Careers in Social Work Industries and Salaries

Careers in Social Work: Industries and Salaries

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Industries and Salaries

According to the U.S. Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics (2020), the median annual wage for social workers was $50,470 in 2019. The lowest 10% earned less than $31,790, and the highest 10% earned more than $82,540. In social work, the pay varies depending on where you work. For example, salaries for BSW-degreed social workers may start lower at nonprofit agencies than at government-funded child welfare agencies.

In order of annual median wages from high to low, these industries employ the most social workers:

1. Federal executive branch
2. General, medical, and surgical hospitals
3. Local government
4. State government
5. Individual and family services

The overall employment of social workers is projected to grow 11% from 2018 to 2028, much faster than the average for all occupations (see Figure 1.2). Increased demand for health care and social services will drive demand for social workers, but growth will vary by specialization.

Employment of child, family, and school social workers is projected to grow 12% from 2019 to 2029 (see Table 1.4), faster than the average for all occupations. Child and family social workers will be needed to work with families to strengthen parenting skills, prevent child abuse, and identify alternative homes for children who are unable to live with their biological families. In schools, more social workers will be needed as student enrollments rise. However, employment growth of child, family, and school social workers may be limited by federal, state, and local budget constraints.

Employment of health care social workers is projected to grow 14% from 2019 to 2029, much faster than the average for all occupations. Health care social workers will continue to be needed to help aging populations and their families adjust to new treatments, medications, and lifestyles. 

Employment of mental health and substance abuse social workers is projected to grow 17% from 2019 to 2029, much faster than the average for all occupations. Employment will grow as more people seek treatment for mental illness and substance abuse. In addition, drug offenders are increasingly being sent to treatment programs, which are staffed by these social workers, rather than being sent to jail.

Exercises 

On the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics website (www.bls.gov/home.htm), find the range of salaries for social workers in your local area or state. Compare salaries across practice settings, such as aging, child welfare, corrections, health, mental health, and school social work. Then compare the salaries for entry-level BSWs and advanced-practice MSWs (BSW salaries: http://www1.salary.com/Social-Worker-BSW-Salary.html).

Learn more about Introduction to Social Work, Third Edition: