The 10 Best Paying Jobs in Social Work

11/24/22 by Zack Saadioui

There is a lot of important work that goes into social work and often it is undervalued. It is a career that can be extremely rewarding, both emotionally and financially. Here are the 10 best paying jobs in social work, based on average salary.

Social work manager

A social work manager is a professional who helps to oversee the day-to-day operations of a social work agency or department. They may also be responsible for supervising social workers and other staff members. A social work manager typically has a master's degree in social work (MSW) and several years of experience working in the field. The median annual salary for a social work manager is $60,000. However, salaries can vary greatly depending on factors such as location, education, and experience.

Clinical social worker

Clinical social workers are mental health professionals who help patients manage and cope with mental, behavioral, and emotional disorders. They work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, clinics, schools, and private practices. Clinical social workers typically have a master's degree in social work (MSW) and must be licensed in the state in which they practice. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for clinical social workers was $56,200 in 2016. The top 10% of earners made more than $86,000, while the bottom 10% made less than $35,000.

Child and family social worker

As a child and family social worker, you will have the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of those who need it most. You will work with families to help them overcome challenges and provide them with the resources they need to thrive. You will also work with children to ensure that they are receiving the best possible care and that their needs are being met. This is a demanding but rewarding career, and one that can make a real difference in the lives of those you work with.

Healthcare social worker

Healthcare social workers are responsible for providing emotional and social support to patients and their families. They work closely with other members of the healthcare team to ensure that patients receive the best possible care. Healthcare social workers typically have a bachelor’s degree in social work.

School social worker

School social workers are responsible for providing social and emotional support to students. They work with students, families, and school staff to identify and address social, emotional, and behavioral needs. School social workers also develop and implement programs to promote social and emotional development, and they may provide individual and group counseling.

Mental health and substance abuse social worker

Mental health and substance abuse social workers help people who are struggling with mental health issues and/or addiction. They provide counseling and support to help their clients recover and lead healthy, productive lives. Mental health and substance abuse social workers typically have a bachelor’s degree in social work (BSW) or a master’s degree in social work (MSW). They must also be licensed in the state in which they practice. The median annual salary for a mental health and substance abuse social worker is $44,840.

Military social worker

A career as a military social worker can be very rewarding. Military social workers provide counseling and support to military personnel and their families. They help people cope with the stresses of military life, such as deployments, separations, and readjustment to civilian life. Military social workers also provide crisis intervention and suicide prevention services. In addition to providing direct services, military social workers also work to improve the overall quality of life for military personnel and their families. They may advocate for better housing, healthcare, and educational opportunities. Military social workers typically need a master’s degree in social work and must be licensed in the state in which they practice.

Geriatric social worker

A geriatric social worker is a professional who helps elderly people and their families cope with the challenges associated with aging. They provide counseling and support to help maintain the elderly person's independence and quality of life. Geriatric social workers also work with families to plan for the elderly person's future care.

Family services social worker

Family services social workers help families in need by providing them with counseling, financial assistance, and other services. They also work with other professionals, such as teachers and doctors, to ensure that families have the resources they need to thrive. Family services social workers typically have a bachelor’s degree in social work, although some positions may require a master’s degree.

Community development social worker

The median annual wage for social workers was $49,470 in May 2019. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $30,750, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $81,400. Employment of social workers is projected to grow 11 percent from 2019 to 2029, much faster than the average for all occupations. Community development social workers will be needed to work with local leaders and residents to revitalize neighborhoods and towns.

Conclusion

The social work field is full of many different job options that come with a variety of different pay rates. However, there are some jobs that stand out above the rest when it comes to pay. These 10 jobs are the best paying jobs in social work, and they are sure to provide a comfortable living for anyone who pursues them.