Healthcare Social Workers vs. Social and Human Service Assistants: Who Earns More?
Healthcare Social Workers out-earn Social and Human Service Assistants by $22K a year at the national median, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Healthcare Social Workers land at $67,880 and Social and Human Service Assistants at $45,930. The education gap is real: healthcare social worker programs typically require master's degree, while social and human service assistant programs require master's degree. Top-paying state for Healthcare Social Workers is District of Columbia ($94,100); 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 Healthcare Social Workers median pay.
Source: BLS OEWS May 2025. Highlighted value is higher in each row.
Common questions
Who earns more, Healthcare Social Workers or Social and Human Service Assistants?
Healthcare Social Workers earn more nationally. The median is $67,880 for Healthcare Social Workers versus $45,930 for Social and Human Service Assistants, a difference of $22K. Per BLS OEWS May 2025.
Which has better job growth, Healthcare Social Workers or Social and Human Service Assistants?
Healthcare Social Workers has the better 10-year outlook at 7.7% projected growth, compared to 6.4% for the other field. Both are from BLS Employment Projections.
Which requires more education, Healthcare Social Workers or Social and Human Service Assistants?
Healthcare Social Workers 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 Healthcare Social Workers get paid the most?
District of Columbia is the top-paying state for Healthcare Social Workers at $94,100/year, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Major metro areas within that state typically pay even more than the state average.
How does Healthcare Social Workers vs. Social and Human Service Assistants pay differ by state?
The gap varies significantly by state. In District of Columbia, Healthcare Social Workers earn $94,100 vs. $59,460 for Social and Human Service Assistants. See the state comparison table on this page for the full picture.