Online MSW Programs / Frequently Asked Questions About Online MSW Programs / FAQ: What are the highest-paying social work jobs?
Social workers help others overcome their hardships and improve their lives. Social work can be challenging, but it also can be a dream job if you’re driven to help people. It’s a real way to make a difference. But how much can you earn?
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual pay for social workers in 2022 was $55,350—actual salaries may vary and depend on your specialty, location and employer.
Learn more about how much different kinds of social workers earn.
What Does a Social Worker Do?
Social workers help people work through challenging situations in their lives. They work in different environments including human service agencies, schools, hospitals and mental health clinics. Social workers are trained to do what’s best for the client while working a case, including:
- Helping people apply for food stamps.
- Finding shelter for those experiencing homelessness.
- Seeking counseling and related services for people affected by domestic violence.
- Counseling hospital patients who have chronic or acute illnesses.
- Helping students who have special challenges at school.
- Assisting social services in applying for grants.
Social workers are often the primary connections between people with a need and the government agencies or local services that offer help. Social workers usually are considered advocates for their clients.
The job description for a social worker might include:
- Interviewing clients to assess their needs.
- Deciding what actions are appropriate.
- Obtaining and organizing necessary assistance.
- Helping clients set goals.
- Monitoring and documenting the client’s situation over time.
- Understanding and complying with federal, state and local rules and guidelines.
- Maintaining client confidentiality.
- Helping clients apply for grants or other funds.
- Compiling data into reports for analysis.
Many social workers are employed by nonprofit agencies. Some work primarily in an office, while others are out in the field. An example would be a social worker who makes home visits as a child or family services worker.
How Do I Become a Social Worker?
Earning a bachelor’s degree from an accredited school is the first step to becoming a social worker. Some people pursue a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW), in which they focus on such topics as human behavior, cultural diversity and social welfare policy. While some employers may prefer candidates with a psychology or sociology degree, others have flexible education requirements and will consider individuals with a bachelor’s degree in another discipline for entry-level social work jobs such as behavioral management aides, case managers and court liaisons.
A master’s degree (MSW) is required for clinical social workers. In addition, aspiring clinical social workers must complete post-master’s work in a supervised clinical situation and obtain a state license. An MSW program typically takes about two years.
Social workers must pass an examination from the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) (PDF, 808 KB), which is offered in five categories (though not all categories are available in every jurisdiction): associate, bachelor’s, master’s, advanced generalist and clinical. Licensure requirements, including hours of supervised training in clinical practice, can vary by state.
| University | Study Length | Enrollment Type | Field Placement Support |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Denver info SPONSORED | As few as 12 months | Full-Time and Part-Time | Support Available |
| Fordham University info SPONSORED | As few as 16 months | Full-Time and Part-Time | Support Available |
| Simmons University info SPONSORED | As few as 9 months | Accelerated Full-Time Part-Time | Support Available |
| Howard University info SPONSORED | As few as 12 months | Full-Time and Part-Time | Support Available |
| Syracuse University info SPONSORED | As few as 24 months | Full-Time and Part-Time | Support Available |
| Case Western Reserve University info SPONSORED | As few as a year and a half | Full-Time and Part-Time | Support Available |
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How Much Do Different Kinds of Social Workers Earn?
The $55,350 median salary reported by the BLS is part of an overview of social workers employed in a range of settings from child welfare and human services agencies to health care providers and schools. Many of them work full time with some having to work evenings, weekends and holidays.
The median figure refers to the wage at the middle of all salaries in an occupation. Half of social workers are paid more, with the highest 10 percent of earners making more than $87,300, and half are paid less, with the lowest 10 percent earning less than $36,600.
While social workers may perform similar tasks, their salaries can vary by field of practice. According to 2022 data from the BLS:
- Mental health and substance-abuse social workers had a median salary of $51,240.
- Child, family and school social workers had a median salary of $50,820.
- Health care social workers had a median salary of $60,280.
- All other social workers (some are in private practice) had a median salary of $61,420.
Here are other industries that employ social workers, along with their median salaries:
- Social workers in local government, excluding education and hospitals, earned a median salary of $62,390.
- Social workers in state government, excluding education and hospitals, earned a median salary of $52,640.
- Social workers in individual and family services earned a median salary of $46,670.
- Social workers in ambulatory health care services earned a median salary of $58,690.
