Explore national salary, projected growth, education requirements, and career opportunities across the United States.
A concise view of this occupation’s national scale, compensation, and projected demand.
National median annual wage for this occupation.
Estimated jobs currently supported nationwide.
Projected employment change through 2034.
Estimated openings created each year.
The typical education, prior experience, and on-the-job training associated with entry into this career.
Bachelor's degree
Less than 5 years
None
These are the highest-rated capabilities associated with success in this occupation. Scores are derived from occupational skill analysis and are measured on a 100-point scale.
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Social and community service managers oversee programs and organizations that support individuals and communities. This career combines leadership, problem solving, and strong interpersonal skills to guide services and initiatives. Nationally, there are about 220,000 people employed in these roles, with projected employment growth of 6.4%. About 19,000 openings are expected each year, reflecting ongoing demand driven by new positions as well as turnover. The role frequently relies on adaptability, project management, and effective speaking and listening to coordinate efforts and work with diverse stakeholders. Creativity and innovation, along with critical and analytical thinking, help managers improve services and address complex community needs. Computer and information technology skills also play a role in managing information and operations. With a national median annual salary of $78,240 and opportunities spread across many states and metro areas, this path can appeal to students, career changers, and experienced professionals seeking a leadership-focused role in community-oriented organizations.
Social and community service managers earn a national median annual salary of $78,240. Earnings vary by location, and several states offer higher median salaries than the national figure. For example, Washington reports a median salary of $103,000, Colorado $97,440, and New York $95,980. California and Massachusetts also exceed the national median, at $83,210 and $81,380 respectively. At the metro level, several areas stand out for higher pay: Washington-Arlington-Alexandria reports a median salary of $101,240, New York-Newark-Jersey City $100,570, and San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara $98,030. San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont shows a median of $93,410, and Boston-Cambridge-Newton reports $85,430. These figures indicate that earning potential can differ significantly by state and metro area, so location choice can be an important factor when evaluating salary prospects in this field.
Social and community service managers have national employment of about 220,000, indicating a sizable workforce in this occupation. Projected employment growth of 6.4% suggests that jobs in this field are expected to expand over time. In addition to new positions, there are about 19,000 annual openings, which also reflect replacement needs as people change roles, advance, or leave the workforce. The consistent use of the 6.4% projected growth figure across top states and metro areas shows that this growth expectation applies broadly, not just to specific regions. For individuals considering entering or advancing in this career, the combination of a substantial employment base, measurable projected growth, and a steady flow of annual openings points to ongoing opportunities in different types of organizations that rely on social and community service management.
Location plays a meaningful role in opportunities for social and community service managers. Among states, California has the highest employment level at 33,510, combined with a median salary of $83,210 and an opportunity score of 67.38. New York also shows strong employment at 19,340 and a higher median salary of $95,980, with an opportunity score of 65.78. Massachusetts has 8,800 employed and a median salary of $81,380, while Washington and Colorado report smaller employment totals—3,650 and 2,800—but higher median salaries of $103,000 and $97,440, respectively. At the metro level, San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara leads in opportunity score at 77.42, with a median salary of $98,030. The New York-Newark-Jersey City metro closely follows with a score of 77.27, salary of $100,570, and employment of 16,090. San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, and Boston-Cambridge-Newton also offer notable combinations of salary, employment, and opportunity scores, giving candidates a range of geographic options.
The typical education requirement for social and community service managers is a bachelor’s degree. This level of education supports the broad mix of leadership, analytical, and interpersonal responsibilities common in these roles. Several key skills are especially relevant. Leadership and project management are important for guiding teams and overseeing complex initiatives. Critical and analytical thinking, problem solving, and decision making support effective planning and evaluation. Interpersonal skills, speaking and listening, and customer service are central to working with staff, community members, and partner organizations. Adaptability and creativity and innovation help managers respond to changing circumstances and develop new approaches. Computers and information technology skills are also part of the skill profile, reflecting the need to work with digital tools and information. Together, a bachelor’s degree and this skill set form a strong foundation for entering and growing in this career path.
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