How To Become a Community Health Worker: Salary & Career Paths for 2025

Co-Founder and Chief Data Scientist

Healthcare is an important component of any community, as an illness not only compromises one's health but also limits a professional's ability to earn. A community health worker (CHW) helps individuals and households, especially underserved ones, gain access to the proper medical services that they need. With 25.3 million individuals in the United States lacking medical insurance, the need for these professionals' services cannot be overstated in this day and age.

This guide sheds a light on the role of community health workers and presents the general steps on how to become one. It also navigates knowledge areas that aspirants will find useful, like projected salaries, job outlook, relevant skills, and the ideal certifications to obtain.

Key Things You Should Know About Becoming a Community Health Worker for 2025

A community health worker is a frontline public health professional who works directly within communities to promote health, improve access to care, and support individuals in navigating complex healthcare systems.
60% of CHWs in the United States have a bachelor's degree, 16% have an associate degree, 12% have a master's degree, and 6% earned a high school diploma.
The employment of community health workers in the United States is geared to climb by 13% from 2023 to 2033.
The average annual salary of community health workers in the United States is $52,610, while the median annual salary is $48,200.
The US states with the highest employment levels of community health workers are California (8,730), New York (6,380), Texas (4,760), Maryland (2,440), and Massachusetts (2,170).
The US states that provide the highest average annual salaries to community health workers are the District of Columbia ($65,510), New Mexico ($63,900), Rhode Island ($63,660), Nevada ($63,320), and Connecticut ($60,990).

What does a community health worker do?
How does one become a community health worker for 2025?
How long does it take to become a community health worker?
What are the different roles within the community health worker profession?
What skills are required to be a successful community health worker?
How does one write a compelling community health worker resume?
What are the best certifications for community health workers?
What are the alternative jobs for community health workers?
How can community health workers pursue further professional development?
What are the career advancement opportunities for community health workers?
Can community health workers accelerate their administrative skills through targeted online education?
What additional academic resources can propel community health workers' professional growth?
What is the job outlook for community health workers?
What is the average salary of community health workers?
What are the biggest challenges community health workers face?
Other Things You Should Know About Becoming a Community Health Worker

What does a community health worker do?

A community health worker is a trusted frontline public health professional who works directly within communities to promote health, improve access to care, and support individuals in navigating complex healthcare systems. They often serve as a liaison between healthcare providers and the people they serve, especially in underserved or marginalized populations. CHWs help reduce health disparities by delivering education, advocating for patients, and connecting people to vital services and resources.

Their key responsibilities include the following:

Advocacy and Support: CHWs act as advocates for individuals and communities, helping them access necessary health and social services. They build trusting relationships with community members to provide effective support.
Education and Outreach: CHWs offer culturally appropriate health education and information to promote healthy behaviors and encourage preventative care. This includes training in disease management, nutrition, and mental health support.
Direct Services: They provide direct services such as informal counseling, social support, care coordination, and basic health screenings like blood pressure checks.
Cultural Mediation: CHWs serve as cultural mediators between patients and healthcare systems, ensuring that services are accessible and culturally sensitive.
Resource Navigation: CHWs assist individuals in navigating community resources, including healthcare services, food banks, and social services.

Even though having a high school diploma is the minimum education requirement, many community health workers decided to earn a degree to bolster their skills and employability. According to Zippia, 60% of CHWs in the United States have a bachelor's degree, 16% have an associate degree, 12% have a master's degree, and 6% earned a high school diploma.

For those interested in elder care, understanding the difference between gerontology and geriatrics can help community health workers tailor their services to better meet the needs of aging populations. While gerontology focuses broadly on the social, psychological, and biological aspects of aging, geriatrics specializes in the medical care of older adults. This knowledge enables CHWs to connect clients with appropriate resources and advocate effectively within both community and healthcare settings.

How does one become a community health worker for 2025?

