Community Health Workers
Community health workers promote healthy behaviors and serve as advocates for individuals navigating healthcare and social services. They work in clinics, public health departments, community centers, and nonprofit organizations, bridging the gap between residents and healthcare providers to address health needs and improve health outcomes in specific communities.
Four short assessments and your background, scored against community health workers and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
A day in the work
A community health worker might spend time conducting health education sessions on nutrition or disease prevention, meeting one-on-one with clients to discuss health concerns, connecting residents with appropriate medical or social services, and attending staff meetings to coordinate program implementation. Tasks include documenting client interactions, researching community resources, and sometimes accompanying clients to appointments to help them communicate effectively with providers.
Who this work suits
Holland code SIE. Social work is helping, teaching and working closely with people. Aptly’s interest assessment scores you on the same six scales.
You likely do well in this work if you enjoy investigating problems and solutions through research and data while finding satisfaction in direct social impact. You're motivated by helping others navigate systems, building trust with diverse populations, and advocating for community health needs.
What it takes
Preparation: Considerable preparation (most need a bachelor’s degree and several years of experience).
Skills that matter most
Knowledge areas
Who is hiring
Openings right now
- Community Health Worker Certified · Geisinger · United States · Remote
Openings are read from employers’ own career pages and public job boards and change daily. Search all openings (free account) to filter by distance, pay and how well you qualify.
Pay by state
| State | 25th pct | Median | 75th pct | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| New Hampshire | $52,640 | $66,680 | $68,250 | 200 |
| District of Columbia | $57,240 | $62,510 | $74,830 | 280 |
| North Dakota | $46,140 | $59,610 | $73,490 | 90 |
| Colorado | $49,890 | $59,260 | $63,400 | — |
| Hawaii | $49,060 | $58,450 | $65,630 | 240 |
| New York | $50,350 | $58,130 | $70,390 | 5,800 |
| California | $50,040 | $58,050 | $72,760 | 9,500 |
| Nevada | $46,180 | $57,730 | $77,430 | 670 |
| Washington | $47,830 | $57,070 | $67,470 | 2,640 |
| Delaware | $44,440 | $55,850 | $62,640 | 280 |
| New Jersey | $44,470 | $55,790 | $65,470 | 1,330 |
| Utah | $42,100 | $55,700 | $66,910 | 580 |
All 50 states, D.C. and Puerto Rico
Certifications people in this field hold
- Certified Peer Specialist (CPS) — Institute for Recovery and Community Integration
- Certified Instructional Trainer (CIT) — Board of Certified Safety Professionals
- Certified Healthcare Technology Manager (CHTM) — Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation
Training
Aptly members see WIOA-approved programs, colleges and certificates near them, with completion and earnings data, on every Path plan.
Job titles in this occupation
Related occupations
Four short assessments and your background, scored against community health workers and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
O*NET-SOC 21-1094.00 · O*NET OnLine. Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025, annual, U.S. Employment counts are national.