What Jobs Can You Get With a Social Work Degree?

If you’re passionate about helping others and considering a degree that suits your interests, you might wonder what jobs you can get with a social work degree. Fortunately, this field has a wide range of career opportunities, allowing graduates at all education levels to work in various settings and positively impact individuals and communities. From mental health to child welfare to criminal justice, social workers play a crucial role in addressing social issues and supporting those in need.

With a Bachelor in Social Work (BSW) Degree

A bachelor’s degree in social work is generally required even for entry-level positions. Those with a bachelor’s degree cannot practice clinically but are eligible for support and administrative roles and may work for community organizations.

Behavioral management or case management aides

Students with bachelor’s degrees can begin careers as behavioral management or case management aides. Those in this role help determine what support services and resources would be most beneficial for their clients and work with social workers and other professionals to develop and execute treatment plans. Both occupations earn a median salary of $41,410 and are expected to grow 8 percent through 2033.

Probation officer

Probation officers work with individuals placed on probation by the court system. Their duties may include:

• Supervising probationers
• Monitoring compliance with court-ordered conditions
• Conducting drug tests
• Providing referrals to social services programs

Probation officers may work in various settings, including probation offices, courthouses, and correctional facilities. Some may travel short distances to meet probationers in their homes or workplaces.

The median annual wage for probation officers is $61,800. The field is expected to show average employment growth through 2033; however, about 7,400 job openings are projected annually over the next decade.

With a Master in Social Work (MSW) Degree

Earning a graduate degree in social work opens up more opportunities in the field, including clinical practice roles.

Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)

Students who wish to work individually with clients or patients might pursue careers as child and family social workers or licensed clinical social workers. Social workers in this field assess mental health disorders, diagnose them, and develop treatment plans based on their findings. They may also provide therapy to individuals and families to address mental health disorders and related issues.

Both of these occupations require a master’s degree and have a median salary of $58,380. The field is expected to grow 7 percent through 2033.

Healthcare social worker

Students who graduate with their master’s degree can obtain positions as medical or healthcare social workers. Depending on their place of work, medical and healthcare social workers have an average annual salary of $67,430. In addition, the demand for social workers in this field is expected to increase by 7 percent by 2033.

School social worker

Aspiring social workers who wish to pursue a career in education will need at least a master’s degree to enter the field. These graduates often seek careers as school social workers. As of May 2023, the median salary for a school social worker was $58,380. The demand for school social workers is expected to increase significantly within the next decade, with a projected 7 percent growth by 2033.

Doctorate in Social Work

A doctorate is the terminal degree for the social work field. Those who complete their doctorate may be eligible for teaching or senior management positions.

Professor or post-secondary teacher

Graduate students pursuing their doctorate in social work may eventually work in education as professors or post-secondary teachers. The median salary for these instructors was $84,380 in 2023, and the field is expected to grow by 8 percent within the next decade.

Psychologist

Those who earn a doctorate in social work often pursue roles as psychologists. Psychologists who work as a part of a healthcare team earn a median salary of $92,740. The field is expected to grow 7 percent within the decade.

Other Career Opportunities

In addition to social work jobs, a social work degree can also help you obtain employment in other community and social service occupations.

Health education specialist

Health education specialists promote healthy behaviors and prevent illness through education programs and campaigns. Individuals in this field develop health education materials, organize and lead workshops and classes, and evaluate the effectiveness of health education programs.

Health education specialists often work in hospitals, government agencies, schools, nonprofit organizations, and community health centers. Some may work in office settings, while others may work in the field or travel to different locations to conduct workshops or meetings.

The median annual wage for health education specialists is $63,860. The job outlook is positive, with a projected 7 percent growth from 2023 to 2033.

School counselor

School counselors are essential in supporting student success and well-being at the elementary, middle, and high school levels and in college or university settings. School counselors offer academic guidance, provide emotional and mental health support, and help students navigate college applications. They may work in private or public schools and often collaborate with teachers, administrators, and parents to foster student development.

The median salary for school counselors is $61,710. The job outlook for school counselors is positive, with a projected 4 percent growth from 2023 to 2033.

Substance abuse, behavioral disorder, or mental health counselor

Substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors help individuals struggling with addiction, mental health disorders, or behavioral issues overcome their challenges and improve their quality of life. Their duties may include:

• Conducting assessments
• Creating treatment plans
• Providing individual or group therapy
• Offering crisis intervention and support

They may work in outpatient clinics, residential treatment centers, hospitals, and private practices.

The median salary for substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors was $53,710 in 2023. Demand for counselors in this field is expected to grow 19 percent by 2033, making this field one of the fastest-growing occupations in the nation.

Which Social Work Job Is Right for You?

There are many career opportunities in social work, but deciding which career path is right for you can be challenging. Some key factors to consider when choosing a social work job include:

• Your interests. Social work, as a field, contains many areas. Consider which areas you’re most passionate about — healthcare, mental health, child welfare, criminal justice, or community development.
• Required education level. Consider the education and experience levels required to obtain a social work job that aligns with your skills and knowledge. Some social work positions require specific certifications, degrees, or licenses.

• Work environment. Think about the work environment you prefer. Do you want to work in a hospital, school, government agency, or community-based organization? Consider the size of your desired organization, the work schedule, and the culture.

• Desired pay. Compensation and benefits are essential to assess whether your future career can provide your desired lifestyle. Be sure to research salaries and benefits for different social work positions to ensure you are making a sound financial decision.

• Professional growth opportunities: In addition to the education requirements, work environment, and salary expectations, it’s important to consider the professional growth opportunities available in each career path. Are there opportunities for mentorship, career advancement, or continuing education?

Frequently Asked Questions About Earning a Social Work Degree