Similar careers
Similarity is based on what people in the careers do, what they know, and what they are called. The process of establishing similarity lists is described in this white paper.
Community Health Workers are public health professionals who serve as a bridge between communities and healthcare systems. They focus on improving the overall health of communities by providing health education, advocacy, and connecting people to needed health services.
Education: High school diploma or equivalent
Years in related career: None
On-the-job training: Short-term
Projected Growth: 14.1% (far above average)
Annual job openings: 7 800
Direct AI exposure: 28% of tasks
Potential AI exposure: 42% of tasks
| Income data is from Employment and Social Development Canada's 2025 wage tables. The closest match for this career in Canada’s occupational classification system is Health Information Management Occupations. According to the wage tables, average income is $64K per year. | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bottom 10% | Bottom 25% | Median (average) | Top 25% | Top 10% |
| $46K per year | $53K per year | $64K per year | $78K per year | $96K per year |
| Compared to other careers: Median is $1.54K below the national average. | ||||
Community Health Workers typically work in various settings, including non-profit organizations, healthcare facilities, government health departments, and sometimes in field environments directly within communities. Their role often requires them to travel within the community, attending community events, home visits, and meetings.
Community Health Workers play a vital role in improving access and quality of healthcare in underserved or marginalized communities. They work closely with community members to understand their needs and concerns, providing valuable insights for healthcare systems to address these issues effectively. Their role is diverse, including health promotion, disease prevention, advocacy, and community-based research. They often develop and implement community health programs, organize health screenings, and provide informal counseling. The position requires strong interpersonal and communication skills, as building trust and relationships within the community is crucial. They need to be culturally sensitive and aware, able to work with diverse populations, and understand the social determinants of health that impact their community. Community Health Workers often collaborate with a wide range of professionals, including healthcare providers, social workers, and public health officials, to develop strategies and interventions that improve community health outcomes. The work of a Community Health Worker is deeply rooted in social justice, focusing on reducing health disparities and improving health equity. It involves not only individual health education but also advocacy and community organizing to address broader social and environmental issues impacting health.
Educational requirements for Community Health Workers vary by role, employer, and province or territory. Many positions require a high school diploma, while others prefer or require post-secondary education such as a college diploma or certificate in community health, social services, public health, or a related field. Some roles (particularly those involving program coordination or work within healthcare systems) may require a bachelor's degree in public health, health promotion, or social sciences. On-the-job training is common, and Community Health Workers in Canada often receive role-specific training related to health education, outreach, cultural safety, and community engagement.
Similarity is based on what people in the careers do, what they know, and what they are called. The process of establishing similarity lists is described in this white paper.
