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Job outlook for intake specialists in the United States
Intake specialist job growth summary. After extensive research, interviews, and analysis, Zippia's data science team found that:
The projected intake specialist job growth rate is 12% from 2018-2028.
About 52,400 new jobs for intake specialists are projected over the next decade.
Intake specialist salaries have increased 13% for intake specialists in the last 5 years.
There are over 6,046 intake specialists currently employed in the United States.
There are 40,663 active intake specialist job openings in the US.
The average intake specialist salary is $36,805.
Are intake specialist jobs in demand?
Intake specialist job and salary trends over time
Intake specialist jobs over time
Intake specialist job growth rate over time
| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 6,046 | 0.00% |
| 2020 | 6,069 | 0.00% |
| 2019 | 6,138 | 0.00% |
| 2018 | 5,953 | 0.00% |
| 2017 | 5,829 | 0.00% |
Average intake specialist salary over time
Intake specialist salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $36,805 | $17.69 | +2.6% |
| 2024 | $35,884 | $17.25 | +3.9% |
| 2023 | $34,543 | $16.61 | +1.9% |
| 2022 | $33,898 | $16.30 | +4.1% |
| 2021 | $32,558 | $15.65 | +3.2% |
Intake specialist jobs by state
Most common states for intake specialists
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | District of Columbia | 693,972 | 210 | 30% |
| 2 | Alaska | 739,795 | 154 | 21% |
| 3 | Massachusetts | 6,859,819 | 1,393 | 20% |
| 4 | Nebraska | 1,920,076 | 303 | 16% |
| 5 | Iowa | 3,145,711 | 466 | 15% |
| 6 | Maine | 1,335,907 | 199 | 15% |
| 7 | Delaware | 961,939 | 144 | 15% |
| 8 | Vermont | 623,657 | 86 | 14% |
| 9 | Minnesota | 5,576,606 | 699 | 13% |
| 10 | Wyoming | 579,315 | 78 | 13% |
| 11 | Virginia | 8,470,020 | 999 | 12% |
| 12 | Maryland | 6,052,177 | 733 | 12% |
| 13 | Montana | 1,050,493 | 131 | 12% |
| 14 | Rhode Island | 1,059,639 | 127 | 12% |
| 15 | South Dakota | 869,666 | 103 | 12% |
| 16 | North Dakota | 755,393 | 89 | 12% |
| 17 | Washington | 7,405,743 | 827 | 11% |
| 18 | Arizona | 7,016,270 | 752 | 11% |
| 19 | Oregon | 4,142,776 | 465 | 11% |
| 20 | New Hampshire | 1,342,795 | 149 | 11% |
Most common cities for intake specialists
| Rank | City | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bell | 2 | 6% | $52,091 |
| 2 | Southfield | 2 | 3% | $34,265 |
| 3 | Ann Arbor | 2 | 2% | $33,976 |
| 4 | Casa Grande | 1 | 2% | $38,997 |
| 5 | Irvine | 2 | 1% | $51,265 |
| 6 | Akron | 1 | 1% | $35,424 |
| 7 | Carlsbad | 1 | 1% | $49,840 |
| 8 | Delray Beach | 1 | 1% | $34,075 |
| 9 | San Antonio | 7 | 0% | $35,453 |
| 10 | Baltimore | 3 | 0% | $42,784 |
| 11 | Phoenix | 2 | 0% | $39,310 |
| 12 | Washington | 2 | 0% | $45,610 |
| 13 | Atlanta | 1 | 0% | $30,322 |
| 14 | Aurora | 1 | 0% | $36,486 |
| 15 | Chicago | 1 | 0% | $36,664 |
| 16 | Denver | 1 | 0% | $36,690 |
| 17 | Des Moines | 1 | 0% | $27,920 |
| 18 | Detroit | 1 | 0% | $34,276 |
Intake Specialist job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of intake specialist experts
Elon University
Austin Community College
Pomona College
California University of Pennsylvania
Grace Christian University
Auburn University
Rowan University
Kentucky Christian University
The Ohio State University at Lima
Missouri Sate
North Carolina Central University
University of Alabama
Western Illinois University
American Public University System
Forsyth County, Georgia
Neumann University
Old Dominion University
University of Wisconsin UW Milwaukee
Lewis University
Northern Michigan University
What hard/technical skills are most important for Intake Specialists?
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.
Michelle Kelley Shuler Ph.D.
