Data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts an overall 13% growth rate for the social work profession from 2019 to 2029, much faster than average. The median salary was $51,760 as of May 2020.
Social work careers are ideal for students already working as case workers, case managers, or mental health assistants. Receiving your MSW online can open up opportunities across a number of practice settings where you can use your skills in a chosen specialty.
Careers can include:
Social Work Supervisor
Median wage: $58,731*
As a social work supervisor, you’ll mentor less experienced social workers and perform an array of administrative duties. You’ll review cases, critique work, and offer guidance to social workers on your team. Employers look for candidates with excellent communication, leadership, and relationship-building skills.
Employers often include:
- Outpatient care centers
- Hospitals
- Community centers
- Nonprofit organizations
Clinical Social Worker
Median wage: $57,316*
This role is focused on the mental health care needs of individuals, families, couples, and groups with an emphasis on behavioral and emotional disorders. As a clinical social worker, you will share coping strategies and develop treatment plans under a physician’s guidance.
Employers often include:
- Private practice
- Physician group practices
- Individual and family services agencies
Hospice Social Worker
Median wage: $53,246*
Hospice social workers provide emotional and logistical support to individuals and their families facing the end of life. Hospice social workers also provide assistance with insurance, hospice, and Medicaid/Medicare paperwork, as well as help with paperwork after the patient’s death.
Employers often include:
- Hospitals and nursing homes
- In-house or in-home hospice companies
- Private hospice and palliative care settings
Medical Social Worker
Median wage: $55,566*
Medical social workers provide patient care, draft discharge instructions, and outline aftercare information. Depending on the employer and/or setting, medical social workers might also communicate with patients and rehabilitation or care programs to ensure appropriate actions are taken.
Employers often include:
- Hospitals and medical centers
- In-house or in-home hospice companies
Social Services Director
Median wage: $56,230*
Social services directors are in charge of directing social services tasks such as admissions and transfers, as well as providing leadership for social services staff in their organization. They motivate social services staff to reach all organizational goals. In all tasks, the director must follow strict privacy and safety regulations.
Employers often include:
- Hospitals and medical centers
- In-house or in-home hospice companies
- Various in-patient facilities
* Payscale.com