Are you driven by a desire to make a difference in the lives of others? Do you find fulfillment in contributing to the well-being of your community and beyond? If so, you might be drawn to the world of helping professions. These careers, spanning diverse fields like healthcare, education, criminal justice, and community service, offer a unique opportunity to turn your compassion into a vocation.
As Dr. Eric Perry, a faculty member specializing in clinical mental health counseling at Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU), explains, individuals gravitate towards helping professions due to an inherent desire to positively impact lives. “Most of those who choose this path are already pretty good at it, and that feeling of helping someone motivates them to want to do it more,” he notes.
Whether your calling lies in providing direct patient care, fostering safer communities, or championing vulnerable populations, a career in a helping profession can be profoundly rewarding, facilitating both personal growth and professional development. Moreover, the job market outlook for numerous helping professions is promising, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).*
20 Fulfilling Jobs Where You Can Make a Difference
If you are seeking a career path where you can dedicate your skills and empathy to helping others, numerous options are available. With the right education and personal qualities, you can find impactful roles in community support, criminal justice, education, healthcare, psychology, mental health, and public safety.
Here are 20 jobs where you can truly help people and build a meaningful career:
Community-Focused Careers
For those passionate about community upliftment, several helping professions allow you to directly support individuals and groups within your local area, country, or even globally.
1. Social Worker
Social work is fundamentally about helping people navigate life’s challenges and improve their well-being. This profession is a popular choice for those who want to make a tangible difference in individual and community lives.
Social workers empower individuals and families to access essential services such as therapy and support networks. They also work at the community level to enhance social and health services and advocate for policy changes, as highlighted by the National Association of Social Workers (NASW).
According to the BLS, social workers commonly engage in tasks such as:
- Identifying individuals and communities in need of support.
- Conducting comprehensive assessments to understand client situations and goals.
- Connecting clients with relevant community resources and advocating on their behalf.
- Maintaining detailed case records and documentation.
- Providing therapeutic interventions and crisis support.
If you are interested in becoming a social worker, educational requirements vary by location, but typically include at least a bachelor’s degree. Clinical social work often necessitates a master’s degree, supervised clinical experience, and licensure.* (SNHU currently does not offer bachelor’s or master’s degrees in social work.)
The job outlook for social workers is positive, with a projected growth of 7% through 2032. The median annual wage for social workers is around $55,350, according to BLS data.*
2. Human Services Professional
Human services professionals are driven by compassion and empathy to support individuals and communities in need across diverse roles. From caseworkers to group home coordinators and juvenile court liaisons, they play crucial roles in supporting vulnerable populations. If you are passionate about direct care and advocacy, this field might be an excellent fit.
Lala Slan ’23, a graduate with a bachelor’s degree in human services from SNHU, specializing in child and family services, emphasizes the strong foundation her education provided. “My goals are to open up facilities for youth and the homeless population,” Slan shared. “This journey has shown me that I am on the right path to help others, and it’s who I am.”
A bachelor’s degree is generally the entry point into human services careers, often in human services itself or related fields like social work, public health, or public administration, according to BLS.
The demand for social and community service managers is expected to rise by 9% in the coming years.* This growth is fueled by factors such as an aging population and increasing needs for mental health, substance abuse, and general health services.
Human services professionals are employed across various sectors, including government, nonprofits, healthcare, and mental health organizations. The median annual wage for social and community service managers is $74,240, as reported by BLS.*
3. Community Organizer
If you are motivated to create broader change, working as a community organizer or field organizer can be a powerful way to start.
Britannica defines community organizing as a process where “members of communities are organized to act collectively on their shared interests.” Organizers often collaborate with political campaigns or non-profit organizations, focusing on initiatives related to social change and environmental sustainability.
BLS data indicates that community and social service specialists working in social advocacy earn an average of $48,820 per year.* Entry-level positions in social services may require only a high school diploma and on-the-job training, according to BLS. Experience as an organizer can significantly advance your career. Notably, community organizing was the launchpad for Barack Obama’s public service career.
“I have a track record, starting from the days I moved to Chicago as a community organizer,” Obama highlighted during a 2008 debate, emphasizing his qualifications for presidency.