Department Chair: Human ServicesAustin Community College
Human Services Department
What hard/technical skills are most important for Intake Specialists?
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.
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Intake Specialists?
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 Intake Specialists?
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's a day at work look like for an Intake Specialist?
Dr. T. Thao Pham Ph.D.: Recent graduates may find it more difficult to find work in traditional settings. Although many agencies in our area have openings, they are either scaling back until the pandemic is over or they are asking recent graduates to do more work if they get new positions. Recent graduates are asked to be more skillful and ready to take on challenging cases as soon as they start their post-master's employment.
What technical skills for an Intake Specialist 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.
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 certifications/licenses/courses can have the biggest impact for Intake Specialists?
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.
Adam Greer
Career Services SpecialistAuburn University
Department of Human Development and Family Science
What skills stand out on Intake Specialist 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.
Dr. Kate Seltzer Ph.D.
Assistant ProfessorRowan University
Department of Language, Literacy and Sociocultural education
How would you rate the starting salaries for Intake Specialists, as well as the prospects for salary advancement?
Dr. Kate Seltzer Ph.D.: Educators are not paid nearly enough. However, working in a state with strong teachers' unions helps to ensure a starting salary that recent graduates can live off of and growth opportunities, albeit modest, over their careers.
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Intake Specialist job market given the pandemic?
Dr. Rob O'Lynn: In terms of the ministry job market, it has always been a tricky market to navigate. There are still more candidates than there are positions. Also, over the last couple of decades, the number of full-time jobs in ministry have decreased. Now, many congregations can only afford a part-time minister or rely on a heavy cadre of volunteers. Yet, there are also congregations across the country that are growing -- some at phenomenal rates.
These congregations employ a vast array of full-time and part-time ministers and support staff persons. I think most ministry positions in a post-pandemic society will continue to trend toward positions at mostly smaller congregations, and then primarily part-time. This will require many ministers to seek bi-vocational employment, something that many associates, youth and worship ministers (and academics, like myself) have been relying on for several years.
What technology do you think will become more important and prevalent for Intake Specialists in the next 3-5 years?
Dr. Rob O'Lynn: Technology has long been a friend to the Church, as everything from the Roman roadways to the Guttenburg printing press to the internet has helped spread the gospel. I do not see this trend going away anytime soon. If the pandemic has taught the Church anything, it is that the Church must adapt to technology. Many ministers are familiar with applications like Sermonary, Evernote, or Notebird. However, we have used those apps for personal preparation. We will need to turn more outward. We have lived in a post-website society for nearly a decade. No website means no traffic. However, Facebook replaced websites a few years ago -- which means that ministers must use social media, like Instagram and Facebook, both appropriately and effectively.
Additionally, websites are still needed -- and much easier to manage, thanks to servers like WordPress. Also, live streaming worship services and Bible studies are the future. There is mounting research that indicates that being online is the more sure way to maintain a connection with members -- and the broader community -- during the pandemic. Knowing how to use Facebook Live, YouTube Live, or a streaming website application could be the difference between closing for good and staying open during and following the pandemic.
Are there any particularly good places in the United States for Intake Specialists to find work opportunities?
Leah Herner-Patnode: Usually, urban areas of bigger cities and southern states, such as North Carolina, have many openings. Maine, Florida, California, Hawaii, Washington, and Texas are the most open positions.
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Intake Specialists?
Dr. Reesha Adamson: No graduate's experience is like that of any other cohort or generation. They are a cohort of resiliency, versatility, and change. We have seen these themes presented within an uprising of educators about the field over the past years. Still, this generation of students is in a place to advocate for themselves and the area like never before. Our nation has been facing a crisis over a pandemic and a racial problem that cannot be ignored. The use and scrutiny of social media and popular press have been discussed on national platforms, and ultimately answers continuously come back to the science and data behind decisions.
I believe that this generation of students, more than any other, know the importance of science and data collectively better than others, highlighting their experiences and decisions in the future. Graduates genuinely do have the power to change the world, and they are going to be entering the field of education in a time where a broken system of underpaid and understaffed professionals was highlighted on a national platform and impacted all generations and classes of individuals. Having Dr. Jill Biden in the White House, and as a long-standing educator with knowledge about our system and experience with this graduating class, can help catalyze a system that needs to be redefined.
