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Job outlook for human services assistants in the United States
Are human services assistant jobs in demand?
Human services assistant job and salary trends over time
Human services assistant jobs over time
Human services assistant job growth rate over time
| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 1,154 | 0.00% |
| 2020 | 1,162 | 0.00% |
| 2019 | 1,176 | 0.00% |
| 2018 | 1,135 | 0.00% |
| 2017 | 1,117 | 0.00% |
Average human services assistant salary over time
Human services assistant salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | $29,921 | $14.39 | +2.6% |
| 2025 | $29,172 | $14.03 | +3.9% |
| 2024 | $28,082 | $13.50 | +1.9% |
| 2023 | $27,558 | $13.25 | +4.1% |
| 2022 | $26,468 | $12.72 | +3.2% |
Human services assistant jobs by state
Most common states for human services assistants
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | District of Columbia | 693,972 | 391 | 56% |
| 2 | Massachusetts | 6,859,819 | 3,185 | 46% |
| 3 | Minnesota | 5,576,606 | 2,412 | 43% |
| 4 | Iowa | 3,145,711 | 975 | 31% |
| 5 | Delaware | 961,939 | 287 | 30% |
| 6 | Alaska | 739,795 | 218 | 29% |
| 7 | New Hampshire | 1,342,795 | 342 | 25% |
| 8 | North Dakota | 755,393 | 181 | 24% |
| 9 | West Virginia | 1,815,857 | 409 | 23% |
| 10 | Maine | 1,335,907 | 311 | 23% |
| 11 | Pennsylvania | 12,805,537 | 2,833 | 22% |
| 12 | Indiana | 6,666,818 | 1,492 | 22% |
| 13 | Vermont | 623,657 | 136 | 22% |
| 14 | Wyoming | 579,315 | 126 | 22% |
| 15 | Colorado | 5,607,154 | 1,166 | 21% |
| 16 | Connecticut | 3,588,184 | 749 | 21% |
| 17 | Rhode Island | 1,059,639 | 227 | 21% |
| 18 | Illinois | 12,802,023 | 2,397 | 19% |
| 19 | Washington | 7,405,743 | 1,402 | 19% |
| 20 | Kansas | 2,913,123 | 561 | 19% |
Most common cities for human services assistants
| Rank | City | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Juneau | 1 | 3% | $24,001 |
| 2 | Fort Wayne | 2 | 1% | $23,398 |
| 3 | Tallahassee | 1 | 1% | $24,280 |
| 4 | Worcester | 1 | 1% | $25,056 |
| 5 | Anchorage | 1 | 0% | $23,367 |
| 6 | Atlanta | 1 | 0% | $20,430 |
| 7 | Birmingham | 1 | 0% | $21,462 |
| 8 | Indianapolis | 1 | 0% | $23,278 |
| 9 | Sacramento | 1 | 0% | $30,615 |
| 10 | Urban Honolulu | 1 | 0% | $26,679 |
| 11 | Washington | 1 | 0% | $32,079 |
Human Services Assistant job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of human services assistant experts
Seattle University
Elon University
North Dakota State University
Austin Community College
Tiffin University
Pomona College
California University of Pennsylvania
Missouri State University
Grace Christian University
Nicholls State University
Auburn University
University of Nebraska at Omaha
Lancaster Bible College
Francis Marion University
Arkansas State University
Marshall University
University of Arkansas at Little Rock
East Tennessee State University
University of Minnesota
What will help Human Services Assistants increase their earning potential?
Emily Yowell Ph.D.: Psychologists should be aware of what others in their field are making for similar positions. It is important to ask for what your work is worth in an initial position to assure raises are based on a solid starting salary. Newer psychologists may also consider asking for an early review that prompts an early conversation around potential raises, bonus, or other job benefits.
Dr. Rashmi Chordiya Ph.D.
Assistant ProfessorSeattle University
Institute of Public Service
What soft skills should all Human Services Assistants possess?