A political science degree can be a strong foundation for this career, allowing you to channel your passion for change into impactful action.
4. Human Resources (HR) Professional
HR professionals are the unsung helping heroes within businesses. They utilize their understanding of organizational behavior to foster positive work environments, manage conflicts, and assist employees with crucial benefits like healthcare.
Human resources specialists are in high demand, earning a median salary exceeding $64,240, according to BLS, with substantial opportunities for career progression.*
HR managers can earn a median annual salary of $130,000. Salary ranges vary, with the lowest 10% earning around $76,610 and the top 10% reaching $224,360 as HR managers, BLS reports.*
Key responsibilities in HR include:
- Providing strategic advice to leadership on people-related matters.
- Managing employee benefits and compensation packages.
- Cultivating a positive and inclusive employee culture.
- Planning and managing workforce needs and talent development.
To become a human resources manager, a bachelor’s degree in HR management or a related field is typically required, according to BLS. A master’s in human resources offers more advanced knowledge and skills for leadership roles in HR.
Criminal Justice Careers
If you are drawn to public service and justice, numerous criminal justice career paths offer opportunities to make a significant impact within courts, correctional facilities, and law enforcement.
5. Law Enforcement Officer
Do you have a strong sense of duty to serve and protect? The field of protective service occupations includes diverse roles in policing, corrections, and security, all essential to public safety, as per BLS.
The ongoing need for public safety ensures continued demand for law enforcement officers, although demand and salary can vary significantly by location.
The median annual salary for police officers is approximately $66,000, but this figure is influenced by location, department size, and rank.* The lowest 10% of officers earn less than $41,660, while the highest 10% can earn over $109,580, according to BLS.*
Most police and detectives must graduate from their agency’s training academy and meet stringent physical and personal qualifications before undergoing on-the-job training. Some departments and federal agencies may prefer or require a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice or a related field, according to BLS.
For advanced career opportunities, a master’s in criminal justice with a specialization in public safety administration or counterterrorism and homeland security can be highly beneficial.
6. Lawyer
Lawyers can specialize in a wide array of legal areas to advocate for individuals, groups, or societal causes.
The Law School Admission Council (LSAC) lists various legal specializations, including:
- Animal Law
- Civil Rights Law
- Employment and Labor Law
- Environmental and Natural Resources Law
- Immigration Law
As legal experts, lawyers research and analyze complex legal issues to advise and represent their clients, as stated by BLS. The median annual salary for lawyers is $135,740.*
To become a lawyer in most U.S. states, you must graduate from an accredited law school and pass the bar exam in the jurisdiction where you plan to practice, according to BLS. A bachelor’s degree is a prerequisite for law school. Consider undergraduate studies in criminal justice or an English degree to hone critical thinking and writing skills.
Your undergraduate major can also align with future legal specializations. For instance, aspiring civil rights attorneys might consider a sociology degree, while those interested in environmental law could pursue an environmental science degree. (Law degrees are not currently offered at SNHU.)
7. Legal Assistant
If the rigorous path to becoming a lawyer isn’t for you, you can still contribute to the legal field and help others as a legal assistant. In this role, you provide crucial support to lawyers, indirectly aiding their clients.
Legal assistants typically manage administrative tasks in law offices, such as scheduling appointments, organizing documents, and handling billing, as noted by BLS.
BLS reports that legal assistants and paralegals earn a median salary of $59,200 and are in high demand, with a projected job growth of 4% by 2032.* While requirements vary, many paralegal and legal assistant positions require at least an associate degree.
8. Victim Advocate
Victim advocates offer essential support to individuals who have experienced crime. This career provides a direct avenue to help people during their most vulnerable times.
Victim assistance programs typically provide a range of services, as outlined by the U.S. Department of Justice (PDF source), such as:
- Criminal justice system advocacy.
- Crisis intervention and emotional support.
- Emergency shelter arrangements.
- Emergency transportation assistance.
Victim advocates often help clients prepare victim impact statements and offer support during police interviews and court proceedings. The specific services and rights for victims can vary by state, according to the Department of Justice.
