Discussion 5
Occupational Outlook Handbook > Community and Social Service > Social and Human Service Assistants
Job OutlookAbout this section Social and Human Service Assistants
Percent change in employment, projected 2018-28
Social and human service assistants
13%
Counselors, social workers, and other community and social service specialists
12%
Total, all occupations
5%
Note: All Occupations includes all occupations in the U.S. Economy.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections program
Employment of social and human service assistants is projected to grow 13 percent from 2018 to
2028, much faster than the average for all occupations. A growing elderly population and rising
demand for social services are expected to drive demand for these workers.
An increase in the number of older adults is expected to result in growing demand for social services
such as delivery of meals and adult daycare. Because social and human service assistants often
arrange for these services, there will need to be more of them to meet this increased demand.
In addition, growth is expected as more people seek treatment for their addictions and more drug
offenders are sent to treatment programs rather than to jail. As a result, demand should increase for
social and human service assistants who work in treatment programs or work with people with
addictions.
Job Prospects
Job prospects are expected to be good, but should be best for those with a related social or human
service postsecondary degree.
Employment projections data for social and human service assistants, 2018-28
Occupational Title
SOC
Code
Employment,
2018
Projected
Employment,
2028
Change, 2018-28
Employment by
Industry Percent Numeric
Employment projections data for social and human service assistants, 2018-28
Occupational Title
SOC
Code
Employment,
2018
Projected
Employment,
2028
Change, 2018-28
Employment by
Industry Percent Numeric
SOURCE: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections program
Social and human
service assistants 21-
1093 413,700 466,000 13 52,200 Get data