Social and human service assistants
SOC Code: 21-1093
Social and human service assistants carries a 39% AI exposure score (Medium automation risk), with a median annual wage of $45,120 and +6.4% projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034 (BLS), affecting approximately 449,600 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
Social and human service assistants (SOC 21-1093) carries an AI exposure score of 39%, 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 449,600 workers in this occupation in 2024, and projects a +6.4% change through 2034 — modest growth that keeps the occupation viable even as tasks evolve. Median annual compensation stands at $45,120, reflecting both skill scarcity and the value employers place on the tasks that remain difficult to automate. Entry typically requires High school diploma or equivalent, 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 Social and human service assistants. 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. Assess clients' cognitive abilities and physical and emotional needs to determine appropriate interventions.
- 2. Develop and implement behavioral management and care plans for clients.
- 3. Oversee day-to-day group activities of residents in institution.
- 4. Keep records or prepare reports for owner or management concerning visits with clients.
- 5. Visit individuals in homes or attend group meetings to provide information on agency services, requirements, or procedures.
- 6. Submit reports and review reports or problems with superior.
- 7. Assist in locating housing for displaced individuals.
- 8. Interview individuals or family members to compile information on social, educational, criminal, institutional, or drug history.
- 9. Provide information or refer individuals to public or private agencies or community services for assistance.
- 10. Consult with supervisor concerning programs for individual families.
Key Skills Required
- Active Listening
- Speaking
- Social Perceptiveness
- Service Orientation
- Reading Comprehension
- Coordination
- Writing
- Critical Thinking
- Monitoring
- Persuasion
Knowledge Areas
- Customer and Personal Service
- Psychology
- Therapy and Counseling
- English Language
- Administrative
- Sociology and Anthropology
- Computers and Electronics
- Education and Training
- Law and Government
- Philosophy and Theology
Frequently Asked Questions
Will AI replace Social and human service assistants?
Social and human service assistants has an AI exposure score of 39%, 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 Social and human service assistants?
According to BLS Employment Projections 2024-2034, Social and human service assistants is projected to grow by 6.4% over the decade. Current employment stands at approximately 449,600 workers.
What skills are needed for Social and human service assistants?
Key skills for Social and human service assistants include Active Listening, Speaking, Social Perceptiveness, and others. Typical entry-level education is High school diploma or equivalent.
How much do Social and human service assistants earn?
The median annual wage for Social and human service assistants is $45,120, 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 Social and human service assistants?
The typical entry-level education for Social and human service assistants is High school diploma or equivalent. Employers generally expect None of related work experience. On-the-job training typically involves Short-term on-the-job training. Requirements can vary by employer and specialization.
Which companies employ Social and human service assistants?
Social and human service assistants 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).