[hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]A social work degree provides plenty of transferable skills, preparing you to choose a career path that fits your strengths and interests. You can use a social work degree to pursue careers in industries including medicine, education, business, or nonprofits. According to the BLS, as of May 2023, social work jobs are projected to [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/community-and-social-service/social-workers.htm” target=”_blank”]grow 7% between 2023-2033[/hen-ui-link].[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Depending on your social work degree and credentials, you could work as a medical social worker, school social worker, child and family therapist, or mental health counselor. You can also explore roles in nonprofit leadership, healthcare administration, research, and human resources.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-table] [hen-ui-table-caption]Common Social Work Jobs and Salaries[/hen-ui-table-caption] [hen-ui-table-header] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Job[/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Median Annual Salary (May 2023)[/hen-ui-table-head] [/hen-ui-table-row] [/hen-ui-table-header] [hen-ui-table-body] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Social worker[/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Job”]$58,380[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Healthcare social worker[/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Job”][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes211022.htm” target=”_blank”]$62,940[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]School, child, or family social worker[/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Job”][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/oes/2023/may/oes211021.htm” target=”_blank”]$53,940[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Mental health and substance abuse social worker[/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Job”][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/oes/2022/may/oes211023.htm” target=”_blank”]$51,240[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Postsecondary social work teacher[/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Job”][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes251113.htm” target=”_blank”]$75,020[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Social and community service manager[/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Job”][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/oes/2023/may/oes119151.htm” target=”_blank”]$77,030[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [/hen-ui-table-body] [/hen-ui-table] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Medical Social Worker[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]You could find employment as a social worker in the medical industry if you’re interested in clinical work or helping people struggling with medical issues. Most medical social workers work at a clinical level, which means you’ll need an MSW and an additional license.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]You could also become a healthcare social worker to interview, assess, and counsel people in hospitals, residential care facilities, or private practices. According to the BLS, the median annual salary for [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes211022.htm” target=”_blank”]healthcare social workers was $62,940[/hen-ui-link] as of May 2023, and Payscale reports an [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.payscale.com/research/US/Job=Licensed_Clinical_Social_Worker_(LCSW)/Salary” target=”_blank”]average salary of $67,219[/hen-ui-link] for LCSWs as of October 2024.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]School or Family Social Worker[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]To work in most states as a school social worker and counselor, you’ll need to hold an MSW and clinical licensure. In this role, you may guide students on issues affecting their conduct and grades and help them build post-graduation plans. According to the BLS, in May 2023, the median annual salary for [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/oes/2023/may/oes211021.htm” target=”_blank”]child, family, and school social workers was $53,940[/hen-ui-link].[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Community Social Worker[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Careers in this field only require a bachelor’s degree in most states. Nonprofit mental health organizations or state and county health service centers employ social work graduates to work in case management, health outcome assessment, and public advocacy for community health issues.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]In May 2023, the median annual salary for social workers was $58,380, according to the BLS.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Psychiatric Social Worker[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]As a psychiatric social worker, you’ll conduct psychiatric and mental health assessments in individual or group settings. As a therapist, you’ll have the chance to assist individuals, couples, and families in addressing mental health and relationship concerns, helping them achieve their personal goals.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]According to Payscale, the average annual salary for [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.payscale.com/research/US/Job=Psychiatric_Social_Worker/Salary” target=”_blank”]psychiatric social workers was $54,632[/hen-ui-link] as of September 2024.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Forensic Social Worker[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]You could also choose to work as a forensic social worker within the criminal justice system. You may be called on to assess and treat incarcerated or formerly incarcerated individuals, including juveniles, and facilitate issues involving child custody. You may also work in correctional facilities or jails and could be called to testify in court.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]According to BLS data from May 2023, the average annual salary for [hen-ui-link href=”https://data.bls.gov/oes/#/occGeo/One%20occupation%20for%20multiple%20geographical%20areas” target=”_blank”]forensic social workers was $68,800[/hen-ui-link].[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”editorialListings” /] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Advice From a Social Work Graduate[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]How can you thrive in a social work program? Social work graduate Wendy Pitts shares expert advice on how to make the most of your time in school and put your degree to work.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-flex direction=”column” gap=”lg”] [hen-ui-expert-bio name=”Wendy Pitts, LCSW-C” img-src=”https://res.cloudinary.com/highereducation/image/upload/c_fill,h_300,w_300,f_auto,fl_lossy,q_auto:eco/v1624643973/experts/Wendy_Pitts.jpg” img-alt=”Wendy Pitts, LCSW-C” layout=”horizontal” background=”white” /] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ slot=”contentRight” class=”text-base”]Wendy Pitts, LCSW-C, has worked as a licensed social worker for 21 years in a hospital outpatient clinic, a treatment foster care agency, and a group home. She is currently employed as a school social worker in a public school district and owns a private practice called [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.guidinginsightllc.com/” target=”_blank”]Guiding Insight, LLC[/hen-ui-link], where she sees adults for individual therapy and provides clinical supervision to new social workers who are working towards licensure. Pitts’s book “[hen-ui-link href=”https://www.amazon.com/Knowing-Your-Worth-Wendy-Pitts/dp/B091CFG298″ target=”_blank”]Knowing Your Worth[/hen-ui-link]” helps readers recognize their value to themselves and the world.