Is Social Work a Good Career? [2024 Pros and Cons Guide]

As you explore professions, you might wonder, “Is social work a good career?”

Social workers help people, families, and communities overcome challenges and improve their wellbeing. They provide numerous kinds of support, such as conducting child welfare checks and helping healthcare patients apply for financial aid programs.

There are many factors to consider if you’re interested in social work, including education requirements, career paths, and potential salary.

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Is Social Work a Good Career?

Yes, social work is a good career for many professionals. Social workers provide support for individuals and communities in need.

They assess their clients’ circumstances and develop strategies to meet their goals. They can also help people access necessary resources like housing, healthcare, and transportation. Licensed clinical social workers can provide treatment for emotional and mental disorders.

You might consider social work if you enjoy helping people and making a difference in the lives of others. This field may also be a good fit if you’re passionate about social justice. Many social workers advocate for vulnerable groups by promoting more equitable public policies and creating community development programs.

The current social worker job outlook is positive. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, this profession is expected to grow by 7% over the next ten years. There are many careers in social work, so you can choose a specialty that fits your interests and goals.

For example, school social workers help children and teenagers cope with challenges affecting their academic performance, such as bullying and learning disabilities. These professionals work with teachers and parents to provide support and coordinate resources. Similarly, healthcare social workers ensure patients receive the necessary treatment and support.

What Degree Does a Social Worker Need?

The Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) accredits social work programs in the United States. Social workers typically follow this educational pathway:

• Bachelor’s in Social Work (BSW). This degree teaches foundational concepts and theories in social work. You can study topics like ethical decision-making in social work, crisis intervention, human behavior, and social welfare policy. You’ll also complete field practicums, applying your skills in real-world settings. Many entry-level social work positions require a BSW.
• Master’s in Social Work (MSW). This graduate degree allows you to advance your knowledge and skills. You can study specialized topics, such as aging, community practice, and substance use recovery. Graduates with an MSW and appropriate licensing can become clinical social workers.
• Licensing. Social workers often need to obtain a license, though requirements vary by state. In some states, BSW graduates can become a licensed baccalaureate social worker (LBSW). Other states require social workers to earn an MSW and become licensed master social workers (LMSW) or licensed clinical social workers (LCSW).

The National Association of Social Workers (NASW) and the School Social Work Association of America (SSWAA) offer continuing education resources, such as conferences and workshops.

Social Work Careers (Job Outlook)

Social workers find employment in many settings, including correctional facilities, hospitals, schools, and nonprofit organizations.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, here are the median salaries of potential careers related to social work.

Careers	Annual Median Salaries
Social and Community Service Managers	$74,240
Social Workers (All Other)	$61,420
Healthcare Social Workers	$60,280
School and Career Counselors and Advisors	$60,140
Health Education Specialists	$59,990
Probation Officers and Correctional Treatment Specialists	$59,860
Marriage and Family Therapists	$56,570
Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers	$51,240
Child, Family, and School Social Workers	$50,820
Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors	$49,710

Some of these careers require graduate degrees and licenses. You might also use the skills you gain in a social work program to pursue careers in other disciplines. For instance, some social work majors end up in education, human resources, and law enforcement.

Should I Be a Social Worker?

You might ask, “Is a social worker a good career for me?” Here are a few signs this field might suit you:

• You enjoy working with people one-on-one. Social workers often meet individually with clients to develop solutions to their problems. These meetings allow you to build trust and get to know your clients better.
• You have strong communication and collaboration skills. Social workers frequently collaborate with other professionals and family members to ensure clients receive adequate support. For instance, a child welfare social worker may work with foster parents and teachers to support a teenager’s development.
• You’re emotionally resilient. Social workers often assist people coping with significant struggles, such as child abuse, homelessness, and trauma. Social workers must regulate their emotions in distressing situations.

You can also talk to current social workers and career coaches to determine whether this field is right for you.

Pros and Cons of Being a Social Worker

Social work can be a fulfilling yet challenging profession. This table provides a quick glance at some potential advantages and disadvantages of being a social worker.

Pros

Cons

Positive impact. This role can help improve lives and communities. Diverse opportunities. You could work in various settings with different client groups. Job security. There’s steady demand across various sectors. Professional growth. There are opportunities for advancement and specializations. Personal fulfillment. Many social workers have a deep sense of accomplishment from helping others.

Emotional stress. This role can involve emotional stress due to difficult cases. Work-life balance. Long, irregular hours and on-call duties can accompany this role. Safety risks. Social workers can potentially be exposed to volatile situations. Bureaucracy and paperwork. This role can involve navigating complex systems and extensive documentation. Compassion fatigue. Some social workers face emotional exhaustion from continuous care and empathy.

When deciding whether a career in social work is right for you, it’s helpful to consider the profession’s rewarding and challenging aspects.

What Does a Social Worker Do?

When considering a career in social work, a common question is, “What does a social worker do?” Social workers help people cope with and improve their life circumstances. They typically focus on assisting vulnerable individuals facing serious challenges. Some assist children, chronically ill people, impoverished families, and those experiencing mental health issues.

These professionals assist clients by providing guidance, personalized support, and resources. For instance, health social workers can help terminally ill patients and their families choose treatment options and manage the emotional toll.

Social workers can also create positive change by tackling systemic issues that harm people and communities. They might develop community education programs, reform outdated policies, and raise awareness of social problems.

Do Social Workers Make Good Money?

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, social workers earn a median salary of $55,350. But, wages can vary by employer and role. So, how much does a social worker make?

Social workers employed by hospitals earn a median wage of $66,300, and the median salary for those working in individual and family services is $46,670.

Some careers associated with social work have higher median wages. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the median salary for social and community service managers is $74,240, while the median for health education specialists is $59,990.

Social workers who have graduate degrees, work in specialized fields, or have several years of experience may earn higher salaries.

What’s the Difference Between a Social Worker vs. Therapist?

Social workers and therapists can both provide mental health support, but these careers have several key differences.

Social Worker	Therapist
Typically earns a BSW and an MSW Provides holistic support that considers clients’ personal circumstances and environments Can work in a broad range of settings, including community organizations, hospitals, schools, and prisons	May have degrees in counseling, psychology, and related fields Focuses on helping clients improve their mental and emotional health Typically works in private clinics or hospitals

If you want to help people improve various aspects of their lives, you might consider a career in social work.

Is Being a Social Worker Worth It?

Yes, being a social worker is worth it for many professionals. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 7% job growth for social workers over the next ten years, which is faster than average.

Social work can involve many career paths, so you can focus on the issues or populations that ignite your passions. For example, if you enjoy working with children, you might become a child welfare or school social worker. If you’re interested in healthcare, you might work for organizations like the Veterans Health Administration.

Additionally, a career in social work allows you to make a difference in your community. Some professionals develop local initiatives and resources to support people in need and advocate for social welfare reform.

Moving Forward: Turning Social Work Aspirations Into Reality

Why be a social worker? Well, there are many reasons to pursue a career in this field.

Social workers can empower people in need and help them enhance their wellbeing. They can also enact change in communities and societies by creating social welfare programs, advocating for vulnerable groups, and improving policies.

Many people start their social work journey by earning a BSW or an MSW. These degrees can help you build a strong foundation of knowledge and strengthen interpersonal skills, such as communication and empathy.

If you’re interested in a career as a social worker, you can get started today by exploring online social work degree programs from accredited schools.

Match your ambitions with the right degree—click “Find My Program” now.