Becoming a community health worker typically involves a combination of education, training, and hands-on experience. This ensures that learners will gain the necessary skills and knowledge to excel in the professional realm. Here are the general steps an aspirant can take to enter the field:

Earn a High School Diploma or Equivalent: Most community health worker positions require candidates to have at least a high school diploma or GED. This serves as the foundational educational requirement for entering the profession.
Gain Relevant Experience or Volunteer: Experience in community outreach, health education, or social services is often beneficial. Many CHWs begin by volunteering with local health initiatives, nonprofits, or clinics, where they can develop essential interpersonal and problem-solving skills.
Complete a Community Health Worker Training Program: Many states offer or require completion of a state-approved CHW training program. These programs, typically offered through community colleges or public health departments, cover core topics such as health promotion, cultural competence, chronic disease education, communication strategies, and ethics in health care.
Earn Certification (If Required by the State): Some states require CHWs to obtain state certification, which may involve completing an approved training program and passing an exam. Even in states where certification is optional, earning one can enhance employment opportunities and demonstrate a strong commitment to the role.
Apply for Jobs and Continue Professional Development: Upon completing training and certification, aspiring CHWs can seek employment across various sectors, including healthcare and community organizations. Career progression is enhanced by pursuing continuing education and specialized certifications, such as those in maternal or mental health.
Pursue Higher Education (Optional): Although not required, some community health workers choose to pursue an associate or bachelor's degree in fields like public health, social work, or human services to deepen their expertise and qualify for more advanced or leadership positions.

How long does it take to become a community health worker?

The process to become a community health worker takes about a few weeks to two years, depending on the educational track preferred by an aspirant. Becoming a health worker does not require a college degree; learners can only take certificate programs to enter the professional arena.

However, there are states, certifications, and organizations that may require aspirants to have an associate degree, sometimes even a bachelor's degree, before they can be employed as community health workers. Learners who wish to enter more prestigious roles are advised to earn a degree and obtain relevant certifications. Taking 1 year online MPH programs may be relevant for those aspirants who want to concentrate on public health in the long run.

What are the different roles within the community health worker profession?

Being a community health worker includes a variety of roles that reflect different specialties, work settings, and levels of responsibility. While all CHWs work to connect communities with healthcare and social services, their day-to-day duties can vary widely based on their training, population served, and focus area.

Here are some of the different roles within the community health worker profession:

Health Educator/Health Promoter: A health educator or promoter teaches individuals and communities about healthy behaviors, disease prevention, nutrition, and chronic illness management to improve overall well-being. In a similar way to how people often ask what is the difference between a dental assistant and a dental hygienist, understanding the distinct roles and scopes of practice within healthcare professions helps CHWs educate the public accurately about available care options.
Outreach Worker: An outreach worker engages directly with underserved or hard-to-reach populations to raise awareness about health services, share educational materials, and encourage individuals to seek care.
Peer Support Specialist/Peer Counselor: A peer support specialist uses their own lived experience with challenges like mental health, substance use, or chronic illness to offer guidance, emotional support, and hope to others in similar situations.
Patient Navigator/Care Coordinator: A patient navigator helps individuals access and understand healthcare services by scheduling appointments, explaining medical instructions, assisting with paperwork, and supporting treatment adherence. This role often requires knowledge of various healthcare disciplines, similar to knowing the difference between chiropractor and physical therapist, which is important when referring patients to the right type of care based on their specific health needs.
Community Health Representative (CHR): A community health representative works in Indigenous or tribal communities to deliver culturally respectful health education, connect people to care, and advocate for community health needs.
Maternal and Child Health Worker: A maternal and child health worker supports expectant mothers, new parents, and young children by providing prenatal education, parenting resources, and connections to services like WIC or pediatric care.
Chronic Disease Outreach Specialist: A chronic disease outreach specialist works with patients living with long-term conditions like diabetes or hypertension, offering lifestyle education, follow-up support, and help with medication routines.
Environmental Health Promoter: An environmental health promoter educates communities about environmental health risks such as pollution, water contamination, or housing hazards, and helps them take steps to reduce exposure.
Youth Outreach Worker: A youth outreach worker focuses on supporting adolescents and young adults with issues like mental health, reproductive health, substance use, and violence prevention, often through school or community programs.
Program Coordinator/CHW Supervisor: A program coordinator or CHW supervisor manages a team of community health workers, oversees program goals, tracks data and outcomes, and collaborates with healthcare providers or local organizations.

What skills are required to be a successful community health worker?

To be effective in their role, a community health worker must possess a diverse set of skills that combine communication, cultural awareness, and practical problem-solving. These professionals serve as a critical link between healthcare systems and the communities they serve, often working with individuals who face barriers to care.

Here’s a list of essential skills for community health workers:

Communication Skills: Community health workers must be able to explain health information clearly and listen actively, whether they’re talking to clients, healthcare providers, or community groups.
Interpersonal Skills: CHWs need strong interpersonal skills to build trusting relationships with people from diverse backgrounds, often during stressful or vulnerable moments.
Cultural Competence: A successful CHW understands and respects the cultural beliefs, languages, and practices of the communities they serve, and adapts communication and care accordingly.
Problem-Solving Skills: CHWs must think critically and creatively to help clients overcome barriers like lack of transportation, language differences, or access to care.
Organizational Skills: Keeping accurate records, managing caseloads, and following up with clients requires strong time management and attention to detail.
Empathy and Compassion: Being able to relate to others with kindness and understanding is central to the CHW role, especially when working with people facing health disparities or personal hardship.
Advocacy Skills: Community health workers often advocate for their clients’ needs within healthcare and social systems, helping ensure they receive fair treatment and access to resources.
Basic Health Knowledge: While they aren’t clinicians, CHWs need foundational knowledge about health topics like nutrition, chronic diseases, mental health, and prevention strategies to educate others effectively.
Research and Resource Navigation: CHWs must know how to locate, interpret, and share information about community services, healthcare systems, and public assistance programs.
Documentation and Reporting Skills: They are often responsible for tracking client interactions, recording health data, and reporting outcomes to supervisors or partner organizations.

For those wondering is health informatics a good career, many community health workers find that gaining skills in health informatics can enhance their ability to manage health data, improve patient communication, and contribute to better healthcare outcomes, making it a valuable complementary skill set.

According to Zippia, the skills that most frequently appear on the CVs of community health workers in the United States are patients (12.7%), community health (12.4%), social work (7.5%), community resources (6.7%), CHW (4.9%), social services (4.3%), and patient care (3.5%).

The chart below displays the US industries that employ the most community health workers.

How does one write a compelling community health worker resume?

Writing a compelling community health worker resume involves highlighting communication skills, cultural awareness, experience in outreach or healthcare, and any certifications or training that demonstrate preparedness to support the health needs of diverse communities. Like CVs for careers in gerontology, the resume should clearly showcase the candidate's impact, empathy, and ability to connect people to care, all while maintaining a clean, well-organized structure and being tailored to the specific job posting.

Here is a breakdown of how to write a strong CHW resume:

Start with a Clear, Purposeful Summary: The resume starts with a clear, focused professional summary. This 2-3 sentence overview quickly conveys the candidate's experience, skills, and commitment to community health. It emphasizes key qualifications like bilingualism, chronic disease management, or health education to immediately demonstrate their value.
Highlight Core Skills: Next, include a section that outlines the candidate’s key skills relevant to the role of a community health worker. This should cover both technical and interpersonal skills, such as cultural competence, health education, case management, and resource navigation. Tailor this section to the specific job by incorporating keywords from the job description.
Focus on Experience with Impact: In the experience section, the candidate should emphasize the specific responsibilities they handled and the positive outcomes they achieved. Using action verbs and quantifying results where possible will highlight the impact the candidate made in previous roles, showcasing how they can bring value to the new organization.
Include Certifications and Training: If the candidate holds any certifications or has completed specialized training, these should be listed in a dedicated section. Examples include state-approved certifications, national CHW certifications, mental health first aid, or CPR certifications. This demonstrates the candidate’s expertise and ensures they meet industry standards.
Add Education (If Relevant): The resume should include the candidate’s highest level of education, whether it’s a high school diploma, associate’s degree, or a degree in a related field like public health or social work. Relevant coursework or continuing education should also be noted, as it highlights the candidate’s ongoing commitment to learning and professional growth.
Add Community Involvement or Language Skills (Optional): If applicable, the candidate can include any volunteer work or community involvement that demonstrates their dedication to public health and serving underserved populations. Additionally, language proficiency can be a strong asset in diverse communities, so any foreign languages spoken fluently should also be included.

What are the best certifications for community health workers?

There are several well-regarded certifications that can enhance a CHW’s credibility, skills, and job prospects, especially in specialized areas like chronic disease, mental health, or care coordination. Here are some of them:

Certified in Public Health (CPH): Offered by the National Board of Public Health Examiners (NBPHE), the CPH certification demonstrates mastery of public health competencies and leadership skills. It is ideal for CHWs seeking advanced roles in public health.
First Aid, CPR, and AED Instructor Certification: Provided by organizations like the National Safety Council (NSC), this certification equips CHWs with lifesaving skills, making them valuable in emergency situations and community outreach programs.
Basic Life Support (BLS): Administered by the American Heart Association (AHA), BLS certification ensures CHWs can perform critical interventions during medical emergencies, enhancing their credibility in healthcare settings.
Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES): Offered by the NCHEC, CHES certification focuses on health education and promotion, ideal for CHWs specializing in preventive care and health literacy.
Certified Medical Interpreter (CMI): This certification is valuable for bilingual CHWs, enabling them to provide accurate medical translations and bridge communication gaps between healthcare providers and patients.
Master Certified Health Education Specialist (MCHES): For experienced CHWs, MCHES certification builds on CHES competencies with an emphasis on leadership, strategic planning, and program management.
State-Specific CHW Certification Programs: Many states offer tailored certification programs based on the Core Consensus Project (C3) competencies, ensuring CHWs meet local healthcare needs while defining a clear scope of practice.

Aspirants who wish to shift to physical therapy, as needed by their served communities, can pursue any of the online PTA programs in their state.

What are alternative jobs for community health workers?

Community health workers possess a wide range of skills, like communication, outreach, health education, and resource coordination, that are highly transferable to other roles in public health and social services. As such, they can enter a variety of roles.

Here are some alternative jobs that CHWs may transition into or pursue as a next step in their careers:

Health Educator: Health educators design and deliver health improvement strategies for individuals and communities. This role aligns well with CHW skills in outreach and wellness promotion, making it a natural career advancement stage. Aspirants may pursue degrees relevant to the needs of their served communities, such as online kinesiology degree programs and the like.
Behavioral Health Technician: CHWs with experience in mental health support may work as behavioral health technicians, assisting counselors and therapists in providing care for individuals with behavioral or emotional conditions.
Case Manager: Case managers help clients navigate complex systems like healthcare, housing, or social services. CHWs often perform similar duties, making this a logical next step for those looking for more responsibility or specialization.
Patient Navigator: Patient navigators guide individuals through the healthcare system, helping them schedule appointments, understand treatment plans, and access resources—skills that align closely with CHW responsibilities.
Medical Assistant: With additional clinical training, CHWs can transition into roles as medical assistants, working more directly with patients in clinical settings by taking vitals, preparing exam rooms, and supporting healthcare providers.
Public Health Outreach Coordinator: For those interested in planning and coordinating larger health programs, this role involves organizing community events, building partnerships, and expanding access to services—skills CHWs often already practice.
Social Work Assistant: CHWs who enjoy helping individuals access social services may consider roles as social work assistants, supporting licensed social workers in case planning and client support.
Peer Support Specialist: Those with lived experience in areas like mental health or addiction may qualify for roles as peer support specialists, offering guidance and empathy to others going through similar challenges.

Aspirants who would like to focus on the cash flow of an organization, which is important for sustainability, can take an accelerated accounting degree and eventually become accountants.

