Social Worker Salary

Social worker salary varies in the United States. Per the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for social workers in 2023 was $58,380 . But a few things play a role in what a social worker makes. Among them are cost of living, location, niche, and level of education.

How Much Does a Social Worker Make?

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics indicates healthcare social workers earned a median of $67,430 in 2023. However, there are various types of social work jobs, and each area may earn a different amount. Values also differ based on location. Some examples include:

• Local government (excluding education and hospitals) offers an annual mean wage of $64,550.
• Those employed in educational services—across state, local, and private sectors—earn an average of $62,980 per year.
• Individuals working in individual and family services receive an annual mean wage of $48,550.
• Meanwhile, employees in community food and housing programs, emergency relief services, and vocational rehabilitation services earn an average of $46,650 annually.

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Potential Salary for Social Workers

Healthcare Social Workers

Health care and medical social workers may help people adjust to disease or illness. Many work in palliative care facilities or hospices. They might arrange this type of care, for home health aides, or with lifestyle. As a result, these pros tend to team up with doctors and other health care professionals. The median annual medical social worker salary is $67,430 per the BLS.

Child and Family Social Workers

When working with children and families, social workers often intervene or advocate for the needy. So, some of the areas they deal with are neglect and abuse. Some also work in adoption, welfare and foster care. The median annual clinical social worker salary is $59,190 per the BLS.

Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers

Those working in mental health and substance abuse help with addictions. They may run 12 step programs and support groups. Some are also licensed clinical social workers (LCSW) and might diagnose and treat too. The median annual mental health social worker salary is $63,870, per the BLS.

Clinical Social Workers

Clinical social workers (LCSW or CSW) typically have a master’s degree and license. The license could allow them to diagnose and treat problems. Mental, behavioral and emotional. In this role, they may help a client improve their habits or thinking. A licensed clinical social worker earns a median annual salary of $58,380, per the BLS.

School Social Workers

School social workers may interact with parents, school admin and teachers. Their role is to help students learn and succeed. But some of the issues they have to help with include bullying, delinquency and violence. The median annual school social worker salary is $59,190, per the BLS.

Community Service Managers

Community service managers may run programs that help the public. They tend to work with one group and type of program. This might gear to the homeless, veterans, foster kids or elderly. Apart from a bachelor’s degree in social work, one may need a master’s degree for some roles (BLS).

Human Services Assistants

With a BSW, one may find jobs as case workers or human services assistants. These are direct service roles. So they may entail keeping records and files intact. Depending on the role, they may make visits to clients and report back to their supervisor.

LGBT Social Worker

Social workers who focus on the LGTB community ensure wellness, safety, and equity for all persons. Many serve as advocates who strive to impact policies that are more inclusive. The median annual master’s social work salary is $63,770, per the BLS.

Social Workers vs. Social and Community Service Managers Social Workers earned a median annual salary of $58,380 in 2023 (BLS), whereas Social and Community Service Managers earned $77,030 in 2023 (BLS).

Is a Degree in Social worker worth it?

Per the BLS, the future may be bright. They predict an avg. of 7%  more jobs by 2033. That said, job growth in all social work jobs does vary. Clinical social workers have the brightest prospects. Those who work in health care should see a 10% climb in jobs. While those working with mental health and substance abuse, 12% growth. In addition for child, family and school social workers 5%.

That said, salaries range across the United States. States with higher salaries per the BLS May 2023 data:

Yet the states with the highest number of jobs differ. These are:

If you want to join the workforce as a social worker, many schools offer Master of Social Work (MSW) Degrees. Learn how this accessible format may provide a gateway to a rewarding job.

If you want to pursue a career in the workforce as a social worker, many schools offer Online Master of Social Work degree programs. Learn how this accessible format may provide a gateway toward pursing a  new career.

Learn more about Social Work with the following topics here on GradSchools.com:

• How to Become a Licensed Social Worker
• Evolution of Social Work