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Human Development Jobs (NOW HIRING)

World Bank

Human Development Economist

Washington, DC · On-site

Human development is at the core of the World Bank's strategy to improve people's lives and support sustainable development. The People research program spans education, health, social protection and ...

Fairfax County

Human Development Specialist I

Fairfax, VA · On-site

$50K - $88K/yr

Exercise human-centered design principles to support participants' experience and create access to opportunity through the creation of positive developmental relationships based on the individualized ...

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How much do human development jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for human development in the United States is $21.83, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.55 and $24.04 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals in Human Development roles, and how can they be addressed?

Professionals in Human Development often navigate challenges such as balancing the diverse needs of individuals with organizational goals, addressing sensitive personal or cultural issues, and staying updated with evolving best practices in human growth and learning. Effective communication, continuous professional development, and strong collaboration with interdisciplinary teams can help address these challenges. Building trust and maintaining confidentiality are also key to fostering productive relationships and positive outcomes in this field.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in a Human Development role, and why are they important?

To thrive in a Human Development role, you need a solid background in psychology, education, or social sciences, often with at least a bachelor's degree in a related field. Familiarity with data analysis tools, program evaluation software, and assessment systems is commonly required. Strong interpersonal skills, cultural sensitivity, and effective communication are crucial for building relationships and supporting diverse populations. These skills ensure impactful program delivery, accurate assessment, and positive developmental outcomes for individuals and communities.

What is a human development job?

A human development job involves working to improve individuals' well-being, skills, and potential through programs, counseling, or education. Common roles include human development specialists, social workers, and program coordinators who often require strong interpersonal skills and knowledge of developmental theories. These jobs are typically found in nonprofit organizations, government agencies, or educational institutions.

What is the difference between Human Development vs Human Resources?

AspectHuman DevelopmentHuman Resources
Primary FocusEmployee growth, training, and organizational developmentRecruitment, employee relations, and administrative HR functions
Required CredentialsDegrees in education, psychology, or social sciences often preferredDegrees in business, management, or related fields; HR certifications common
Work EnvironmentEducational institutions, nonprofits, government agenciesCorporate offices, HR departments, consulting firms
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in education, government, nonprofitsUsed across all industries with HR departments

While both roles focus on people and organizational well-being, Human Development emphasizes employee training and personal growth, often in educational or nonprofit settings. Human Resources centers on managing employee relations, recruitment, and administrative functions within organizations. Understanding these differences helps clarify career paths and employer expectations in each field.

What can I do with a human development degree?

A human development degree prepares individuals for careers in fields such as social services, counseling, education, community outreach, and human resources. Graduates often work in settings like schools, non-profit organizations, healthcare facilities, or government agencies, utilizing skills in communication, program planning, and interpersonal relations.

What professions make 200,000 a year without a degree?

In human development and related fields, high-paying roles without a degree are rare; most positions at this level typically require advanced education or certifications. However, some roles in sales, management, or specialized consulting can reach or exceed $200,000 annually with experience, strong skills, and a proven track record. Entrepreneurship and self-employment in related niches may also achieve this income level without formal degrees.

What professions make 500,000 a year?

In human development and related fields, high-paying roles such as senior organizational development directors, executive coaches, or consultants with extensive experience and specialized skills can earn $500,000 or more annually. These positions often require advanced degrees, certifications, and a strong track record in leadership, strategic planning, or executive advising.

What is human development as a profession?

Human development as a profession focuses on understanding and supporting people’s physical, cognitive, emotional, and social growth throughout their lives. Professionals in this field may work in education, counseling, social services, research, or program development, helping individuals and families thrive in various environments. The work often involves applying developmental theory and research to real-world issues such as early childhood education, family dynamics, aging, and mental health. Careers in human development can be found in schools, community organizations, healthcare facilities, and government agencies.
More about Human Development jobs
What cities are hiring for Human Development jobs? Cities with the most Human Development job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Human Development jobs? The most popular types of Human Development jobs are:
What states have the most Human Development jobs? States with the most job openings for Human Development jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Human Development jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Human Development jobs are:
Human Development jobs near you
Infographic showing various Human Development job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 83% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $45,409 per year, or $21.8 per hour.
Human Development Economist

Human Development Economist

World Bank

Washington, DC • On-site

Other

Posted 8 days ago

Job description

The World Bank Group is one of the largest sources of funding and knowledge for developing countries; a unique global partnership of five institutions dedicated to ending extreme poverty and promoting shared prosperity. With 189 member countries and more than 120 offices worldwide, we work with public and private sector partners, investing in groundbreaking projects and using data, research, and technology to develop solutions to the most urgent global challenges.  For more information, visit www.worldbank.org.
 
