanguard University
Angelo State University
Kacie Blalock Ph.D.
Associate Professor; Director, Master of CounselingLouisiana State University at Shreveport
Department Of Psychology
What hard/technical skills are most important for Child Support Specialists?
Kacie Blalock Ph.D.: It is important that counselors are able to effectively take notes and summarize progress, interpret assessments, memorize and recall information, and keep clear yet concise records.
What type of skills will young Child Support Specialists need?
Dr. Thomas Dearden Ph.D.: Indeed, the way we work is changing. The skills that young graduates will need are diverse. Transferable skills and soft skills will certainly be marketable. These include traditional crafts such as communication, but I also think the world expects more empathy from its employees. Young graduates with an understanding of racism, sexism, and environmental responsibility will become increasingly important.
Dr. Tommy Casarez Ph.D.
Dr., Assistant Professor of Historical and Systematic TheologyVanguard University
Religion, Undergraduate Religion
What general advice would you give to a Child Support Specialist?
Dr. Tommy Casarez Ph.D.: Opportunities come in many different shapes and sizes, but they are still out there. Whether you are seeking to land a job in education or the non-profit sector, you will need to familiarize yourself and get used to all things digital, for the sake of communicating effectively. The younger your student or service partner's mindset, the more digitally savvy you will need to be, especially in the classroom and in the non-profit world.
Lesley Casarez Ph.D.
Director, Quality Enhancement Plan Program Coordinator, M.S. Professional School Counseling Associate Professor, Curriculum and InstructionAngelo State University
Department of Curriculum and Instruction
What technology do you think will become more important and prevalent for Child Support Specialists in the next 3-5 years?
Lesley Casarez Ph.D.: Graduates will need to learn to use technology in which virtual platforms are taking place and web conferencing platforms. Numerous platforms are being used, so the particular platform itself is not as crucial as being well-versed in how virtual education differs from face-to-face environments. Typically, the instructional role in online learning is more of a facilitator, as the educator guides the students to think critically, integrate, and apply new knowledge. This may be difficult for educators who would rather stand in front of a classroom and pass on their knowledge through lecture-based formats. Additionally, being well-versed in various web conferencing platforms will benefit graduates, as they move into a career that is currently requiring communication in virtual environments.