Dr. Rashmi Chordiya Ph.D.: Empathy, cultural intelligence, emotional intelligence, self-awareness, ability to practice calm and loving-kindness with clients.
What skills will help Human Services Assistants earn the most?
Dr. Rashmi Chordiya Ph.D.: Skills to work with client groups of diverse backgrounds, having a deep understanding and practice of trauma-informed social work, and adaptive leadership skills to adapt to the needs of diverse clients and evolving social and organizational contexts.
What hard/technical skills are most important for Human Services Assistants?
Monica Burney: Effective Human Service professionals have a working knowledge of case management principles and a good understanding of how to apply ecological systems theory to client situations. They also employ professional, effective, and concise documentation. One of the more critical responsibilities currently is to be able to participate in discussions around issues of equity and ethical responsibilities within the agency setting to effectively meet client needs.
What skills will help Human Services Assistants earn the most?
Monica Burney: Professionals who have additional certifications, including any technology, language, or clinical training certifications, can sometimes negotiate higher salaries depending on if the agency they are applying to have a unique need for those services. Also, professionals with proven fundraising and/or grant writing experience may have opportunities in non-traditional roles or settings that offer higher salaries.
Joel Hektner Ph.D.
Professor and Department HeadNorth Dakota State University
Human Development and Family Science
What skills stand out on Human Services Assistant resumes?
Joel Hektner Ph.D.: The ability to work with people of all ages and from all backgrounds. The knowledge of how to facilitate the well-being of children, families, and older adults. Being identified as a Certified Family Life Educator (CFLE).
What hard/technical skills are most important for Human Services Assistants?
Joel Hektner Ph.D.: Solid knowledge of developmental milestones for children, issues faced by aging adults, and common family relationship challenges.
What soft skills should all Human Services Assistants possess?
Joel Hektner Ph.D.: Interpersonal skills, communication, ability to work collaboratively. Respect for individual and cultural differences.
What skills will help Human Services Assistants earn the most?
Joel Hektner Ph.D.: The ability to adapt your skills to the context you are in.
Michelle Kelley Shuler Ph.D.
Department Chair: Human ServicesAustin Community College
Human Services Department
What skills stand out on Human Services Assistant resumes?
Michelle Kelley Shuler Ph.D.: a. Service to the community such as volunteer work at a food bank or camp counselor for those with physical or mental exceptionalities.
b. Consumer or customer service experience is essential, and experience dealing with the retail industry, food industry, and case management definitely stand out.
What hard/technical skills are most important for Human Services Assistants?
Michelle Kelley Shuler Ph.D.: a. Must have strong basic computer skills and knowledge of software such as excel spreadsheets, google docs, etc. Most, if not all, agencies use electronic health records and treatment planning, so it is necessary to be competent in this area.
b. A degree and additional certifications will assist you in seeking employment. It will also increase your level of competency and diversify the communities you serve. For example, at Austin Community College, we offer our students a chance to complete a certification in Mental Health First Aid Training. This increases their marketability and skill level.
What skills will help Human Services Assistants earn the most?
Michelle Kelley Shuler Ph.D.: I would say much of the income level for human service professionals will be based on education. The higher level of education you have, the more you will earn. We encourage all of our students seeking an Associates in Human Services to consider completing at minimum a bachelor's degree.
Jonathan Appel Ph.D.
Professor of Psychology, Counseling & Criminal JusticeTiffin University
Department of Behavioral and Social Sciences
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Human Services Assistants?
Jonathan Appel Ph.D.: The pandemic has exacerbated mental health issues and needs all across the world. People need social interaction for well-being. The pandemic has contributed to increases in mental health and addictive disorders. Knowledge, training, treatment for psychological well-being has become even more critical as a personal and professional required skill across all fields.
Being able to understand and adapt to the limits of distance work will also be a lasting impact.
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Human Services Assistants?
