Health Education Specialists vs. Social and Human Service Assistants: Who Earns More?
Health Education Specialists out-earn Social and Human Service Assistants by $18K a year at the national median, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Health Education Specialists land at $64,070 and Social and Human Service Assistants at $45,930. The education gap is real: health education specialist programs typically require master's degree, while social and human service assistant programs require master's degree. Top-paying state for Health Education Specialists is Maryland ($104,470); for Social and Human Service Assistants it's District of Columbia ($59,460).
Pay by state
States where both occupations have BLS data, sorted by Health Education Specialists median pay.
Source: BLS OEWS May 2025. Highlighted value is higher in each row.
Common questions
Who earns more, Health Education Specialists or Social and Human Service Assistants?
Health Education Specialists earn more nationally. The median is $64,070 for Health Education Specialists versus $45,930 for Social and Human Service Assistants, a difference of $18K. Per BLS OEWS May 2025.
Which has better job growth, Health Education Specialists or Social and Human Service Assistants?
Social and Human Service Assistants has the better 10-year outlook at 6.4% projected growth, compared to 4.5% for the other field. Both are from BLS Employment Projections.
Which requires more education, Health Education Specialists or Social and Human Service Assistants?
Health Education Specialists typically requires master's degree. Social and Human Service Assistants requires master's degree. Education requirements vary by employer and state licensing board.
Where do Health Education Specialists get paid the most?
Maryland is the top-paying state for Health Education Specialists at $104,470/year, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Major metro areas within that state typically pay even more than the state average.
How does Health Education Specialists vs. Social and Human Service Assistants pay differ by state?
The gap varies significantly by state. In Maryland, Health Education Specialists earn $104,470 vs. $47,210 for Social and Human Service Assistants. See the state comparison table on this page for the full picture.