What does a social worker do? Duties, pay, education and outlook
Social workers help people cope with challenges in their lives, connect them with community resources and respond to crises. Most need a bachelor's or master's degree in social work. Clinical social workers typically need a master's degree plus supervised clinical experience and a licensing exam, and all states require them to be licensed.
At a glance
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| O*NET-SOC code | 21-1021.00 (Child, Family, and School Social Workers) |
| Typical entry-level education | Bachelor's or master's degree in social work |
| Licensing | All states license clinical social workers; some also license nonclinical roles |
| Median annual wage | $61,780 per year (May 2025, BLS) |
| Projected growth | 6 percent, 2025 to 2035 (faster than average) |
| Number of jobs | 816,100 (2025) |
| Projected openings | About 69,100 per year, on average, over the decade |
What does a social worker do?
The Occupational Outlook Handbook (OOH) lists these duties:
- Identify people and communities in need of help.
- Assess clients' needs, situations, strengths and support networks to determine their goals.
- Help clients adjust to changes and challenges such as illness, divorce or unemployment.
- Research, refer and advocate for community resources such as food stamps, childcare and healthcare.
- Respond to crisis situations such as child abuse and mental health emergencies.
- Monitor clients' situations and follow up to ensure they have improved.
- Maintain case files and records.
- Provide psychotherapy services.
In 2025, child, family and school social workers held 405,100 jobs, healthcare social workers 194,800, mental health and substance abuse social workers 138,900, and social workers, all other, 77,400.
Work environment
State and local government (excluding education and hospitals) employs 27 percent of social workers, individual and family services 17 percent, ambulatory healthcare services 15 percent, hospitals 10 percent and educational services 10 percent. Most work in an office setting and most work full time. Some work evenings, weekends and holidays, and some may be on call.
Education, training and licensing
- Entry-level (nonclinical): A bachelor's degree in social work (BSW) is the most common requirement. All BSW programs require supervised fieldwork or an internship.
- Clinical practice: Clinical social workers typically need a master's degree in social work (MSW), which generally takes 2 years and includes a supervised practicum or internship.
- Supervised experience and exam: Clinical social workers must also complete supervised clinical experience, which may take several years, and pass a clinical exam to be licensed.
- Licensing: All states require clinical social workers to be licensed, and some states also require nonclinical social workers to hold a license or credential. Check your state licensing board for exact rules.
Skills that matter
The OOH names communication skills, compassion, interpersonal skills, organizational skills and problem-solving skills. O*NET lists the skills, knowledge and work activities for this occupation, which is useful when you tailor a resume.
How much do social workers make?
BLS reports a median annual wage of $61,780 per year (May 2025). The lowest 10 percent earned less than $42,790 and the highest 10 percent earned more than $100,090. Pay differs by specialty and employer type, so use the OOH pay tab and our guide on how to research pay.
Job outlook
BLS projects employment to grow 6 percent from 2025 to 2035, faster than the average for all occupations, a gain of 50,400 jobs, with about 69,100 openings projected each year on average over the decade.
How to get hired
- Choose your path early. A BSW opens entry-level nonclinical roles. If you want to provide therapy, plan for an MSW and the supervised hours your state requires.
- Document your fieldwork. Internships and practicums are the experience employers ask about, so describe caseloads, settings and populations clearly.
- Write a resume that shows judgment. Show assessment, referral and record-keeping work. Our ATS resume guide helps you pass screening software.
- Prepare for scenario questions. Practice crisis and boundary scenarios with our interview prep tools.
- Search steadily. Use our find a job fast routine and search jobs on LiveRec.
Related occupations
Health education specialists; marriage and family therapists; probation officers and correctional treatment specialists; psychologists; rehabilitation counselors; school and career counselors; social and community service managers; social and human service assistants.
Frequently asked questions
Do social workers need a license? All states require clinical social workers to be licensed. Some also require nonclinical social workers to have a license or credential.
What degree do you need to be a social worker? A bachelor's or master's degree in social work. Clinical roles typically need an MSW.
How long does it take to become a clinical social worker? An MSW generally takes 2 years, followed by supervised clinical experience that may take several years and a clinical exam.
Is social work in demand? BLS projects 6 percent growth from 2025 to 2035, faster than average.
Sources
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook, Social Workers: https://www.bls.gov/ooh/community-and-social-service/social-workers.htm (accessed 31 October 2026)
- BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics: https://www.bls.gov/oes/ (accessed 31 October 2026)
- O*NET OnLine, Child, Family, and School Social Workers (21-1021.00): https://www.onetonline.org/link/summary/21-1021.00 (accessed 31 October 2026)
This is general information, not legal, tax or immigration advice. Rules change and your situation may differ. Consult a licensed attorney or qualified adviser.