Social work is a meaningful career, but how much does a social worker make? The answer depends on your specialization, where you live, and your level of education and experience.
As a social worker, you may have the opportunity to work in a government agency, school, or hospital with an impressive salary and other benefits. On the other hand, you might work for a small nonprofit that offers rewarding work but lower wages.
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Before you begin building a career in this field, it’s helpful to know the average income of a social worker.
How Much Does a Social Worker Make?
Social workers are advocates and counselors for clients who are going through difficult circumstances, such as recovering from substance abuse, losing a loved one, or facing unemployment.
According to O*Net Online, some social workers serve general populations, while others focus on certain groups, such as children, elderly people, or terminally ill patients. Many professionals enter this field because they want to help people, but do social workers make good money?
Data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics shows that the median social worker salary is $55,350. You may earn significantly more or less than the average salary of a social worker based on a variety of factors, including your specialization and academic background.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports these median annual earnings for different types of social workers:
- Healthcare social workers — $60,280
- Mental health and substance abuse social workers — $51,240
- Child, family, and school social workers — $50,820
The type of employer you work for has a similar impact on your potential pay. For instance, social workers who work for the state government earn median wages of $52,640, whereas the median wage is $66,300 for those employed by hospitals (Bureau of Labor Statistics).
Geographic location can also affect how much money you make. Social workers in urban areas may have higher salaries than those in rural places, and data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics shows that California is the highest paying state for healthcare social workers.
Your experience and licensure have a part to play in determining what you earn as well. According to the National Association of Social Workers (NASW), licensed clinical social workers usually have more rigorous licensure requirements. They also tend to have higher salaries.
Keep in mind that your entry-level salary as a social worker is only a starting point. You may have opportunities to negotiate better pay as you gain experience, complete additional degrees, participate in professional development, and build relationships with clients.
Earning Potential Based on Educational Attainment in Social Work
Progressing through academic programs often opens doors to new, better-paying job opportunities for social workers. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, these are the median annual salaries for positions that are popular for graduates with social work degrees.
Bachelor’s in Social Work (BSW) Salary
A bachelor’s degree in social work is usually the minimum requirement for social work positions, and it’s also useful for other careers in the social services field. After graduating, you may be a fitting candidate for one of these roles.
| Careers | Annual Median Salaries |
| Health Education Specialists | $59,990 |
| Probation Officers and Correctional Treatment Specialists | $59,860 |
| Social Workers | $55,350 |
| Social and Human Service Assistants | $38,520 |
| Psychiatric Technicians and Aides | $37,330 |
Some of these positions require additional on-the-job training or certifications.
Master’s in Social Work (MSW) Salary
Obtaining a masters degree in social work builds a strong foundation for more complex client-facing roles, particularly if you plan to work in healthcare or medical social work. It may also help you qualify for one of these career paths.
| Careers | Annual Median Salaries |
| Healthcare Social Workers | $60,280 |
| School and Career Counselors and Advisors | $60,140 |
| Marriage and Family Therapists | $56,570 |
| Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers | $51,240 |
| Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors | $49,710 |
Counselors and therapists often work for hospitals, community services organizations, mental health facilities, and rehabilitation centers. They have many of the same responsibilities as social workers, including helping develop coping skills and accessing support resources.
Doctorate in Social Work (DSW) Salary
A social work doctorate is beneficial if you want to focus on research, academics, or management. During a PhD program, you’ll learn about the theories and principles of social work in much greater detail, and you’ll practice using research methods to conduct studies and analyze evidence.
The knowledge you gain from a doctoral program may serve you well in one of these positions.
| Careers | Annual Median Salaries |
| Medical and Health Services Managers | $104,830 |
| Postsecondary Education Administrators | $99,940 |
| Social and Community Service Managers | $74,240 |
| Postsecondary Social Work Teachers | $66,510 |
| Survey Researchers | $60,410 |
After graduating with a doctorate in social work, you might also write articles for academic journals.
Is social work a good career? While the answer varies, educational attainment in social work plays a crucial role in shaping earning potential without guaranteeing specific outcomes.
Tips for Prospective Social Workers
As you consider a career in social work, it’s beneficial to focus on both your professional development and the practical aspects of the field. Here are some key tips to guide you on how to become a social worker:
- Pursue accredited education. Programs accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) provide the essential theoretical and ethical framework you need for effective practice.
- Value internship experiences. Internships are crucial. They offer hands-on experience in real-world settings, helping you apply classroom knowledge practically. The National Association of Social Workers (NASW) recognizes internships as vital for gaining practical experience and building professional competencies.
- Engage in networking. You can build your professional network through conferences, professional organizations like NASW, and connections with experienced social workers. The Bureau of Labor Statistics notes that networking is key to uncovering job opportunities and advancing in your career.
Remember, each step you take in your education, practical training, and professional networking lays the groundwork for an effective career in social work. These elements not only enhance your skill set but also deepen your understanding and commitment to this vital field.
What Is Social Work?
Social work is focused on helping people, especially vulnerable groups, overcome challenges and meet their essential needs.
Professionals in social work look at the relationships between people and their environments and find ways to improve their well-being. Social workers play an integral role in communities because they connect individuals to the resources that they need to improve their circumstances.
Many social workers provide counseling services to their clients. They may also do research and advocate for policy changes to create a more just society.
What Are the Highest Paying Social Work Jobs?
The social work field can be financially beneficial, particularly if you follow certain career paths. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, these are the median annual salaries for some of the best paying social work positions:
- Medical and health services managers — $104,830
- Speech-language pathologists — $84,140
- Social and community service managers — $74,240
- Postsecondary social work teachers — $66,510
- Healthcare social workers — $60,280
Although these positions typically pay competitive salaries, your work experience, employer, and location will determine exactly how much you can earn.
Are Social Workers in Demand?
Organizations across multiple sectors are looking for skilled and experienced social work professionals. The Bureau of Labor Statistics indicates that the social worker job outlook for these roles is especially strong.
| Careers | Projected Job Growth Rate |
| Medical and Health Services Managers | 28% |
| Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors | 18% |
| Marriage and Family Therapists | 15% |
| Social and Community Service Managers | 9% |
| Social Workers | 7% |
These growth rates are all significantly faster than the average rate for all occupations, which is 3%.
Where Do Social Workers Work?
Social workers find employment in a variety of industries. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that social workers in these areas will experience faster-than-average growth over the next ten years.
| Industries | Projected Job Growth Rate |
| Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers | 11% |
| Healthcare Social Workers | 10% |
| Child, Family, and School Social Workers | 5% |
According to the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE), healthcare social workers often work in hospitals and community clinics. Meanwhile, mental health and substance abuse social workers may serve patients in treatment facilities.
Child, family, and school social workers are often employed in schools, government offices, or private practices.
How Much Do Social Workers Make?
Although social work isn’t known as being the most lucrative career field, it’s possible to find a social work job with a healthy salary that’s also personally and professionally rewarding.
As an entry-level employee, you can expect to receive lower pay than more experienced social workers. Over time, you may have the opportunity to take on more responsibilities or advance into a higher paying specialization.
Answering the question “How much do social workers make?” is only the first step toward your future career. You can begin your educational journey today by researching accredited universities with on campus or online social work degree programs.
