Careers in Social Work

Written By: Jennifer King Logan

Published: 4/14/2022

Social workers can be found in many work environments, from nonprofit organizations to hospitals to schools and beyond. It's an appealing career choice for individuals who want to help people and see their communities thrive. An added bonus is that professionals can choose an area of specialization so they can focus on the work and populations that matter most to them. Learn more about social work jobs, educational requirements, salary expectations, skills, and other considerations.

What Do Social Workers Do?

Generally speaking, social workers help individuals, families, and groups gain access to the services and support programs they need to address problems they may be experiencing. For example, a social worker might help an ailing veteran get healthcare or assist a low-income family in locating financial resources. Clinical social workers are trained to diagnose and treat mental illness or emotional and behavioral problems, and some social workers address broader systemic issues within a community.

Become a Social Worker

Becoming a social worker begins with a college degree from a program accredited by the Council on Social Work Education. Students who earn a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) are qualified for a range of entry-level nonclinical positions. With a Master of Social Work (MSW), graduates may become clinical social workers who assess, diagnose, and counsel clients with behavioral or mental health issues. All BSW and MSW programs require students to fulfill a certain number of hours of supervised clinical experience, known as fieldwork.

In most states, graduates must obtain a license to practice once they have completed a number of years of supervised work. The criteria for earning state licensure varies by state, but usually involves a passing score on a comprehensive exam in addition to educational and experiential requirements.

Skills Needed for Social Work Careers

The role of a social worker is complex and multifaceted, requiring a number of skills and abilities. Some of the most important include:

• Compassion — an understanding and acceptance of clients' life choices, situations, and behaviors 
• Communication — active listening and speaking clearly and persuasively
• Interpersonal — the ability to pick up on nonverbal cues as well as build relationships
• Organizational — documenting information, keeping accurate records, and using basic technology, such as computers
• Reasoning — problem-solving and critical-thinking

Career Opportunities and Job Outlook

Social workers make up a fairly substantial portion of the overall workforce. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), there are currently more than 715,000 social work jobs in the U.S. Not surprisingly, some of the most populous states — California, Texas, New York, Florida, Massachusetts — employ the most social workers. Across all states, the largest employers in order are: individual and family services, local government (excluding education and hospitals), ambulatory healthcare services, and state government (excluding education and hospitals).

Perhaps more important, the need for social workers is projected to grow by 12% through 2030. This is supported by industry data from March 2022, which showed more than 370,000 job openings.

In terms of annual salaries, social workers were earning a median of $51,760 as of May 2020, while counselors and community service specialists were earning a median of $47,500. Salaries may vary, however, depending on the type of employer.

Types of Social Work Practice

To help explain the different roles social workers might perform, the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) has developed three categories of social work practice, although they sometimes overlap. Micro practice usually applies to licensed clinical social workers (LCSWs) who help clients understand their emotions and behaviors while teaching coping skills. At the mezzo practice level, LCSWs typically work with groups, such as families, faith communities, and schools by helping them understand and resolve issues, but they may bring in other resources. Social workers involved in macro practice work on behalf of at-risk populations, usually serving as a representative and advocate for a larger group.

Careers in Social Work by Specialty

Social work professionals can choose to work in a number of different settings with diverse populations. To begin preparing for one of these specific career paths, social work students often start thinking about potential specializations while still in school. After graduating, many pursue certification in their core area from the NASW or other professional organizations. The following table introduces 12 of the most common types or specialties of social work.

Career Advancement

Graduates who've earned accredited bachelor's degrees in social work may need to acquire several years of work experience and possibly earn an advanced degree to move ahead. For example, social workers who hold a master's degree in social work may be able to earn more by providing clinical counseling services. An MSW also paves the way to go into private practice as a counselor or therapist. Some professionals may also want to consider earning a doctorate or PhD in social work so they can assume high-level, higher paying roles in social services administration or academia.

Another possibility for career advancement is certification. Earning certification demonstrates your level of commitment to professional growth, and although it is not necessarily required for most social work positions, it may open the door to better job opportunities. The NASW offers certification for both BSW and MSW holders in a range of specialties, including education, gerontology, healthcare, and military clients.

Occupational Considerations

Before deciding on a career in social work, it's important to look at this occupation from all angles. In an ongoing survey conducted by Career Explorer, social worker respondents rate their career satisfaction at a 2.9 out of 5. The following are some potential drawbacks that may explain some professionals' criticism:

• As personally fulfilling as this career can be, social workers may not see a significant financial reward given the high cost of earning a college degree. Clinical social workers, in particular, may be challenged to recoup their investment because they need to earn an MSW to practice. The average cost of all master's degrees is $66,340, but the median annual wage for social workers was $51,760 as of May 2020.
• Social workers typically work long hours, including weekends and holidays, and they are often on call. Much of their work day is spent traveling to visit clients at various locations around their community.
• The BLS notes that there are several additional sources of stress in the workplace. Social workers are sometimes required to deal with difficult situations or challenging clients, which may explain why they have one of the highest rates of injuries and illness of all occupations. Also, some organizations are short-staffed, so social workers may face heavy workloads.

Alternative Career Paths for Social Workers

Social work is not the only career path available for those who want to help people within their communities. The BLS lists several related occupations.