Community health workers connect people to healthcare services and health information in their neighborhoods. You'll be a bridge between communities and the healthcare system, helping people access care and make healthier choices. A bachelor's degree is typical preparation.
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Community health workers educate people about health and wellness, help them navigate healthcare systems, and connect them to services they need. You'll spend time communicating with people in the community, listening to their concerns, and organizing resources or programs to address health gaps. You'll also work with supervisors and other professionals to plan initiatives, update your knowledge about health topics and local services, and track progress on health outcomes. The work is direct and relational, grounded in understanding the specific needs of the communities you serve.
Core work activities
Career video courtesy of CareerOneStop.
Community Health Workers earn a median of $51,850 a year, based on 2025 data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and location.
The outlook is strong. Employment is projected to grow 11 percent from 2024 to 2034, much faster than average for all occupations, with about 7,800 openings a year.
Top skills
Knowledge areas
Most community health worker roles require a bachelor's degree. Your education will cover customer service, health topics, education and training methods, management, and psychology. During your studies, you'll build skills in speaking, listening, writing, and critical thinking. Look for programs that include field experience or internships in community settings. Job Zone 4 preparation means you'll need considerable time learning the role's responsibilities and knowledge areas before you're fully independent in the work.
Paths into community health work include direct bachelor's degree programs and routes that combine associate credentials with bachelor's completion. Since timing and cost matter, Pathly can map the community health worker path that fits you with your counselor to map out which sequence fits your situation.
Many community health workers must be licensed, and professional certifications can strengthen your resume.
Common certifications
Licensing is handled at the state level and the requirements vary, so check the licensing board in your state. Pathly shows your state's specific steps inside your roadmap.
You're drawn to work that centers on people and relationships. You want to help others, communicate clearly, and solve real problems in your community.
Reading about a career is the easy part. Turning it into a plan is where most students get stuck. Pathly takes you from curious to a clear next step, and gives your counselor the insight to champion you along the way.
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Last updated July 1, 2026.
Data sources. Career details from the O*NET 30.3 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under CC BY 4.0. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. Salary and outlook figures from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (May 2025 wages; 2024–2034 projections), delivered via the CareerOneStop API. Certification, licensing, wage, and outlook data from CareerOneStop, sponsored by USDOL/ETA and the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED).