Miscellaneous Community and Social Service Specialists earn $49,380 median salary
Miscellaneous Community and Social Service Specialists make a median $49,380 per year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The mean hourly wage is about $24, and most earn between $35,620 (10th percentile) and $80,940 (90th percentile). This occupation covers a broad set of roles in social services — half the workers in this group earn more than $49,380, half earn less.
How much Miscellaneous Community and Social Service Specialists earn
The median annual wage for the entire group is $49,380, which means a typical full-time worker brings home about $950 each week before taxes. The average (mean) pay is $55,250, pulled up by higher-paid roles such as program managers or clinical specialists.
At the low end, 10% of specialists earn $35,620 or less. These entry-level positions often include case aide or outreach worker roles. At the high end, the top 10% earn above $80,940 – typically those with advanced certifications or supervisory duties.
With 762,330 people employed in this broad category, pay can vary significantly by specific job title, employer type (government vs nonprofit), and region. The BLS data aggregates dozens of distinct job codes, so your actual earnings may depend on the niche you choose.
- 10th percentile: $35,620
- Median (50th percentile): $49,380
- 90th percentile: $80,940
- Mean hourly wage: $24.07 (approx)
Pay by state
BLS does not publish separate state-level figures for this specific occupation as of the most recent release. State earnings data for this code are suppressed due to variations in how states classify these workers. Salary ranges reported nationally likely hold in most areas, though cost-of-living differences mean real purchasing power varies.
How to become Miscellaneous Community and Social Service Specialist
Most of these jobs require a bachelor’s degree in social work, psychology, sociology, or a related field. Some entry-level case aide positions accept an associate degree or high school diploma plus experience. Licensing is not universal but certain roles – like those tied to clinical social work – may require state licensure after supervised hours.
Typical path: Earn a bachelor’s degree, complete an internship at a social service agency, then apply for entry-level specialist positions. Many workers later pursue a master’s in social work (MSW) to qualify for higher-paying jobs. Certification from the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) can also boost credentials.
- 1. Earn a bachelor’s degree in a human-services field.
- 2. Gain supervised experience through an internship or entry-level job.
- 3. Obtain any required state license for your specific role.
- 4. Consider optional certifications for career advancement.
Job outlook
The BLS does not provide a specific growth projection for this occupation between 2024 and 2034. However, demand for social and community service workers typically grows as the population ages and mental health awareness increases. Job openings will also come from replacing workers who retire or move to other fields.
Frequently asked questions
What education do I need to become a Miscellaneous Community and Social Service Specialist?
Most employers require at least a bachelor’s degree in social work, psychology, or a related field. Some entry-level jobs accept an associate degree or high school diploma with relevant experience.
Is this job projected to grow?
The BLS does not have a specific growth figure for this occupation, but overall social service roles tend to grow due to an aging population and increased demand for mental health services.
What is the highest paying state for this role?
BLS does not provide state-level data for this specific occupation code, so no reliable comparison is available.
Salary figures are U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates (OEWS / Employment Projections). For informational purposes only; not career or financial advice. See the full Miscellaneous Community and Social Service Specialists data.