Social and human service assistants, including victim advocates, had a median salary of $38,520 in 2022, BLS data indicates.*
Relevant degree paths for victim advocates may include a bachelor’s in human services or a bachelor’s in criminal justice with a focus on human services and advocacy.
Education-Based Helping Professions
The field of education is rich with opportunities to help people achieve their potential and improve their lives through learning and guidance.
9. Academic Advisor
Academic advisors play a vital role in guiding students through their educational journeys. This helping profession is impactful as advisors provide critical support and direction that can significantly influence student success. Many students recognize their academic advisors as key support systems throughout their degree programs.
Kathleen Dalton ’23, an SNHU graduate, credits her academic advisor for providing crucial encouragement from their very first interaction. “I am not sure I would have continued beyond the first few terms without her consistent communication and feedback,” Dalton shared. “She saw more in me than I saw in myself and could show it to me.”
As an academic advisor, your primary focus is student success. You will assist students in navigating coursework, connecting with resources, and overcoming challenges throughout their academic careers.
School and career counselors and advisors earn a median annual salary of $60,140, according to BLS, with a projected job growth rate of 5%, which is considered higher than average.*
10. Teacher
Think about a teacher who profoundly impacted your life. As a teacher, you have the opportunity to become that influential figure for new generations of learners.
“Teachers are the backbone of our democracy – fostering curiosity and creativity, building skillful individuals, and strengthening informed citizens,” states the U.S. Department of Education. They emphasize that having a great teacher in every classroom is one of the most valuable resources for students.
BLS data indicates that teachers and instructors earn an average annual salary of $66,450, with salary ranges varying from $30,230 for the lowest 10% to $102,800 for the top 10% of earners.*
To become a teacher, a bachelor’s degree and state licensure are generally required to teach specific grades or subjects. Qualifications vary between states and between public and private schools, according to BLS. Institutions like SNHU offer undergraduate education programs for licensure. If you already hold a bachelor’s degree, a master’s in education can further enhance your teaching expertise.
Education extends beyond traditional classrooms. Jodi Gleason ’17G ’22EdD, who earned her doctorate in educational leadership from SNHU, uses her education to train law enforcement professionals in disability awareness and crisis intervention.
“This degree has opened some doors for me to teach, train, and talk about my research and hopefully help change someone’s views, tactics (or) thoughts on mental health and law enforcement,” Gleason explains.
11. Teaching Assistant
Teaching assistants provide crucial support to teachers and students in classrooms, contributing in many ways to the learning environment.
BLS outlines the responsibilities of teaching assistants as including:
- Reviewing lesson content and concepts with students, individually or in small groups.
- Reinforcing classroom rules and promoting positive behavior.
- Supervising students in various settings, such as classrooms, lunchrooms, playgrounds, and on field trips.
- Assisting teachers with grading assignments and maintaining records.
The median annual salary for teaching assistants is $30,920, according to BLS.*
Many aspiring teachers gain initial experience as teaching assistants or paraeducators while completing their teaching certifications. These roles can often be secured even before completing a bachelor’s degree, as noted by BLS.
Healthcare Professions
Careers in healthcare are fundamentally focused on helping individuals recover from illness, manage health conditions, and improve their overall well-being.
12. Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)
EMTs and paramedics are vital first responders who assess patients and provide immediate medical care in emergency situations, according to BLS. As an EMT, you might work in ambulances, providing life-saving care en route to hospitals. This role is critical and often involves making split-second decisions that can save lives.
EMTs and paramedics earn a median annual salary of $39,410, with a projected job growth of 5% by 2032, as per BLS data.*
Becoming an EMT or paramedic requires completing specialized training and certification programs that equip you with the necessary skills to handle medical emergencies. (SNHU does not currently offer EMT or paramedic programs.)
13. Home Care Worker
Home care workers represent a quintessential helping profession, providing direct support to clients in their homes.
According to BLS, home health and personal care aides assist with daily living activities, typically focusing on non-medical services, including:
- Personal hygiene assistance (bathing, dressing).
- Light housekeeping and cleaning.
- Mobility assistance and driving.
- Shopping and errands.
In this role, you may be required to document client conditions and report to supervisors, BLS notes. Some home care workers with specialized training may also assist with medical equipment.