Gary Yeritsian: This is very hard to predict. In the near term, we can expect a lot more work from home than would have been the case prior. Government and government-funded work (many sociologists work for government agencies or nonprofits which receive both government and foundation funding) should remain a good option, given the size of the stimulus packages that have been passed in 2020 and especially 2021. Many sociology graduates go on to 2-3 years of professional school (e.g., in law, public health, social work, etc.) so for them I'd expect things to be close to 'normal' by the time they've completed graduate school.
What's a good job out of college for Human Services Assistants?
Gary Yeritsian: For sociologists seeking work right out of college, entry-level jobs in government agencies (especially those that provide public services) or social change oriented nonprofits are ideal. Sociology majors combine a capacity for critical thinking with a concern for advancing social justice which can provide value for such organizations. Graduates in this category should aim to secure relevant internships in their third and fourth year of undergrad in order to be able to transition to full-time roles for those organizations or similar ones where that experience will be relevant.
What will help Human Services Assistants increase their earning potential?
Gary Yeritsian: In the abstract, statistical/quantitative/coding skills. Anyone who has these in their portfolio can outshine job candidates who only possess qualitative/critical thinking/people-oriented skills. Sociology undergrads should aim to develop both sets of competencies.
More concretely, they should work to get two summer internships (during their undergrad studies) in organizations/sectors of real interest to them. This will give them an eventual foothold in the job market. This piece of advice is less about long term earning potential and more about landing the first job.
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Human Services Assistants?
Dr. T. Thao Pham Ph.D.: Having the field placements to allow graduates to learn about needed clinical and administrative skills in social work. The pandemic has resulted in reduced required field hours from our accrediting body but also the availability of field internships with face-to-face contact. Students often use telehealth to work with clients. On the other hand, students are graduating with more telehealth experience so that is an added skill set. They also must learn to be more resilient and better organized with the pandemic.
What technical skills for a Human Services Assistant stand out to employers?
Dr. T. Thao Pham Ph.D.: Agencies are looking for graduates with leadership skills, collaborative skills, grant-writing skills, clinical skills, and good organization skills. Graduates are expected to meet high expectations from employers early on and those who may find themselves moving quickly in the organization as administrators. We have many recent graduates who are now managers, supervisors, and coordinators within 3 years of graduating.
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Human Services Assistants?
Dr. Abby Templer Rodrigues Ph.D.: It is quite likely that the pandemic will have lasting effects on the nature and the availability of work. The nature of work will change, with businesses anticipating a permanent shift to telework for a portion of their positions (Handwerker et al. 2020). Telework is heavily utilized in the types of professionalized positions sought by most college graduates. It is also possible that employers will take more active steps to address racism in the workplace given the prominence of the Black Lives Matter Movement. The availability of work will also likely be depressed for a number of years. It took over five years for the labor market to recover after the Great Recession (Handwerker et al. 2020). The occupations hardest hit by the pandemic-related recession include hospitality, tourism, and recreation, health services, professional and business services, trade, arts and entertainment, and education (Handwerker et al. 2020), including higher education (Langin 2020).
Scott Shaw Ph.D.
Dean / Professor of Human Services, School of Social Sciences and Human ServicesGrace Christian University
School of Social Sciences and Human Services
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Human Services Assistant job market given the pandemic?
Scott Shaw Ph.D.: The biggest trends in the current job market include both technical skills and people skills that can be adapted to multiple settings and with a high degree of cultural intelligence (CQ). Many services are adapting to an online, virtual, or personal-delivery format. This has impacted everything from higher education with virtual classes, and telehealth and virtual service delivery models in medical and mental health services, to products ordered online and being delivered to one's doorstep in lieu of large malls and physical stores. Current job applicants must be able to respectfully engage with people from diverse racial, ethnic and cultural backgrounds, as well as help meet the needs of their communities as a direct reflection of the companies and careers they represent.
