Community Health Worker

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.

O*NET definition of Community Health Workers (SOC 21-1094) · Job Zone Four: Considerable Preparation Needed.

Education workers say the job requires

Share of surveyed workers in Community Health Workers (SOC 21-1094) naming each level as required to be hired, 13 respondents, O*NET survey August 2026. Each employer sets its own minimum.

To enter the occupation, community health workers typically need at least a high school diploma; some employers prefer to hire candidates who have postsecondary education. To attain competency, they typically complete a brief period of on-the-job training, and some states require certification.

From the BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook profile “Community Health Workers”, published August 27, 2026 · Read the full profile. National guidance; each employer runs its own hiring process.

Median annual wage by employer type, national, May 2025. Federal includes the U.S. Postal Service; state and local include public schools and hospitals.

State government pay plans

Official pay ranges for the job classes that match Community Health Worker in 4 state civil-service plans. They cover state employees only, not cities, counties or school districts.

Lowest class minimum to highest class maximum. Hourly rates are converted at 2,080 hours a year, and other rates at the plan's pay periods; the plans publish the exact rates. Classes are matched to this job by title (GovJobsWiki editorial rule).

Sources: 4 official state pay plans, linked in each row.

1. Report incidences of child or elder abuse, neglect, or threats of harm to authorities, as required.4.3
2. Monitor nutrition of children, elderly, or other high-risk groups.4.2
3. Maintain updated client records with plans, notes, appropriate forms, or related information.4.2
4. Contact clients in person, by phone, or in writing to ensure they have completed required or recommended actions.4.0
5. Advise clients or community groups on issues related to self-care, such as diabetes management.3.8
6. Refer community members to needed health services.3.8
7. Advise clients or community groups on issues related to improving general health, such as diet or exercise.3.8
8. Develop plans or formal contracts for individuals, families, or community groups to improve overall health.3.7
9. Advocate for individual or community health needs with government agencies or health service providers.3.6
10. Identify the particular health care needs of individuals in a community or target area.3.5

The 10 most important of 14 core tasks for Community Health Workers, ranked by importance (1–5) in the O*NET survey of August 2026.