Community Health Worker State Salary.png

How can community health workers pursue further professional development?

Community health workers can enhance their expertise and career prospects by engaging in continuous education and specialized training programs. Strategic upskilling not only improves the quality of care delivered but also paves the way for leadership and advanced clinical roles. Many accredited institutions and online platforms offer courses that focus on both clinical competencies and administrative skills critical to the evolving healthcare landscape. For example, candidates can explore online medical assisting training to reinforce foundational knowledge while managing ongoing professional responsibilities. This commitment to lifelong learning also aids in adapting to changes in healthcare regulations and technology, ultimately empowering community health workers to address diverse community needs more effectively.

What are the career advancement opportunities for community health workers?

Community health workers can expand their impact by pursuing advanced roles that move beyond direct service delivery. By securing specialized certifications, engaging in leadership training, or obtaining managerial responsibilities, these professionals can transition into supervisory or educational positions. Demonstrable experience combined with continuous skill enhancement positions CHWs for roles in program management, policy advisory, or community health strategy development. To support this upward trajectory, candidates may explore complementary educational paths such as healthcare administration degree online programs, which provide strategic insights into organizational operations while reinforcing clinical expertise.

Can community health workers accelerate their administrative skills through targeted online education?

In today’s evolving healthcare environment, community health workers can distinguish themselves by developing advanced administrative and technological competencies. Targeted online education provides practical insights into data management, digital communication, and strategic operations, enabling these professionals to drive systemic improvements within community health systems. For example, enrolling in a fast track healthcare administration degree online program equips CHWs with leadership skills and operational expertise that are essential for strategic decision-making and effective service delivery.

What additional academic resources can propel community health workers' professional growth?

Community health workers can expand their practical skills by integrating targeted academic programs that enhance their understanding of scientific principles and evidence-based healthcare. Specialized coursework in areas such as biochemistry builds analytical capabilities that support improved patient education and interdisciplinary collaboration. Prospective professionals seeking to complement their expertise may consider enrolling in programs like the most affordable biochemistry degree online, which provide flexible, high-quality curricula designed to bridge foundational science and community health practice.

What is the job outlook for community health workers?

According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the employment of community health workers is geared to climb by 13% from 2023 to 2033, more than three times the national average (4%). As such, the number of these professionals is projected to grow from 63,400 in 2023 to about 71,700 by 2033.

Finding opportunities for gainful employment is of no concern, as job portal Indeed shows that there are over 138,000 jobs for community health workers currently in the country. The BLS also estimates about 7,500 openings each year from 2023 to 2033.

The US sectors that employ the highest number of these professionals are local government units (10,320), individual and family services (10,140), general medical and surgical hospitals (5,660), outpatient care centers (5,230), and physicians' offices (4,510).

For aspirants looking for the ideal regions to practice, the US states with the highest employment levels of community health workers are California (8,730), New York (6,380), Texas (4,760), Maryland (2,440), and Massachusetts (2,170).

What is the average salary of community health workers?

The BLS reveals that the average annual salary of community health workers in the United States is $52,610, while the median annual salary is $48,200, the latter of which is within the same range as the collective median annual pay of all US professions ($48,060). Community health workers who want higher compensation can find opportunities in areas that have a high demand for their services.

As for the US industries that offer the highest average annual salaries, as shown below, aspirants can prioritize scientific research and development services ($76,140), home healthcare services ($66,100), grantmaking and giving services ($65,040), insurance carriers ($64,790), and specialty hospitals ($63,760). The wages in these industries are considerably higher than the national median annual salary, putting them in the same range as the average nurse nutritionist salary.

The same can be said for the US states with the highest average annual salaries. These are the District of Columbia ($65,510), New Mexico ($63,900), Rhode Island ($63,660), Nevada ($63,320), and Connecticut ($60,990).

What are the biggest challenges community health workers face?

