Many enter the field of social work because of a deep desire to help vulnerable populations and bring about justice in our society. An unexpected bonus is that social work occupations are projected to surge in the next few years.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, social work jobs are expected to increase by 13 percent from 2019 to 2029, more than the average for all occupations. This growth is attributed to an increase in life expectancy, a growing aging population, and the need to offer relief to struggling people and groups.
Beyond the number of job openings increasing, social workers can also expect to earn a good income, with the median annual salary being $50,470. Notably, a master’s in social work can expand your job opportunities, broaden your career horizons, and even command a higher than average salary. If you’re on the social work career track (or are considering this path), here are five rapidly growing careers in social work for you to consider.
Many people in the U.S. suffer from mental health and substance abuse issues. In 2017, approximately 8.5 million people were battling both a substance use disorder and a mental health disorder. The two conditions affect people of all economic classes and age groups. In line with these statistics, the growth rate for mental health and substance abuse social workers is expected to be 17 percent.
These social workers can work in hospitals, social service organizations, residential treatment centers, and health clinics. Mental health and substance abuse social workers may also choose to go into private practice to offer counseling or psychotherapy. Social workers in this area can expect a salary range of $46,110 to $58,630.
The primary responsibilities for mental health and substance abuse social workers can include:
The elderly population in the U.S. is increasing. In 2019, 22 percent of Americans were older than 65, and that figure is forecasted to reach 39 percent by 2050. With the population of seniors growing, the demand for geriatric social workers is also skyrocketing. The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that the geriatric social work profession will grow by approximately 20 percent in the next ten years.
With increasing demand, people who pursue this type of social work will have job security and can expect a median salary of $60,000. These social workers serve in nursing homes, mental health clinics, hospitals, rehabilitation centers, senior centers, and community health centers.
Geriatric social workers have responsibilities such as:
Veterans are symbols of patriotism, willingness to serve, and love for our country. However, when these heroes return from war, they can experience many issues, especially when reintegrating into everyday life. Social workers can assist these veterans with mental health counseling, disability compensation, housing-related assistance, education, and training.
They can work in VA medical centers and VA programs such as Health Care for Homeless Veterans (HCHV), Support Services for Veteran Families (SSVF), and Veterans Justice Outreach (VJO). Depending on location, social workers in this sector earn between $49,765 and $59,760.
What responsibilities are typically part of a veteran’s affairs social worker career? They:
Social workers who choose to enter the healthcare field have promising career prospects, as this sector has a projected growth of 20 percent or 35,400 new positions over the next decade. Healthcare social workers can work in nursing homes, hospital wards, and physical rehabilitation facilities, among many other settings. These social workers typically receive some of the highest wages, with an average annual salary of $59,300.
The responsibilities of healthcare social workers can include:
If you have a passion for children and their welfare, you should consider a career in child welfare social work. In this specialized sector of social work, you’ll have the opportunity to make a significant and meaningful impact in a child’s life. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the demand for child and family social workers is projected to increase by 16 percent over the next several years.
These social workers find careers with non-profit organizations, child advocacy agencies, and foster care and adoption agencies. The average annual salary for child welfare social workers is $49,760, but this can increase depending on where you work. A bachelor's degree in social work qualifies you for entry-level roles, while a master's degree opens up opportunities in higher levels of care and supervisory functions.
The critical responsibilities of a child welfare social worker can include:
The future of the social work field is bright. With a career in social work, you’ll have the opportunity to help humanity while enjoying a fulfilling career and pursuing your professional goals. Additionally, there are many more specializations and areas for social work practice beyond these rapidly growing careers—meaning there’s a place for everyone!
If you’re considering changing careers and entering the field of social work, we have resources to help you. Explore our comprehensive guide: How and Why You Should Switch to a Career in Social Work, where we walk you through every step of the process and provide helpful tips and insights from our social work professionals.
At the Garland School of Social Work, we’re committed to helping you gain the knowledge, skills, and hands-on experience you need to make a difference in your community and in the world. Request more information today or schedule a quick chat with one of our MSW Student Ambassadors, to learn more about our program and have your questions answered.