I encourage my students to embrace 'comfort being uncomfortable' and always be learning. What appears to be a "hot market" or "best" career option today may not be the same answer next year. Being able to engage with all people respectfully, listen well, and provide innovative solutions in a sensitive way will go a long way in whatever developments come along in the current and future job market. I also encourage those looking for work to review their social media accounts - employers check social media accounts and one's digital footprint can make or break an interview based on what one posts, as well as reveal a great deal about one's character and values. Skills and technical abilities should be as diversified and multidisciplinary as possible; however, one's character and values should consistently tell a single story about the applicant as a person.
What's a good job out of college for Human Services Assistants?
Scott Shaw Ph.D.: The best job out of college is the one that provides an opportunity for learning, development and advancement. There is no one "best job" and anyone can learn something from every experience - employers often ask about experiences and lessons learned in job interviews. With a growth mindset and willingness to work hard, applicants who can demonstrate integrity, critical thinking, cultural intelligence, and drive can take whatever job they obtain and use this opportunity for advancement. Job applicants may find opportunities that do not look quite like they initially envisioned and enjoy the process of finding something new and innovative, as well as discern more clearly what one truly enjoys. Most employers understand that employees will potentially leave or outgrow the job, yet capitalizing on opportunities to learn and serve others in the present can illustrate a great deal about an applicant's character and work ethic.
I had a recent graduate who majored in psychology who had initially planned on a career as a therapist. While in college, she began working for a major retailer and through applying her knowledge of psychology and people skills, advanced in the company. Upon graduating with her psychology degree, she was offered a higher-level executive promotion and actually loved her job, but felt conflicted because she was now in a position to take on more responsibility with a significant pay increase, yet she had studied psychology and felt like she might be 'wasting her education' by not practicing psychology. I encouraged her to consider her values, immediate and long-term goals, yet not be dismissive of the applications of her psychology training. Her engaging with customers from different backgrounds, leading fellow employees and applying critical thinking and leadership that she learned in college were what helped her earn this opportunity. She was using her knowledge and psychology degree every day, even though it did not look like what she had initially envisioned. She later told me she had taken the promotion and was very happily growing into her new role, and now felt confident she was using her degree and what she trained to do. She also acknowledged she could change course if and when she decides.
What certifications/licenses/courses can have the biggest impact for Human Services Assistants?
Scott Shaw Ph.D.: There is a growing sentiment that generalist knowledge and interdisciplinary education is the way of the future. We are coming out of a "specialist" mindset that previously encouraged students to find their "one thing" or passion. Once the job market shifts (and it will), those with outdated skills find themselves struggling to find their next "one thing." In his New York Times Bestselling book, Range: Why Generalists Triumph in a Specialized World (2019), David Epstein makes a case for generalist knowledge and the importance of developing several interests in lieu of only having one major focus. I agree with Epstein's thesis and encourage students to consider studying social sciences and interdisciplinary studies, especially if they are unsure what path or major they are interested in. Having time and dedicated focus to explore interests, personal strengths, and areas of development can help university students experience multiple fields of inquiry that will help them in the current ever-changing job market. Having an ability to apply critical thinking and problem solving to finding creative solutions from different perspectives will advance one's career in almost any market.
I also encourage students to take every opportunity to understand other cultures and perspectives. If able to travel (post-pandemic) on a study abroad, live abroad, or take a short-term trip, then by all means do it. It will expand one's worldview and perspective, as well as one's ability to see the humanity in others from different backgrounds. Employers appreciate applicants who can relay experiences engaging people from different backgrounds and display evidence of emotional and cultural intelligence. If unable to travel internationally, then engage with diverse populations locally and learn from books, articles, documentaries and movies that add to one's cultural awareness and sensitivity. Additionally, having foundational knowledge in technology and statistical literacy can go a long way in almost any field. Current job applicants who display familiarity with MS Office, Google Suite or other common applications can apply this knowledge to most career paths. Many skills and certifications are generalizable to other fields and career paths, so it is important to take every opportunity to always be learning and developing one's understanding.