I am hopeful of a nation of change and promise and the creation of acknowledgment of the valuable resource and commodity that teachers and educators are. We know what needs to be done to improve kids' outcomes, but the process to get there is complicated and is only compounded by an underfunded and continuously unsupported system. I hope that these graduates not only have been given the voice to speak up about the issues of injustice, but the knowledge and reasoning to be able to determine what practices are grounded in science and the ability to directly impact change across our nation to create the best possible outcomes for ALL students of ALL abilities.
How do you envision technology impacting Intake Specialists in the next 5 years?
Dr. Reesha Adamson: The use of technology to change the field is vital. However, there are some significant negative connotations around technology, and with the hasty introduction of virtual learning environments, there is probably going to be a stigma associated with their use. Primarily, schools were asked to pivot to virtual instruction with little warning or training, and many of the formats used were not conducive to student growth and development. Many were put together without considerable planning. The first step will be to show parents, specifically when discussing a student's educational goals and priorities, how instruction can enhance instruction. Schools and technology companies will be more in-line and partnering to help support a field that has been oversaturated with options. Our federal special education research office (OSEP) and our educational sciences institute (IES) have continuously put out vetted resources and possibilities for using technology effectively within instruction. They have also put out special funding to help answer the need to measure the effectiveness of the use of technology and prioritize making up educational deficits that may exist from our most vulnerable student populations missing education and not meeting targeted outcomes.
We are also working to address this challenge by embedding technology outcomes within our course, offering additional certifications for students within the coursework, and even initiating certificates and specialty training around technology and diverse learners. Ultimately, we can think about education in entirely different contexts than before and potentially create a generation of students ready to take on the current world and support a revolution in our thinking about how education and employment have to look. I can only hope we see the promise and expansion of technology positively within the next five years to make sure that we are a leading nation in developing resources and our students' support to make the most significant educational gains that they can.
Elisha Blankson
Program Director NCCU, Assistant ProfessorNorth Carolina Central University
Communication Disorders Department
What type of skills will young Intake Specialists need?
Elisha Blankson: Graduates will need a skill set about the field in which they received training and additional skills useful to the job market. For example, with the changing demographics in the United States, extra skills in information technology and foreign languages will be a plus when entering the job market.
How do you envision technology impacting Intake Specialists in the next 5 years?
Elisha Blankson: With the advent of the Covid 19 pandemic, technology is being employed expansively in our field to make up for the deficits in direct, face-to-face intervention. Teletherapy has become very popular and is being used to make up for the shortage of direct intervention. Students who receive training in teletherapy, before they enter the job market, will do very well.
What type of skills will young Intake Specialists need?
Dr. Millie Dawson-Hardy Ph.D.: As a school counselor and with what I have seen this year and last, I would say the #1 requirement is the ability to be flexible, #2 be able to multi-task, and #3 take care of yourself well as your students. These are some of the very same characteristics I saw listed in books back in the 80s when I was getting my MEd in school counseling, but interesting, they are just as pertinent in the current situation. Specifically, knowing about eLearning and how to help students with the challenges of communication in eLearning and finally experience what anxiety looks like in school-age people and how to share coping skills with these students.
Dr. Richard Filipink Ph.D.
ProfessorWestern Illinois University
History Department
Will there be an increase or decrease in demand for Intake Specialists in the next 5 years?
Dr. Richard Filipink Ph.D.: Much of this depends on budgets and response to the pandemic. If budgets tighten to pay off the debts caused by how the epidemic was handled in 2020, then a decrease in demand. If things improve in 2021-22, then there should be an increase in demand.
Dr. Elizabeth Keavney Ph.D.
Associate ProfessorAmerican Public University System
Public Administration Department
What type of skills will young Intake Specialists need?
Dr. Elizabeth Keavney Ph.D.: The ability to examine all sides of an issue, to include long-term consequences and short-term consequences and unintended consequences and intended outcomes is vital. A focus on goals and objectives, instead of depending on an emotional response, will help lead to the best solutions. Public servants should be adaptable and able to work with people from various cultures. They need to have an understanding of how to work with and motivate individuals and groups. Those who can stay engaged and exercise good judgment will fare best in fluid and changing times.
Are there any particularly good places in the United States for Intake Specialists to find work opportunities?
Donna Kukarola: This one, not so sure of, the southeast continues to see options as well as mid-western states.
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Intake Specialists?
Donna Kukarola: The procurement field is an opportunity; each day will have its own set of challenges and opportunities. Obtaining the right item/service at the right time, at the right price, is not all that procurement does. They are strategic members, sourcing, timing, keeping up with trends, laws, best practices, and advising that the resource desired is already available!
