3 answers
lyssa
Student
Toledo, Ohio
2
Questions
Asked
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How much can you get paid going into the social work field ?
What is everything you have to go through to get the job?
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3 answers
Chinyere Okafor
Educationist and Counseling Psychologist
549
Answers
Port Harcourt, Rivers, Nigeria
Updated
Chinyere’s Answer
Hello Lyssa,
The salary for social workers can vary significantly depending on the level of education, specialization, location, and type of employer. Here’s a general overview:
Average Salary by Type of Social Work:
- Entry-Level Social Worker (Bachelor's Degree, BSW):
- Annual salary: $35,000 - $50,000
- Master's-Level Social Worker (MSW):
- Annual salary: $45,000 - $65,000
- Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) (requires MSW + licensure):
- Annual salary: $55,000 - $80,000
- School Social Worker:
- Annual salary: $40,000 - $60,000
- Medical Social Worker:
- Annual salary: $50,000 - $70,000
- Child and Family Social Worker:
- Annual salary: $35,000 - $55,000
- Social Work Supervisor or Administrator:
- Annual salary: $70,000 - $100,000+
Social workers in metropolitan areas or high-demand fields (e.g., healthcare, mental health) often earn higher wages, and some government positions offer additional benefits or higher salaries.
Steps to Becoming a Social Worker:
1. Earn a Bachelor’s Degree (BSW):
- A BSW is typically the minimum requirement for entry-level social work positions.
- A BSW program usually takes 4 years and covers courses in human behavior, social welfare policy, and fieldwork experience.
2. Pursue a Master’s Degree (MSW):
- Many social work positions, especially in clinical settings, require a Master of Social Work (MSW).
- An MSW program typically takes 2 years after the bachelor’s degree.
- MSW programs often offer specializations like healthcare, mental health, or family services.
3. Fieldwork and Internship:
- Both BSW and MSW programs typically require practical fieldwork or internships where students gain hands-on experience under supervision.
4. Obtain State Licensure:
- Each state has its own licensure requirements, but clinical positions (e.g., Licensed Clinical Social Worker, LCSW) require licensure.
- Most states require passing an exam and accumulating supervised work hours to qualify for licensure.
5. Pursue Specialization or Certification:
- After licensure, social workers can pursue additional certifications or specializations in fields like substance abuse, healthcare, or school social work.
6. Continuing Education:
- Many states require ongoing education for social workers to maintain their licensure.
Remember: The path to becoming a social worker can be demanding, but it's also rewarding. If you're passionate about helping others and positively impacting your community, a career in social work might be a great fit.
Best wishes!
The salary for social workers can vary significantly depending on the level of education, specialization, location, and type of employer. Here’s a general overview:
Average Salary by Type of Social Work:
- Entry-Level Social Worker (Bachelor's Degree, BSW):
- Annual salary: $35,000 - $50,000
- Master's-Level Social Worker (MSW):
- Annual salary: $45,000 - $65,000
- Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) (requires MSW + licensure):
- Annual salary: $55,000 - $80,000
- School Social Worker:
- Annual salary: $40,000 - $60,000
- Medical Social Worker:
- Annual salary: $50,000 - $70,000
- Child and Family Social Worker:
- Annual salary: $35,000 - $55,000
- Social Work Supervisor or Administrator:
- Annual salary: $70,000 - $100,000+
Social workers in metropolitan areas or high-demand fields (e.g., healthcare, mental health) often earn higher wages, and some government positions offer additional benefits or higher salaries.
Steps to Becoming a Social Worker:
1. Earn a Bachelor’s Degree (BSW):
- A BSW is typically the minimum requirement for entry-level social work positions.
- A BSW program usually takes 4 years and covers courses in human behavior, social welfare policy, and fieldwork experience.
2. Pursue a Master’s Degree (MSW):
- Many social work positions, especially in clinical settings, require a Master of Social Work (MSW).
- An MSW program typically takes 2 years after the bachelor’s degree.
- MSW programs often offer specializations like healthcare, mental health, or family services.
3. Fieldwork and Internship:
- Both BSW and MSW programs typically require practical fieldwork or internships where students gain hands-on experience under supervision.
4. Obtain State Licensure:
- Each state has its own licensure requirements, but clinical positions (e.g., Licensed Clinical Social Worker, LCSW) require licensure.
- Most states require passing an exam and accumulating supervised work hours to qualify for licensure.
5. Pursue Specialization or Certification:
- After licensure, social workers can pursue additional certifications or specializations in fields like substance abuse, healthcare, or school social work.