Home health and personal care aides earn a median annual wage of $31,180. Typically, a high school diploma and on-the-job training are the primary requirements for this position, according to BLS.*
This role can be an excellent entry point for individuals interested in starting a career in the broader healthcare field.
14. Nurse
Nurses profoundly impact lives by providing compassionate care across various healthcare settings. BLS lists common work environments for nurses as including:
- Hospitals
- Physicians’ offices
- Nursing care facilities
- Outpatient clinics
- Schools
The demand for registered nurses is projected to increase 6% through 2032, according to BLS.* This growing demand is driven by factors such as an increased focus on preventive healthcare and the healthcare needs of an aging and active population.
If you aspire to become a nurse, there are several levels of nursing degrees to consider. Registered nurses may pursue a bachelor’s degree in nursing, an associate’s degree in nursing, or a nursing diploma program. Licensure is required for practice. Licensure requirements include graduating from an approved nursing program and passing the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN), as per BLS.
The median annual wage for registered nurses is $81,220, according to BLS.* Salary ranges vary, with the lowest 10% earning less than $61,250 and the highest 10% exceeding $129,400, BLS reports.*
Advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs), including nurse practitioners, nurse midwives, and nurse anesthetists, are expected to see a dramatic job growth of 38%, BLS projects.* These roles require a master’s degree, state licensure, and national certification. Median salaries for APRNs exceed $120,000, with nurse anesthetists earning over $200,000.*
Nurses are highly regarded for their trustworthiness and ethical integrity, according to Gallup polls. Organizations like the Nurses on Board Coalition advocate for greater nurse representation on health-related and corporate boards due to their valuable insights.
Explore Degree Programs
Psychology and Mental Health Professions
Psychology, the study of mind and behavior, is foundational for many helping professions, particularly those focused on mental and emotional well-being.
15. Crisis Counselor
Crisis counselors provide immediate support to individuals experiencing acute distress, including mental health emergencies or trauma.
While some crisis counselors work in person, many work remotely from call centers or home offices, offering support via phone, text, or online chat through organizations like The Trevor Project or the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
Jennifer Lang, a counselor for the 988 Lifeline, described the varied nature of calls in a 2023 Psychiatric Times interview: “As a counselor for the 988 Lifeline, we get calls nonstop, and that could be anything from someone looking for resources for a therapist or someone in crisis with suicidal ideation…Working at a crisis center, we never really know what type of call we will get, but it is important always to be prepared for anything.”
In 2022, the median salary for substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors was $49,710, according to BLS.*
While some organizations provide training for volunteers and employees, a mental health degree can provide a deeper understanding of mental health issues. This role can also serve as an entry point to further careers in mental health and psychology.
16. Psychologist or Psychiatrist
Psychologists aim to understand and explain human behavior, thoughts, and emotions. “They use techniques such as observation, assessment, and experimentation to develop theories about the beliefs and feelings that influence individuals,” BLS explains.
While a bachelor’s degree is a starting point, most psychologists require a doctoral degree and licensure for clinical practice. (SNHU does not currently offer doctoral degrees in psychology.)
The field of psychology is expected to grow by 6% through 2032. The median salary for psychologists is $85,530, while psychiatrists, who are medical doctors specializing in mental health, earn a median salary of $226,880, according to BLS.*
The key difference between a psychologist and a psychiatrist is that psychiatrists hold a medical degree. (SNHU does not offer medical degrees.) Both diagnose and treat mental health conditions, but psychiatrists can prescribe medication due to their medical training.
Both professions typically require a doctorate, but a psychology bachelor’s degree is a valuable starting point. A degree in psychology can also open doors to careers in human resources, public relations, and marketing.
17. Therapist or Clinical Mental Health Counselor
Mental health is a significant public health issue, with over 43 million U.S. adults experiencing mental illness annually, according to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI). Factors like addiction, trauma, and the mental health needs of an aging population are driving demand for licensed counselors. The need for mental health counselors is projected to increase by over 18% through 2032, BLS reports.*
Dr. Perry describes clinicians as “advocates and researchers who support those who need it most and seek out new methods to help clients improve their mental health.”