This year, entering the workforce will be different for many interviews to be held electronically - even, perhaps, teleworking when they get the job. Training is a bit more of a challenge then, and it can be hard to get a real feel of the "attitude." Keeping an open mind and being flexible is a must; during this pandemic, we have all had to learn how to do our jobs differently and navigate our careers.
How do you envision technology impacting Intake Specialists in the next 5 years?
Suzanne Mayer Ph.D.: As is evident from my previous answers, the need to reach out to persons with technology needs will be made increasingly more available and affordable. Then, it remains for the young, bright, dedicated grads to go and get trained to reach whoever is the most in need -- burnt-out veterans, addiction clients who are almost at the point of giving up, overlooked and underserved populations who do not believe anyone can or will help and, most significantly, young people in pockets of turmoil, crime and decay.
What Intake Specialist skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Dr. Emily Goodman-Scott Ph.D.: Getting experience working/volunteering in schools, and other capacities working/volunteering with youth: learn the culture of education, build rapport and be in relationship with youth and their families.
How do you envision technology impacting Intake Specialists in the next 5 years?
Jeanne Wagner: The pandemic has forced social services to engage in technology in a way that was not predicted; however, I believe that some of these technologies will become the norm for years to come, especially as clients become more comfortable in a virtual world. Technology is not a perfect substitute for traditional social work services, but it can supplement, when needed, to ensure that clients receive services.
What type of skills will young Intake Specialists need?
Dr. Keith Lavine Ph.D.: Probably the best place to start is to look at the latest competency model developed by the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM). Below is the link to the webpage where individuals can learn more about the different competencies. Their model gets updated every few years, so it always reflects the latest thinking on what is essential for HR professionals in the field.
LearningAndCareer
Of all of the SHRM competencies, the one that is perhaps most noteworthy because of its increasing importance in the coming years is Global and Cultural Effectiveness. This is partly due to the changing demographics of the U.S. workforce, the growing use of teams in organizations, and the economy's continued globalization. More and more organizations recognize the importance and advantage of being diverse, inclusive, and culturally savvy. Not only will HR professionals be expected to be competent in these areas, like everyone else, but they will be increasingly tasked with helping organizations develop these competencies in their workforce.
I also think that adaptability will be a crucial competency for young graduates to possess as they enter the workforce in the coming years. Adaptability is one of the sub-areas of Global and Cultural Effectiveness. But I'm thinking of it in an even broader sense. With globalization and rapidly-developing technology, organizations face constant change, requiring all of us to adapt to the change continually. Fortunately, many new graduates are accustomed to this and don't know anything different, as this has been an increasing trend over the last 25 years. Also, this recent pandemic has required most of us to adapt in a big way.
Yan Ciupak Ph.D.
Associate ProfessorNorthern Michigan University
Department of Sociology and Anthropology
What technology do you think will become more important and prevalent for Intake Specialists in the next 3-5 years?
Yan Ciupak Ph.D.: As in many other fields, high-level computer skills are becoming more and more crucial to work effectively. Sociology students have the advantage of gaining high-level computer skills since sociology is so data- and research-driven. Sociologists use the internet, software, and other computer skills to assist data collection and analysis, communications, and problem-solving.
Will there be an increase or decrease in demand for Intake Specialists in the next 5 years?
Yan Ciupak Ph.D.: Based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics' report in September 2019, sociologists' employment is projected to grow 4 percent from 2019 to 2029, about as fast as the average for all occupations. The median annual wage for sociologists was $83,420 in May 2019, and most Sociologists held a Masters's or Ph.D. Although few careers include "sociologist" in their title at the Bachelor's level, the sociological studies are excellent preparation for a wide variety of occupations. A Bachelor's degree in sociology is a perfect springboard for entering the world of business, industry, and organizations. Students with a BA in Sociology pursue careers in social services, higher education, human resources, policy or market analysis or government or nonprofit research, or apply to graduate school to pursue advanced degrees.
As your questions indicate, the 21st-century labor market is fast-changing, increasingly global, and technology-driven. The National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) identifies eight Career Readiness Competencies and, based on the essential need in the Job Outlook surveys, the top four competencies have remained consistent the past three years: Critical Thinking/Problem Solving, Teamwork/Collaboration, Professionalism/Work Ethic, and Oral/Written Communications. Sociology is uniquely suited to help students develop these skills.