What does a Social Worker do?

Social Workers apply expertise in Therapy and Counseling, Psychology, Sociology and Anthropology to perform their core responsibilities. Key competencies include .

How much does a Social Worker make?

The national median salary for a Social Worker is $69,480 per year based on official government wage survey data. Actual compensation varies by location, experience, and employer.

Is Social Worker a good career in 2026?

Employment for Social Worker roles is projected to grow 3.9% over the 2024–2034 decade — about as fast as average compared to all occupations. There are currently 64,940 workers in this occupation nationally.

What education do you need to become a Social Worker?

The typical entry-level education for a Social Worker is Bachelor's degree. Requirements vary by employer and specialization.

What skills do Social Workers need?

The most important skills for Social Worker roles based on verified occupational data: . Key tools and technologies include: Case Management, Crisis Intervention, Client Assessment, Treatment Planning, Advocacy.

Social Worker: Career Overview

Name: Social Worker Career Data — 2024
Creator: U.S. Government

Official government data · Updated April 2026

Social Workers earn a national median of $69,480/yr with 3.9% projected employment growth over 2024–2034. The role draws on expertise in Therapy and Counseling, Psychology, Sociology and Anthropology.

Median Salary

$69,480

National · 2024

10-Year Growth

3.9%

About as fast as average

Employed Nationally

64,940

2024 data

Typical Education

Bachelor's degree

Entry-level

What Employers Expect From a Social Worker

These are the competencies recruiters screen for in Social Worker candidates, ranked by importance. Your resume should demonstrate each one:

Knowledge Areas

Core knowledge domains most important for Social Worker performance, based on verified occupational data.

Therapy and Counseling Psychology Sociology and Anthropology Customer and Personal Service

Tools & Technologies

High-demand tools and technologies for Social Worker roles.

Case Management Crisis Intervention Client Assessment Treatment Planning Advocacy Documentation Community Resources Group Therapy Motivational Interviewing Cultural Competency

Job Outlook: 2024–2034

Employment is projected to grow 3.9% for Social Worker roles over the 2024–2034 decade. That's about as fast as average compared to the 4% average across all occupations.

Current Employment: 64,940
Projected Growth: 3.9%
Typical Education: Bachelor's degree

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a Social Worker do?: Social Workers apply expertise in Therapy and Counseling, Psychology, Sociology and Anthropology to perform their core responsibilities. Key competencies include .
How much does a Social Worker make?: The national median salary for a Social Worker is $69,480 per year based on official government wage survey data. Actual compensation varies by location, experience, and employer.
Is Social Worker a good career in 2026?: Employment for Social Worker roles is projected to grow 3.9% over the 2024–2034 decade — about as fast as average compared to all occupations. There are currently 64,940 workers in this occupation nationally.
What education do you need to become a Social Worker?: The typical entry-level education for a Social Worker is Bachelor's degree. Requirements vary by employer and specialization.
What skills do Social Workers need?: The most important skills for Social Worker roles based on verified occupational data: . Key tools and technologies include: Case Management, Crisis Intervention, Client Assessment, Treatment Planning, Advocacy.

Does Your Resume Cover These Skills?

Tap the skills that are currently on your resume.

Salary, employment, and skills figures sourced from official U.S. government records and occupational databases. Actual compensation and requirements vary by location, experience, and employer. Salary and employment figures from official U.S. government records. Actual compensation varies by location, experience, and employer.