The  Latin American and Caribbean region:
 
The World Bank Group serves 30 client countries in Latin America and the Caribbean Region (LCR). Clients range from large rapidly growing sophisticated middle-income clients to IDA countries to small Caribbean states to one fragile state. Despite immense resources, dynamic societies, and an average annual per capita income of nearly 9,000, deep inequalities persist in most LCR countries, with nearly a quarter of the Region's people living in poverty. The Bank's strategy in LCR is focused on five pillars: (a) stimulating growth and improving competitiveness; (b) reducing poverty and inequality; (c) making governments and institutions work for people; (d) providing a platform for tackling global issues (climate change, trade, disease, migration), and (e) reducing risk, whether from extreme weather events, climate change, crime and violence or other. Latin America and the Caribbean | World Bank Group
 
The People Practice Group (PG):
 
Human development is at the core of the World Bank's strategy to improve people's lives and support sustainable development. The People research program spans education, health, social protection and social policy.  We provide the financial resources and analytical tools to help the governments prioritize investments that support human capital accumulation, protection and utilization, and improve the quality of that spending to achieve better outcomes. The. The LAC People team works at the country an regional level to promote investments in human capital through financing, analytical work, convening power and advocacy. 
 
Education:
 
Education is a a powerful driver of development and one of the strongest instruments for reducing poverty and improving health, gender equality, peace, and stability. It delivers large, consistent returns in terms of income and is the most important factor to ensure equality of opportunities. 
 
Health, Nutrition & Population:
 
The World Bank Group (WBG) supports countries' efforts towards achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC) and to provide quality, affordable health services to everyone -regardless of their ability to pay - by strengthening primary health care systems and reducing the financial risks associated with ill health and increasing equity. 
 
Social Policy:
 
Social protection systems help individuals and families, especially the poor and vulnerable, cope with crises and shocks, find jobs, improve productivity, invest in the health and education of their children, and protect the aging population. Social protection programs are at the heart of boosting human capital for the world's most vulnerable. They empower people to be healthy, pursue their education, and seek opportunities to lift themselves and their families out of poverty. The social policy agenda of gender,  indigenous population,  community driven developments is essential to ensure equality of opportunities and inclusive development. 
 
Duties and Accountabilities:
 
This position reports to the LAC People Regional Director. The selected candidate is expected to be a microeconomist providing support in analytical work, global public goods and communicational and operational activities across all People relevant to LAC.  Key duties include:
 
  Support the LAC People Management team in overseeing the main global and regional HD trends,  the implementation and monitoring of the regional human capital activities and HD -related work at the regional and country level.
  Support in monitoring progress in Corporate Scorecard and WB targets 
  Contribute to the operationalization of the people agenda by supporting country teams working on operations in any of the department areas. 
  Contribute to the design, preparation, and dissemination of analytical products across HD and provide input on a range of issues, particularly multisectoral ones  
  Work with cross-sectoral teams in multisector topics like ECD, Nutrition, Skills and Gender. 
  Policy Dialogue and Building Client Capacity: contribute to policy dialogue with LAC governments. Working with the practice teams, support in building client capacity to use findings of policy research/analytical work for developing new policies, innovative policy designs, and undertaking sector reforms.
  Contribute to partnership activities on a regular basis, supporting the dialogue with multilateral and bilateral development partners, UN agencies, non-profit organizations, academia, and civil society. 
  Work with WBG communications team to help in activities that give visibility and disseminate  WBG operational and analytical work,  reaching broader audiences.  
  Support the LAC HD Regional Director in the management of the HD leadership team (all Practice Managers), key strategic initiatives and preparation for key meetings and presentations.

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