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Social Work Majors’ Salary Over the Career
This figure shows median earnings by age for those who majored in Social Work but have a bachelor’s degree only: “This Major (BA only)”, and those who majored in Social Work but obtained a masters degree or higher: “This Major (Grad Degree)”. For reference, “All Majors (BA only)” contains the median income for all college graduates who have a bachelor’s degree only, and “All Majors (Grad Degree)” contains the median income for all college graduates who have a Master’s degree or higher.
This table highlights key outcomes for Social Work majors, compared to averages for all college graduates.
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Top 10 Early-Career Occupations (Bachelor’s only)
These are the top occupations for Social Work majors aged 25-35 who have a BA only (no graduate degree) and the median income they received in the occupation. The share indicates the percentage of Social Work majors aged 25-35 with a BA only who worked in that occupation.
| Share | Occupation | Income |
|---|---|---|
| 38 | Social Workers | 46,300 |
| 5 | Unemployed | 0 |
| 4 | Counselors | 43,200 |
| 2 | Customer Service Representatives | 39,700 |
| 2 | Secretaries and Administrative Assistants | 34,600 |
| 2 | Social and Community Service Managers | 50,400 |
| 2 | Childcare Workers | 13,800 |
| 2 | Teacher Assistants | 29,300 |
| 2 | Managers, nec (including Postmasters) | 49,100 |
| 1 | Office and administrative support workers, nec | 39,600 |
Top 10 Mid-Career Occupations (Bachelor’s only)
These are the top occupations for Social Work majors aged 45-55 who have a BA only (no graduate degree) and the median income they received in the occupation. The share indicates the percentage of Social Work majors aged 45-55 with a BA only who worked in that occupation.
| Share | Occupation | Income |
|---|---|---|
| 28 | Social Workers | 56,700 |
| 11 | Unemployed | 0 |
| 3 | Counselors | 49,400 |
| 3 | Elementary and Middle School Teachers | 33,600 |
| 2 | Secretaries and Administrative Assistants | 41,500 |
| 2 | Managers, nec (including Postmasters) | 77,700 |
| 2 | Social and Community Service Managers | 66,700 |
| 2 | Teacher Assistants | 22,000 |
| 2 | Human Resources, Training, and Labor Relations Specialists | 72,400 |
| 1 | Registered Nurses | 64,500 |
Top 10 Mid-Career Occupations (Master’s Degree or higher)
These are the top occupations for Social Work majors aged 45-55 who have completed graduate work (Masters, PhD, Professional Degree) and the median income they received in the occupation. The share indicates the percentage of Social Work majors aged 45-55 with graduate degrees who worked in that occupation.
| Share | Occupation | Income |
|---|---|---|
| 40 | Social Workers | 73,500 |
| 9 | Counselors | 65,800 |
| 5 | Unemployed | 0 |
| 4 | Social and Community Service Managers | 92,600 |
| 3 | Medical and Health Services Managers | 104,000 |
| 3 | Therapists, nec | 61,100 |
| 3 | Elementary and Middle School Teachers | 68,100 |
| 3 | Psychologists | 76,000 |
| 3 | Managers, nec (including Postmasters) | 101,000 |
| 2 | Postsecondary Teachers | 92,800 |
Top 10 Early-Career Industries
These are the top industries for Social Work majors aged 25-35 and the median income they received in the industry. The share indicates the percentage of Social Work majors aged 25-35 who worked in that industry.
| Share | Industry | Income |
|---|---|---|
| 22 | Social services, n.e.c. | 48,900 |
| 13 | Health services, n.e.c. | 51,600 |
| 9 | Hospitals | 59,800 |
| 8 | Elementary and secondary schools | 51,200 |
| 6 | Administration of human resources programs | 55,000 |
| 4 | Nursing and personal care facilities | 53,700 |
| 3 | N/A (not applicable) | 0 |
| 3 | Membership organizations, n.e.c. | 50,400 |
| 3 | Residential care facilities, without nursing | 48,100 |
| 2 | Justice, public order, and safety | 57,000 |
Top 10 Mid-Career Industries
These are the top industries for Social Work majors aged 45-55 and the median income they received in the industry. The share indicates the percentage of Social Work majors aged 45-55 who worked in that industry.
| Share | Industry | Income |
|---|---|---|
| 16 | Social services, n.e.c. | 61,100 |
| 11 | Elementary and secondary schools | 59,300 |
| 10 | Health services, n.e.c. | 64,700 |
| 8 | Hospitals | 72,500 |
| 8 | N/A (not applicable) | 0 |
| 7 | Administration of human resources programs | 68,900 |
| 3 | Justice, public order, and safety | 71,900 |
| 3 | Nursing and personal care facilities | 63,500 |
| 3 | Colleges and universities | 71,100 |
| 2 | Membership organizations, n.e.c. | 62,800 |
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