Health education specialists
SOC Code: 21-1091
Health education specialists carries a 35% AI exposure score (Medium automation risk), with a median annual wage of $63,000 and +4.5% projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034 (BLS), affecting approximately 71,800 workers. Full task breakdown, skills, and employer data are below.
Proportion of tasks susceptible to AI automation (O*NET analysis)
AI Exposure vs Industry Growth
Total occupations tracked
832
Covering all SOC major groups
Data currency
2024
BLS Employment Projections
AI exposure avg
40%
Fleet-wide median across all roles
Composite score weighing O*NET task data completeness, BLS projection methodology, and cross-validation with employer risk grades.
Employment Projections
Occupation Insight
Health education specialists (SOC 21-1091) carries an AI exposure score of 35%, placing it in the Medium automation-risk tier. This score is computed from O*NET Database 30.0 task-level analysis, where each task an occupation performs is evaluated against current generative AI, robotic process automation, and machine-learning capabilities. A score below 40% reflects tasks anchored in physical dexterity, unstructured environments, or high-touch human interaction that current AI cannot reliably replicate.
The economic context matters alongside the risk score. BLS counted approximately 71,800 workers in this occupation in 2024, and projects a +4.5% change through 2034 — modest growth that keeps the occupation viable even as tasks evolve. Median annual compensation stands at $63,000, reflecting both skill scarcity and the value employers place on the tasks that remain difficult to automate. Entry typically requires Bachelor's degree, plus None of related experience.
For career planners, this profile should be read alongside the task, skill, and knowledge breakdowns below and the list of employers whose workforce composition includes Health education specialists. Adjacent occupations shown further down offer lateral moves that preserve industry knowledge while potentially reducing exposure. Pair the AI exposure score with the BLS employment projection and wage percentiles above for a complete career assessment.
Education & Entry Requirements
Top Tasks (O*NET)
- 1. Prepare and distribute health education materials, such as reports, bulletins, and visual aids, to address smoking, vaccines, and other public health concerns.
- 2. Develop and maintain cooperative working relationships with agencies and organizations interested in public health care.
- 3. Maintain databases, mailing lists, telephone networks, and other information to facilitate the functioning of health education programs.
- 4. Document activities and record information, such as the numbers of applications completed, presentations conducted, and persons assisted.
- 5. Develop and present health education and promotion programs, such as training workshops, conferences, and school or community presentations.
- 6. Collaborate with health specialists and civic groups to determine community health needs and the availability of services and to develop goals for meeting needs.
- 7. Develop, conduct, or coordinate health needs assessments and other public health surveys.
- 8. Supervise professional and technical staff in implementing health programs, objectives, and goals.
- 9. Develop educational materials and programs for community agencies, local government, and state government.
- 10. Develop operational plans and policies necessary to achieve health education objectives and services.
Key Skills Required
- Active Listening
- Writing
- Speaking
- Learning Strategies
- Active Learning
- Social Perceptiveness
- Reading Comprehension
- Critical Thinking
- Coordination
- Instructing
Knowledge Areas
- Customer and Personal Service
- Education and Training
- English Language
- Administrative
- Psychology
- Public Safety and Security
- Mathematics
- Sociology and Anthropology
- Computers and Electronics
- Communications and Media
Frequently Asked Questions
Will AI replace Health education specialists?
Health education specialists has an AI exposure score of 35%, indicating a medium level of automation risk. The majority of tasks in this role require human judgment, creativity, or physical presence that AI cannot easily replicate.
What is the job outlook for Health education specialists?
According to BLS Employment Projections 2024-2034, Health education specialists is projected to grow by 4.5% over the decade. Current employment stands at approximately 71,800 workers.
What skills are needed for Health education specialists?
Key skills for Health education specialists include Active Listening, Writing, Speaking, and others. Typical entry-level education is Bachelor's degree.
How much do Health education specialists earn?
The median annual wage for Health education specialists is $63,000, according to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2024). Actual earnings vary by location, experience, industry, and employer. The BLS publishes detailed wage percentiles by region in its Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics program.
What education is required for Health education specialists?
The typical entry-level education for Health education specialists is Bachelor's degree. Employers generally expect None of related work experience. On-the-job training typically involves None. Requirements can vary by employer and specialization.
Which companies employ Health education specialists?
Health education specialists roles exist across many industries and employers. Workforce composition is estimated from BLS industry-occupation employment distributions matched to SEC-registered public companies.
AI Exposure Rating
Medium automation risk based on 10 analyzed tasks. Most tasks require human judgment and are resistant to automation.
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Data sources: Bureau of Labor Statistics Employment Projections 2024–2034 and O*NET Database 30.0. Employment figures are rounded. Wage data from BLS Occupational Employment Statistics (OES).