Community health workers encounter significant challenges that affect both their effectiveness and job satisfaction. These obstacles hinder the quality of care delivered to communities, underscoring the necessity for systemic support and resources. Key challenges include the following:

Recognition and Reimbursement: Community health workers face a significant challenge due to the lack of recognition and reimbursement within the healthcare system, which often results in inconsistent funding and precarious employment conditions.
Integration into Healthcare Systems: CHWs encounter difficulties integrating into formal healthcare systems because of stringent provider approval requirements and complex administrative processes that hinder their ability to collaborate effectively.
Training and Capacity Building: CHWs often lack sufficient initial training and ongoing professional development, which leaves them unprepared to handle diverse and evolving health challenges effectively.
Compensation and Sustainability: Many CHWs are underpaid or unpaid, leading to high attrition rates and limiting program sustainability, while performance-based incentives can create inequities and undermine job security.
Community Acceptance: CHWs sometimes face rejection from patients or their families due to mistrust or fear of outside intervention, which complicates their ability to build trust and deliver effective services.
Technological and Administrative Challenges: CHWs often work with outdated technology and face extensive administrative burdens, including complex reporting requirements and billing systems, which increase their workload and hinder efficiency.

Here's What Community Health Workers Have to Say About Their Jobs

"As a community health worker, I've experienced the joy of seeing individuals and families thrive through better health outcomes. It's incredibly rewarding to know that my work directly impacts people's lives, helping them navigate healthcare systems and access vital resources. This role has given me a sense of purpose and fulfillment that I never thought possible." - Dante

"The trust people place in me because I understand their background and speak their language is truly humbling and powerful. As a community health worker, this connection helps me share vital health information effectively and support my neighbors in navigating complex systems." - Trish

"Sharing knowledge about preventive care and then witnessing neighbors adopt healthier habits brings such immense satisfaction. Working as a community health worker isn't just about providing information; it’s about empowering individuals and strengthening our entire community from within." - Lady

Key Findings

Most CHWs need a high school diploma or equivalent; some roles require a certificate or on-the-job training.
Employment of CHWs is projected to grow 13% from 2023 to 2033, much faster than the average for all occupations.
CHWs earned a median salary of $52,610 in the U.S. as of May 2023, with top earners making over $65,000 annually.
CHWs improve access to care, promote health literacy, and reduce chronic disease burdens—especially in underserved populations.
About 35% of CHWs speak a language other than English, especially Spanish, increasing their value in diverse communities.

Other Things You Should Know About Becoming a Community Health Worker

What is the difference between a community health worker and a healthcare social worker?

Community health workers focus on community-level health education and service connection, acting as vital links to healthcare systems. On the other hand, healthcare social workers provide individualized clinical support within healthcare settings, assisting with patient coping and access to complex care services, necessitating formal social work training and licensure.

How can a community health worker become a community health nurse?

A community health worker can become a community health nurse by pursuing the necessary education and licensure. This involves earning an associate degree in nursing (ADN) or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), followed by passing the NCLEX-RN exam to obtain registered nurse (RN) licensure. Additional certifications or experience in community health settings may enhance their qualifications for transitioning into community nursing roles.

Is there a shortage of community health workers in the United States?

Yes, there are indications of a shortage of community health workers in the United States, particularly within community health centers. Recent surveys highlight significant staffing gaps, especially when combined with the rising demand for community health services. Factors contributing to this shortage include funding limitations and difficulties with fair compensation for these important workers.

How many healthcare workers are there in the United States?

According to the CDC, the healthcare sector in the United States employs more than 22 million workers. In addition, research states that 80% of the workforce is composed of women.

References:

BLS (2024, April 3). 21-1094 Community Health Workers. BLS
BLS (2024, August 29). Community Health Workers. BLS
CDC (2024, September 24). About Healthcare Workers. CDC
Exemplars in Global Health. CHWs 101. Exemplars in Global Health
Tolbert, J., Cervantes, S., Bell, C., & Damico, A. (2024, December 18). Key Facts about the Uninsured Population. KFF
Zippia (2025, January 8). Community Health Worker Education Requirements. Zippia
Zippia (2025, January 8). Community Health Worker skills for your resume and career. Zippia