- Social workers in state, local and private hospitals earned a median salary of $58,690.
The BLS further breaks down social work mean, or average, salaries within health care, child/family/school, community/social service, mental health/substance abuse and human services workers:
Health care social workers, mean wage estimates in 2022
- Community food/housing, emergency and other relief services: $46,870
- Individual and family services: $51,660
- Skilled nursing care facilities: $56,010
- Psychiatric and substance abuse hospitals: $59,270
- Outpatient care centers: $66,850
- Home health care services: $67,160
- Other ambulatory health care services: $69,500
- General medical and surgical hospitals: $72,980
- Specialty hospitals (except psychiatric and substance abuse hospitals): $73,640
- Scientific research and development services: $78,270
Child, family and school social workers, mean wage estimates in 2022:
- Community food/housing, emergency and other relief services: $44,010
- Residential care facilities: $44,660
- Social advocacy organizations: $47,920
- Individual and family services: $48,720
- State government, excluding schools and hospitals: $54,710
- Local government, excluding schools and hospitals: $65,380
- Elementary and secondary schools: $67,990
Community and social services workers, median wage in 2022:
- Social and human services assistants: $38,520
- Rehabilitation counselors: $39,990
- Substance abuse, behavioral disorder and mental health counselors: $49,710
- Health education specialists: $59,990
- Marriage and family therapists: $56,570
- Probation officers and correctional treatment specialists: $59,860
- School and career counselors: $60,140
Mental health and substance abuse social workers, mean wage estimates in 2022:
- Community food/housing, emergency and relief services: $44,760
- Residential mental health and substance-abuse facilities: $46,260
- Individual and family services: $53,510
- Outpatient care centers: $58,670
- Psychiatric and substance-abuse hospitals: $62,320
- Local government, excluding schools and hospitals: $65,710
- Health practitioner offices: $75,780
- Insurance-related roles and activities: $79,490
- Other ambulatory services: $84,130
- Home health care services: $88,710
Social and human services assistants, mean wage estimates in 2022:
- Residential mental health and substance abuse facilities: $35,880
- Other residential care facilities: $36,210
- Community food/housing, emergency and other relief services: $37,740
- Individual and family services: $40,120
- State government, excluding schools and hospitals: $44,370
- Local government, excluding schools and hospitals: $48,740
- Grant-making and giving services: $52,870
- Insurance carriers: $56,320
What Is the Career Outlook for Social Worker Jobs?
According to the BLS, employment in social work occupations is expected to grow 7% from 2022 to 2032, faster than average for all other jobs. For social workers in the health care industry, the projected growth is 10%; for those in the mental health/substance-abuse arena, the projected growth is 11%.
Here are projections for social work occupations, including additional jobs and the average percentage change:
| Occupation | New jobs 2022–2032 | Percent increase |
|---|---|---|
All social workers | 53,800 | 7% |
Child, family and school | 18,900 | 5% |
Health care | 18,400 | 10% |
Mental health/substance abuse | 12,000 | 11% |
Others | 4,500 | 7% |
Learn More About a Career in Social Work
The career of a social worker can be fulfilling, challenging and ever-changing. If you’re employed as a social worker and are seeking higher income or contemplating a career transition, consider the various work settings available to social workers and your desired salary.
Sponsored Online Social Work Degrees – Accredited by the CSWE
University of Denver
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Graduate School of Social Work
Master of Social Work (MSW)
Denver, Colorado
Description:
The Online MSW Program: MSW@Denver delivered by the University of Denver’s (DU) top-ranked school of social work offers customizable pathway options including Mental Health and Trauma, preparing students to work with diverse populations impacted by oppression. All classes are taught by DU faculty and are limited to approximately 15 students. As members of the University’s academic community, students work closely with faculty who have a range of community experiences and research interests, from social and economic justice to multicultural communities.
Enrollment Type: Full-Time and Part-Time
Length of Program: As few as 12 months
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- Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution to be considered for admission
- Minimum undergraduate GPA is a cumulative 2.5 on a 4.0 scale or a 2.5 on a 4.0 scale for the last 60 semester credits or 90 quarter credits (approximately two years of work) for the baccalaureate degree
- Official transcripts
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Fordham University
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Graduate School of Social Service
Master of Social Work (MSW)
New York, New York
Description:
OnlineMSW@Fordham is the online Master of Social Work program from the top-ranked Fordham University Graduate School of Social Service. Designed for aspiring practitioners who want to help individuals and communities thrive, the program offers an integrated, future-focused curriculum with four inter-professional competency areas: Individuals and Families, Organizations and Community, Evaluation, and Policy Practice and Advocacy.
Enrollment Type: Full-Time and Part-Time
Length of Program: As few as 16 months
Credits: 33-66
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Individual and Families, Organizations and Community Practice, Evaluation, Policy Practice and Advocacy
Admission Requirements:
- Essay
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Simmons University
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Simmons School of Social Work (SSW)
Master of Social Work (MSW)
Boston, Massachusetts
Description:
Aspiring clinical social workers can earn their Master of Social Work degree online from Simmons University in as few as 9 months. The program prepares students to pursue employment in direct practice settings nationwide. Students may choose from three certificates: Trauma Practice, Mental Health Practice, or Clinical Practice with Active Service Members, Veterans, and Families.
Enrollment Type: Accelerated
Length of Program: As few as 9 months
Credits: 37-65
Concentrations:
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- Clinical Practice with Active Service Members, Veterans, and Families
Admission Requirements:
- Resume
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Howard University
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School of Social Work
Master of Social Work (MSW)
Washington, D.C.
Description:
Earn your Master of Social Work (MSW) online from the Howard University School of Social. Choose the Traditional MSW track, designed for students who are new to the field of social work; or the Advanced Standing MSW track, designed for students who hold a Bachelor of Social Work. Community, Administration and Policy (CAP) and Direct Practice concentrations are available.
Enrollment Type: Full-Time and Part-Time
Length of Program: As few as 12 months
Credits: 45+
Concentrations:
Direct Practice, Community, Administration and Policy (CAP) Practice
Admission Requirements:
- Three (3) letters of recommendation
- College transcripts
- A personal statement
- An application essay
- A resume
For advanced standing applicants:
- Bachelor of Social Work from a CSWE-accredited institution, award within four years of first term start date
- Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 in all social work foundation and undergraduate coursework
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Syracuse University
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School of Social Work at Falk College
Master of Social Work (MSW)
Syracuse, New York
Description:
Syracuse University’s CSWE-accredited online Master of Social Work program is preparing the next generation of social work leaders through an emphasis on digital innovation and social justice. No GRE scores are required to apply, and the program offers Traditional and Advanced Standing tracks.
Enrollment Type: Full-Time and Part-Time
Length of Program: As few as 24 months
Credits: 36-60
Concentrations:
Advanced Integrated Practice, Advanced Clinical Practice
Admission Requirements:
- Minimum 3.0 GPA is preferred
- Transcripts
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- Essays
- Prerequisite coursework
- Letters of recommendation
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Case Western Reserve University
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The Jack, Joseph and Morton Mandel School of Applied Social Sciences
Master of Social Work (MSW)
Cleveland, Ohio
Description:
Lead lasting change in your community. With no GRE required, you can earn a CSWE-accredited Master of Social Work online through Case Western Reserve University’s top-10 ranked school of social work1 and prepare to pursue licensure. The online program curriculum offers three paths of study: Children, Youth and Families; Community Practice for Social Change; and Mental Health with Adults.
1U.S. News and World Report, Case Western Reserve University’s Graduate School Rankings, ranked in 2022
Enrollment Type: Full-Time and Part-Time
Length of Program: As few as a year and a half
Credits: 39-60
Concentrations:
Children, Youth, and Families, Mental Health with Adults, Community Practice for Social Change
Admission Requirements:
- A current resume/CV highlighting paid and volunteer work experience
- Transcripts from all previously attended institutions
- Three letters of recommendation
- A two-part essay
- Essay detailing your previous field education experience (requirement varies depending on your intended program track)
info SPONSORED
More FAQs about Online MSW Programs
- FAQ: Are there any online MSW programs for non-BSW students?
- FAQ: Are there any online MSW programs that do not require the GRE?
- FAQ: Are there any online MSW programs with a trauma concentration?
- FAQ: Are there any two year online MSW programs?
- FAQ: Can you get an MSW without a BSW?
- FAQ: MSW vs. LCSW
- FAQ: MSW vs. MSSW vs. MSSA
- FAQ: What are the GPA requirements for online MSW programs?
- FAQ: What is the difference between micro, mezzo and macro social work?
Last updated August 2023.
