Community Health Workers

Promote health within a community by assisting individuals to adopt healthy behaviors. Serve as an advocate for the health needs of individuals by assisting community residents in effectively communicating with healthcare providers or social service agencies. Act as liaison or advocate and implement programs that promote, maintain, and improve individual and overall community health. May deliver health-related preventive services such as blood pressure, glaucoma, and hearing screenings. May collect data to help identify community health needs.

SOC: 21-1094.00

Common Job Titles

Community Health Outreach WorkerCommunity Health Program CoordinatorCommunity Health PromoterCommunity Nutrition Educator

What You'll Need to Succeed

AI-generated

Key competencies for this occupation at a glance

  • KnowledgeDesign community health programs and educational interventions based on identified community needs and evidence-based practices.
  • MindsetIntegrate patient-centered care principles with community health promotion strategies when establishing trust and rapport with diverse community members.
  • KnowledgeEvaluate community health needs and resource gaps through data collection and analysis of health screening results and community assessments.
  • MindsetAdvocate for individuals' health needs with healthcare providers and social service agencies, serving as a liaison between community residents and health systems.
  • KnowledgeInterpret health information and medical terminology for community members with varying health literacy levels to enhance understanding of care plans.
  • KnowledgeCoordinate care transitions and referrals across multiple healthcare and social service providers, ensuring continuity of care for individuals and families.
  • KnowledgeApply health education and behavior change strategies to assist community members in adopting healthy behaviors across diverse cultural settings.
  • Hands-onPerform preventive health screenings including blood pressure, glucose, and hearing assessments using standardized equipment and protocols in community outreach settings.
  • MindsetEngage with community members through active listening and social perceptiveness to identify barriers to healthcare access and facilitate connections to resources.
  • KnowledgePrepare documentation and health records using electronic health record systems to maintain accurate client information and comply with privacy regulations.
Wage Data According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics

Annual wage data for Community Health Workers (2024)

Estimated Total Employment (U.S.)

60,730

Wage Distribution by Percentile

MetricU.S.
10% of workers earn the following or less$37,930
10% of workers earn the following or more$78,560
Workers on average earn$55,970

+ indicates wage is at or above the BLS reporting cap ($239,200/year)

Skills & Requirements

Key competencies for this occupation, ranked by importance

  • Customer and Personal Service4.5/5
  • English Language4.0/5
  • Education and Training3.8/5
  • Administration and Management3.7/5
  • Medicine and Dentistry3.6/5
Tools & Technology

Equipment and software commonly used in this occupation

In-Demand Technology

Frequently requested by employers in job postings

Apple macOSGoogle Workspace softwareMicrosoft AccessMicrosoft ExcelMicrosoft Office softwareMicrosoft OutlookMicrosoft PowerPointMicrosoft WordZoom

Technology Skills

Client databasesElectronic health record EHR softwareMicrosoft PublisherSmugMug FlickrWeb browser software

Tools & Equipment

Automated blood pressure cuffsBlood glucose monitoring equipmentComputer ink jet printersComputer laser printersEmergency first aid kitsLaptop computersLaser facsimile machinesManual blood pressure cuffs