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Preferred Pronouns:[/hen-ui-text] She/Her/Hers[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-flex] [hen-ui-accordion variant=”no-background”] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”What was the best advice you received before starting your social work studies?” expanded=”true”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]I initially planned to get my degree based on location. My brother encouraged me to research the top social work schools in the country and their offerings.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Through my research, I learned a lot about U.S. schools and how they differ from each other. Each [program] has a niche, and knowing what you want to do with your degree should be the determining factor in which schools you apply to.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”What advice would you give someone considering a career in social work?”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Determine your ultimate career goal. People are often surprised by the number of career paths a degree in social work can take: therapy, community organizing, human services, and nonprofit organization work.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Social work is a diverse field, and you can do a lot with an MSW degree, but you cannot do everything. Make sure a social work degree is the right path for your goals.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”What recommendations do you have for someone starting a BSW degree?”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Plan to stay in school one more year and get your MSW. If you have a BSW, you can apply to most MSW programs as an advanced standing student. That way, the MSW will only take you only one year (studying full time) rather than the two years it will take those without a BSW.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The difference in average salary with that one extra year of education is huge. If I learn that students plan to get their BSW and do not intend to get the MSW, then I recommend they choose a different undergraduate degree.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”What recommendations do you have for someone starting an MSW degree?”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Choose your internship wisely, and be sure it is related to what you want to do when you graduate. Many people are tempted to accept internships with their current employer or internships that pay. But unless your current job is located where you want to be when you graduate, you are missing out on the opportunity for learning that your internship is meant to be.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The closer your internship experience is to your ultimate career goal, the easier it will be for you to find a job post-graduation because you will have similar experience on your resume.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”What advice do you have for someone launching their job hunt to be a social worker?”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Know how much money you need to earn to be happy, and do not settle for less. At the same time, be realistic. Most social workers do not earn their MSW one day and make six-figure salaries the next.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]When looking for continuing education classes, choose ones that enhance your value to your agency and to your clients, not the cheapest ones that meet your state’s requirements.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]If you plan to get licensed, get good supervision focused on your needs. It is wonderful if you can get free supervision from the agency where you work, but if you cannot, or if the agency supervisor is more focused on the needs of the agency than your personal growth, then it is worth it to pay for outside supervision.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [/hen-ui-accordion] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Frequently Asked Questions About Social Work Degrees[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]What does a social worker do​?[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Social workers help individuals, families, and communities solve problems or cope with issues that impede social functioning. Depending on your employer and work environment, your responsibilities can vary widely.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]For example, you may identify people and communities in need of help, assess clients’ needs and goals, or help clients through life changes. You could also research, refer, and advocate for community resources, monitor ongoing cases and update case files, and provide psychotherapy services.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Is social work a good career?[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]While working as a social worker can be stressful, it can also be personally fulfilling. You’ll have a chance to help others improve the quality of their lives, which is priceless. According to the BLS, as of May 2023, social workers’ median annual salaries ($58,380) are also higher than the national median annual salary ($48,060).[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Social work is also an in-demand career, which offers you job stability. The BLS projects social worker employment to grow at a faster-than-average rate of 7% from 2023-2033.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]How much do social workers get paid​?[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]How much you can make as a social worker depends on your company, position, location, and years of experience. According to BLS data from May 2023, the median hourly wage for social workers of $28.07 is higher than the national median hourly wage for all professions ($23.11).[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The top 10% of all social workers earned an average of $104,580, while the lowest-paid 10% earned $39,580. The states and territories with the highest average social worker salaries are New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Oklahoma, Washington, and Washington, D.C.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Do you need a degree to be a social worker​?[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Yes, you typically need a minimum of a bachelor’s degree from an accredited program to become a social worker. To become an LCSW, you’ll need to earn a master’s degree as well as a license from the state in which you intend to work.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Do social work degrees transfer to Europe?[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Most professional degrees are transferable to Europe, although you may need to get a new license. Whether your social work degree will be recognized or require additional education depends on the country. Each country has its own licensing requirements, and some countries don’t require a social work license.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]You can search for country-specific information on social work or speak with potential employers to understand licensure and degree requirements for your situation.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-section-header title=”Discover More College Resources” /] [hen-ui-article-row variant=”2-col” ids=”173,7916,1241″][/hen-ui-article-row]