How much does a social service aide make?
a year · about $22 an hour
A typical social service aide in the United States makes $45,930 a year, about $22 an hour, about the same as a typical US worker (median, May 2025, US Bureau of Labor Statistics).
What do they do?
An aide talks with clients, helps fill out forms, and finds food, health, housing, or other community services. They may visit homes, call agencies, arrange support, and write notes to check that help is reaching people.
Did you know? Some US social service aides may watch what clients choose to eat and suggest cheaper, healthier food choices.
Is that a lot?
Compared with jobs you knowIf 100 people had this job
Most earn between $34,200 and $63,290How do you become one?
Most US entry jobs require a high school diploma or equivalent, and employers usually provide on-the-job training. Some employers prefer an associate's or bachelor's degree in human services or a related field.
School needed: Usually a bachelor's degree
Good for people who like helping and teaching and keeping things organized
Why does pay differ?
In the US, pay can vary with experience, relevant education or credentials, and location. Nonprofits, private agencies, and government employers may pay differently, and jobs with more complex duties or different client groups can differ. Work hours and evening or weekend shifts can also affect total earnings.
Where does it pay most?
Highest in District of Columbia ($59,460), lowest in Louisiana ($35,780).
See every state
Top 5 and bottom 3 states, typical (median) yearly pay.
Jobs like this
Data table and sources
| Lower earner (10th from bottom) | Typical person (median) | Higher earner (10th from top) | People in this job |
|---|---|---|---|
| $34,200 | $45,930 | $63,290 | about 438,000 |
| State | Typical person (median) | People in this job |
|---|---|---|
| District of Columbia | $59,460 | about 2,000 |
| Washington | $54,770 | about 8,000 |
| Oregon | $51,230 | about 11,000 |
| California | $51,090 | about 59,000 |
| Minnesota | $49,940 | about 11,000 |
Official definition: Assist other social and human service providers in providing client services in a wide variety of fields, such as psychology, rehabilitation, or social work, including support for families. May assist clients in identifying and obtaining available benefits and social and community services. May assist social workers with developing, organizing, and conducting programs to prevent and resolve problems relevant to substance abuse, human relationships, rehabilitation, or dependent care. Excludes “Rehabilitation Counselors” (21-1015), “Psychiatric Technicians” (29-2053), “Personal Care Aides” (31-1122), and “Eligibility Interviewers, Government Programs” (43-4061).
Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS May 2025 (bls.gov); descriptions and related jobs from O*NET 31.0. Figures as of May 2025, full-time yearly pay (hourly × 2,080 hours). bls.gov/oes · O*NET OnLine
Pages used for the text
- www.bls.gov/ooh/community-and-social-service/social-and-human-service-assistants
- www.onetonline.org/link/summary/21-1093.00
- www.bls.gov/careeroutlook/2015/article/wage-differences.htm
Data: US BLS OEWS, May 2025 · 1 USD = 150 JPY