Dr. Chantrelle Varnado-Johnson
Assistant Professor & Coordinator of School Counseling ProgramNicholls State University
Department of Psychology, Counseling, and Family Studies
What technical skills for a Human Services Assistant stand out to employers?
Dr. Chantrelle Varnado-Johnson: In addition, recent graduates will need to be familiarized with using telehealth platforms due to more remote learning needs. Plus, recent graduates will need to familiarize themselves with their basic facilitative skills to establish rapport quickly to have brief sessions. Also, I would recommend students receive competency-based credentials and become licensed in at least one additional state. Lastly, I would recommend students familiarize themselves with crisis intervention and trauma counseling.
In sum, graduates have to be aware of how their roles may shift due to job displacement, furloughs, and restructuring. Due to new challenges presented in the COVID-19 pandemic, graduates have to be prepared to address the possibility of being faced with high caseloads, secondary traumatization, role conflict/ambiguity, and tension in the workplace. As a precautionary measure, neophytes should adopt a holistic self-care regimen and professional network to ameliorate the mental health condition.
Adam Greer
Career Services SpecialistAuburn University
Department of Human Development and Family Science
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Human Services Assistant job market given the pandemic?
Adam Greer: I think the biggest trend we will see are more people working from home/distance. Our HDFS students have quickly learned how to work from home and be as efficient, if not more efficient, than before the pandemic started.
What skills stand out on Human Services Assistant resumes?
Adam Greer: Clearly, the distance/online working skills will stand out with our HDFS majors. Our students have a strong foundation in learning to work with people, and now they have a new way to work with people and remove barriers that might have previously prevented an in-person meeting.
Are there any particularly good places in the United States for Human Services Assistants to find work opportunities?
Adam Greer: Our graduates are finding jobs largely in the government/non-profit/social service industries.
Dr. Susan Reay
Assistant ProfessorUniversity of Nebraska at Omaha
Grace Abbott School of Social Work
What general advice would you give to a Human Services Assistant?
Dr. Susan Reay: It is essential for graduating seniors to develop a lifespan career plan that includes identifying experiences they want, ones they might want to seek out, and the identification of ones they are not interested in exploring. Central to the plan is obtaining quality supervision. I tell all my graduating seniors that no matter what job you take, make sure that you have a quality supervisor. Start looking for mentors and people you can trust. Keep those folks close to you and hold on to them over the life of your career.
Grace Palmisano
Lancaster Bible College
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Human Services Assistant job market given the pandemic?
Grace Palmisano: Since the pandemic started, mental health concerns have skyrocketed as the pandemic disrupted the regularity of peoples' social and work lives. There is an increase of depression, anxiety, grief, trauma, addictions, and sadly suicides during the pandemic as people encounter loneliness, social isolation/distancing, loss of loved ones, unemployment, financial struggles, etc. Because of this, more people are seeking mental health services to help them cope through this pandemic.
So job opportunities in the mental health field will steadily increase as the need for mental health services have increased, even for therapists themselves. It is a strange time for therapists to also share similar experiences and stresses as the client when it comes to the pandemic. Because of that, there is additional stress for therapists to care for their own mental health needs while supporting their clients'. The complications are that most mental health positions do require formal education and training, which can slow the process down. Nevertheless, there are training opportunities in communities that seek to provide first-aid mental health training to the community just to be informed and even just know the "basics."
What experience really stands out on Human Services Assistant resumes?
Dr. Jessica Burke: The skills that would really stand out on resumes include experience with distance learning; Zoom; and other technological skills, such as creating and editing videos; exceptional written and oral communication skills; and research skills, such as conducting data analysis and being able to correctly interpret the data would not hurt during a time when facts are often distorted.
What skills stand out on Human Services Assistant resumes?
