Social Worker Salary
Do you love to help others work to improve their lives? If so, a career in social work may be the right choice for you. Social workers interact with others on a daily basis, helping them to solve issues that arise and find ways to cope with them.
Some choose to specialize in certain fields while others prefer to work with the general public. Often those being helped suffer from a social problem such as an addiction or disability. Others may be facing life changes that were unexpected such as unemployment or the loss of a home. If you love to work with others and feel a social worker salary is adequate for your needs, you might want to consider this career path.
Social Worker Salary
Your social worker salary will depend in large part on the employment setting you choose. As of 2008, those who work in elementary or secondary schools make the most with a median annual wage of $53,860.
Those who work in residential care facilities tend to make the lowest annual median wage of $34,270. State government workers fall in the middle with an annual median wage of $39,600. Consider this when obtaining your education and looking into job prospects. No matter where you choose to work, your career will be very fulfilling as you see how your efforts help others improve their lives.
Social Worker Education and Training
If you wish to pursue a career in social work, the minimum you will need is a bachelor’s degree. If you have majored in sociology, psychology or another similar field, you may be able to find employment in certain areas due to a need for those in this profession. For those who wish to work in a school or health care setting, you must continue your education and obtain a master’s degree and the same is true if you wish to work in a clinical setting. The Council on Social Work Education accredits over 450 bachelor degree programs so you will have plenty to choose from.
Social Work License and Certification
No matter which state you choose to work in, in order to bring home a social worker salary, you will have to meet certain certification, registration or licensing requirements. Most require that you complete a two year program or 3,000 hours of clinical experience while supervised. You will need to learn the requirements of your state before proceeding. In order to advance in this field, you will be required to obtain an advanced degree along with relevant work experience.
Job Growth Outlook For Social Workers
Job growth outlook for social workers in the United States is expected to grow to rate of 16% between the years 2008 and 2018. This is above average when compared to most other jobs in the United States according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics.
There are certain areas within the social worker arena that are experiencing faster growth than others however. Social workers in the medical and public health area are expected to grow at a rate of 22% as opposed to social workers in the child and family area which are expected to grow at a rate of only 12%. So there is some flexibility and difference between the different arenas.
Keep in mind that competition for social worker positions will be fiercer in cities where many social worker training programs are located. However, if you live in a rural area your chances at a social worker job should be quite favorable.
If you’re interested in this rewarding career path be sure to do some further research online and look into training and certification. Good luck!
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