6. Continuing Education:
- Many states require ongoing education for social workers to maintain their licensure.
Remember: The path to becoming a social worker can be demanding, but it's also rewarding. If you're passionate about helping others and positively impacting your community, a career in social work might be a great fit.
Best wishes!
Thank you so much, Chinyere!
lyssa
You are welcome!
Chinyere Okafor
Annah Edmonds
Licensed Clinical Counselor and Art Therapist
105
Answers
Seattle, Washington
Updated
Annah’s Answer
Iyssa, a social worker's salary will vary depending on several factors such as level of education (BA, MSW, PhD) and cost of living. Nonprofit and small organizations may offer a lower salary than a hospital or government setting. A position as a supervisor or other management job will be reflected in the salary. In Seattle where the cost of living is fairly high, salaries tend to reflect this. A social worker might make anywhere from 50,000- 80,000 and more for management. You might even break into six figures. It is definitely a job that requires passion for helping others with less of an emphasis on wealth. While I personally believe human service jobs (along with teaching) deserve to be paid much more than they do, for the time being you may have to settle for the average competitive wage. A large city is likely to offer a bigger salary than a rural area. However, this is not necessarily the case. You can also choose to work internationally as a social worker! There is a desperate need for licensed social workers in the UK and New Zealand. You can also consider joining Social Workers Beyond Borders and participate in international social justice work. There are tons of options, and you will be joining a workforce packed with the most caring and compassionate people on earth. Definitely good to evaluate your own values before entering such a profession. If you lean towards glitz and glamour, you will be better served doing something much different.
Thank you for the advice, Annah.
lyssa
Darya Tsitova
110
Answers
Grodno, Hrodna Region, Belarus
Updated
Darya’s Answer
Hi, Iyssa! A career in social work can be beneficial both personally and financially, but the specific payment and the necessary steps to apply for a job may vary depending on factors such as location, education and specialization.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the average annual salary of social workers was approximately $50,390.
Salaries may vary depending on the specialization:
Medical and social workers: The average annual salary is about $61,820.
Mental Health and Substance Abuse social workers: The average annual salary is about $49,260.
Social workers for children, family and schools: the average annual salary is about $49,300.
Salary may vary depending on the geographical location:
Wages can vary significantly depending on the state and the metropolitan area. Urban areas and states with higher cost of living often offer higher wages.
Salary may vary depending on the promotion:
Through experience, additional education (e.g. MSW) and additional certifications (e.g. LCSW), social workers can move into higher-paying positions such as clinical social work or administrative positions.
How to become a social worker
With a Bachelor's degree: A Bachelor's degree in Social Work (BSW) is the most direct path. Other degrees in psychology, sociology, or related fields may also be acceptable.
With a Master's degree: A Master's degree in Social Work (MSW) is required for clinical positions and the most advanced positions. MSW programs are usually designed for 2 years and include a clinical component such as internships.
It is very important to gain practical experience through internships, volunteering, or holding entry-level positions. This not only strengthens knowledge, but also helps to establish contacts in this field.
Many states require social workers to take advanced training courses in order to obtain a license. This ensures that specialists will be aware of the latest practices and regulations in this area.
I really hope that I helped you a little! Good luck! With love, Darya
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the average annual salary of social workers was approximately $50,390.
Salaries may vary depending on the specialization:
Medical and social workers: The average annual salary is about $61,820.
Mental Health and Substance Abuse social workers: The average annual salary is about $49,260.
Social workers for children, family and schools: the average annual salary is about $49,300.
Salary may vary depending on the geographical location:
Wages can vary significantly depending on the state and the metropolitan area. Urban areas and states with higher cost of living often offer higher wages.
Salary may vary depending on the promotion:
Through experience, additional education (e.g. MSW) and additional certifications (e.g. LCSW), social workers can move into higher-paying positions such as clinical social work or administrative positions.
How to become a social worker
With a Bachelor's degree: A Bachelor's degree in Social Work (BSW) is the most direct path. Other degrees in psychology, sociology, or related fields may also be acceptable.
With a Master's degree: A Master's degree in Social Work (MSW) is required for clinical positions and the most advanced positions. MSW programs are usually designed for 2 years and include a clinical component such as internships.
It is very important to gain practical experience through internships, volunteering, or holding entry-level positions. This not only strengthens knowledge, but also helps to establish contacts in this field.
Many states require social workers to take advanced training courses in order to obtain a license. This ensures that specialists will be aware of the latest practices and regulations in this area.
I really hope that I helped you a little! Good luck! With love, Darya
Thank you for the advice, Darya.
lyssa