Therapists and counselors support clients through life challenges, help them set goals, and provide crucial emotional support. This career path offers a deeply rewarding experience, allowing you to use your interpersonal and problem-solving skills to make a real difference.
“Working in the field of mental health provides you the opportunity to help others in a way that is motivating, empowering, engaging, and inspiring,” Perry emphasizes.
To become a therapist, you typically need a bachelor’s degree followed by a master’s degree in clinical mental health counseling, according to BLS. (SNHU does not currently offer a master’s in clinical mental health counseling.)
Licensure requires rigorous post-graduate training. Dr. Perry highlights the continuous learning aspect of this field: “As clinical mental health counselors, we are lifelong learners. It’s best to see your graduate training as the beginning of a journey that never really ends. Which, for me, is part of what makes this field exciting.”
Therapists and mental health counselors work with diverse populations across non-profit, hospital, government, and private practice settings. The median annual wage for mental health counselors is $48,520, with higher salaries often found in government and specialized hospitals, according to BLS.*
“The added benefit is getting to learn so much about yourself along the way,” Perry adds, underscoring the personal growth inherent in this helping profession.
Public Health and Safety Careers
Public health and safety fields are broad, encompassing roles focused on protecting individuals, communities, and populations, and enhancing their overall quality of life.
18. Firefighter
Fire departments in the U.S. responded to over 36 million calls in 2021, according to the National Fire Protection Association. Firefighting is an iconic helping profession, with firefighters playing a crucial role in community safety.
BLS outlines the typical responsibilities of firefighters which include:
- Conducting regular drills and training exercises.
- Operating fire trucks and other emergency vehicles.
- Extinguishing fires and managing hazardous materials.
- Providing emergency medical aid.
- Responding to various other emergencies.
The median salary for firefighters was $51,680 in 2022, according to BLS. The path to becoming a firefighter varies by state.* It generally involves extensive on-the-job training and locally required certifications, BLS notes. (SNHU does not offer specific programs for firefighters.)
19. Public Health Officer
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), a major division of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, is a leading national institution focused on public health. The CDC explains that while medical professionals treat individuals, “public health professionals focus on improving health at the population level through disease control and prevention.”
Professionals with a degree in public health may educate communities on disease prevention and health management, work in hospitals on public health initiatives, or engage in epidemiology and environmental health projects.
BLS describes community health educators as professionals who assess community health needs, educate about wellness-promoting behaviors, collect health data, develop health programs, train health workers, and advocate for health-enhancing policies. The demand for community health educators is projected to grow by 7% through 2032, with a median salary just over $59,990 in 2022, BLS reports.*
20. Public Safety Telecommunicator
When you call 911, a public safety telecommunicator is on the other end, providing critical support during emergencies.
As a public safety communicator, your responsibilities include answering emergency and non-emergency calls, dispatching first responders, and providing vital instructions to callers awaiting assistance, according to BLS.
Most public safety telecommunications roles offer on-the-job training, though some states require additional certifications, BLS notes. (SNHU does not currently offer these certifications.) These professionals earned a median salary of $46,900 in 2022, BLS reports.*
No matter which helping profession resonates with you, the demand for compassionate and skilled individuals dedicated to serving others remains strong.
A degree can be a transformative step towards your career goals. Explore SNHU’s online degree programs to find the path that best aligns with your aspirations.
*Job growth projections cited may not reflect local or short-term economic conditions and do not guarantee actual job growth. Salary figures are influenced by factors such as experience, industry, location, and skills.
Krysten Godfrey Maddocks ’11G is a writer focusing on K-12 and higher education, including policy and technology in education. With a background in marketing for an educational assessment company, she now runs a strategic marketing firm. Maddocks holds a master’s degree in marketing from Southern New Hampshire University and a bachelor’s in English/journalism from the University of New Hampshire. Connect with her on LinkedIn.
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About Southern New Hampshire University
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Established in 1932 and online since 1995, SNHU has empowered countless students to achieve their educational and career goals with flexible, career-focused programs. Our 300-acre campus in Manchester, NH, serves over 3,000 students, while our online programs reach over 135,000 students. Learn more about our mission, accreditations, leadership, and recognitions on our about SNHU page.