Dr. Amy Pearce Ph.D.: Typically, I recommend that all psychology majors gain research experience and communicate their findings via conference presentations, or peer-reviewed publications. Highlighting analytical and quantitative skills, plus software training is recommended. Graduates who know how to collect, enter, analyze, interpret, and report data will be desired. If a student plans to directly enter the workforce in a psychology-related field, then picking up courses to complete undergraduate certificate programs, such as neuropsychological testing or statistics, will be beneficial. As will be any internships or applicable job experiences.
What general advice would you give to a Human Services Assistant?
Peggy Proudfoot Harman Ph.D.: There are several levels of social work education, and each provides essential qualifications for a variety of professional roles. A Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) from a Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) accredited program provides professionals with the skills to deliver case management, home health social services, and child welfare social services, to name a few. An important point to remember is that all BSW and Master of Social Work (MSW) programs must be accredited by CSWE.
There are approximately 255 CSWE accredited MSW programs in the United States. Not all MSW programs are alike with regard to specializations and program options. MSW program options range from face-to-face classes that are held once or twice weekly, to virtual courses offered through remote learning platforms such as Blackboard featuring synchronous and asynchronous sessions, and finally, totally online courses and programs.
There is a wide range of social work specializations in MSW programs. For example, behavioral health services administration, policy practice, behavioral health services, substance use disorders practice, military social work, and school social work. Many programs that are focused on behavioral health have responded to the fallout from the recent pandemic, taking into consideration client travel and health issues, and are offering courses in tele-behavioral health. These courses prepare students to provide services remotely and will continue to be needed in the future.
The field of social work is always growing, and actually, thrives when the environment is experiencing a crisis. Social workers are experienced in crisis intervention and are highly-trained to conduct assessments and interventions. Both BSW and MSW graduates entering the workforce this year will find that they are in high demand, and employers in this working environment will find social workers who are prepared to provide quality assessments and interventions in the most difficult situations.
Kim Jones Ph.D.
Professor, Chair of Clinical ConcentrationUniversity of Arkansas at Little Rock
School of Social Work
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Human Services Assistant job market given the pandemic?
Kim Jones Ph.D.: As a result of the pandemic, the need for mental health services will increase due to the devastating impact the pandemic has had. The pandemic, with its resulting stress, social isolation, loss of loved ones, and income, has resulted in increased levels of reported depression, anxiety, and alcohol and drug use. It has also negatively impacted children's emotional, educational, and psychological well-being.
It is reported that one in five U.S. citizens (47 million) have a mental health condition. These individuals are particularly vulnerable to relapse and a worsening of their conditions due to the stressful impact of the ongoing pandemic. The pandemic, in many instances, has also interrupted their usual regimen of mental health care.
Social workers will see a 13 percent growth rate in jobs between 2019 and 2029.
Jamie Brown Ph.D.
ProfessorEast Tennessee State University
Department of Counseling and Human Services
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Human Services Assistants?
Jamie Brown Ph.D.: We know that many of our graduates are drawn to the field of Human Services due to the issues they have faced in their own lives. We have seen an uptick in students sharing the fact they have struggled with Adverse Childhood Experiences during our remote teaching and advising. We need to be aware of Trauma-Informed teaching and outreach as a program and as a university.
What Human Services Assistant skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Joyce Serido Ph.D.: If this pandemic has taught us anything, it is the need to be resilient in the face of uncertainty - so seek out opportunities for creative problem solving, be willing to contribute as part of a team. Use this as an apprenticeship period, learn from experienced leaders in areas that interest you, and ask for advice and insight. And stay open to opportunities that emerge. In other words, explore options as you prepare for the next step, be that particular industry or further education. Perhaps the goal for this year is not to have "the answer" - but rather "the next step."
What general advice would you give to a Human Services Assistant?
Joyce Serido Ph.D.: Focus on broadening your professional network. Be willing to take on interim /short-term opportunities to get to know people - and to discover how you can contribute to a field, not just a company.