What’s the Average Salary with a Masters in Social Work? : Masters of Social Work

By getting a masters degree in social work, you can earn more in this field. In fact, many of the top jobs in social work are open only to those who have at least a masters degree. What kind of salary can you expect in this field? Let’s check out the average salary for workers in this industry and how you can make more money no matter what your job title.

Base Salary for Social Workers

According to Payscale.com, those in the social work field who have a master’s degree make, on average, between $35,000 and $85,000 per year depending on your job title. Some of the specific salary ranges in the social work field (by position) are as follows:

Licensed Clinical Social Worker: $42,384 – $59,142
Clinical Therapist: $36,694 – $48,958
Medical and Public Health Social Worker: $36,174 – $52,540
Child, Family, or School Social Worker: $42,935 – $60,096
Non-Profit Organization Executive Director: $55,000 – $84,160

Your specific education will determine the jobs for which you’ll qualify after you graduate, so before you apply for a masters in social work program, take some time to think about your future career goals. The more specialized your education, the more qualified you’ll be for specific jobs after you graduate with your master’s degree.

Other Factors Affecting Social Worker Salary

Of course, the more experience you have, the more money you’ll make in the social work field; this is common in every industry. With less than a year of experience, workers with a masters in social work make an average of around $36,000 annually. On the other hand, workers with the same level of education who have 20+ years of experience average over $60,000 annually. Other factors that affect social worker salary may not be as apparent. Location, employer size and type, certification, specialty, and industry can all also change the salary amount you can expect as a worker in this field.

Benefits

In addition to your salary, social work jobs typically come attached to benefits packages including such perks as paid vacation days, tuition reimbursement programs, health/dental coverage, and retirement plans. Some social workers also receive year-end bonuses, which can boost your salary significantly, so definitely consider these things when you’re comparing jobs in the social work field.

A social worker is one who helps others in some capacity, whether it be issues involving family, disabilities, social problems, housing, unemployment, substance abuse, or some other issue. There are many different types of social worker, some of whom are even certified by the state as a licensed clinical social worker. A bachelor's degree is the minimum requirement for entering social work or public administration, but more often than not a Master of Social Work (MSW) or master's degree in a related field is required for upper-level positions.

Master of Social Work	University of Southern California : A Master of Social Work (MSW) degree from the University of Southern California will prepare you for a career serving people in need. This program will develop your leadership skills and enable you to influence the world around you in a positive way. You will learn how to address complicated issues in homes and communities.
MS in Social Psychology	Walden University : An MS in Social Psychology from Walden University offers students real world experience as a social worker. Students in this program can choose to work in a community agency, a healthcare setting, an educational agency, or a social services agency. A MS in social psychology will give you a broad understanding of the impact that social factors have on human development.
MS in Social Services MPH in Social Sciences	Capella University : The MPH in Social & Behavioral Sciences from Capella University will provide you with a solid education based on the national public health curriculum. Students who choose this specialization are prepared for positions in social work, public health or social welfare organizations. An MS in Social & Community Services will help you gain the knowledge needed to advocate for and influence positive change in your community.
Master of Social Work	University of New England : The University of New England Master of Social Work program is a quality educational experience. The school's mission statement emphasizes knowledge, values, and practice skills that focus on the strength of the human spirit, cultural diversity, social and economic justice, and ending oppression.
MS in Social Social	Post University : Post University's Masters of Public Administration program stands out from other MPA programs focusing on more than just the public sector. Students attending Post University will also learn how administrative and organizational duties can be applied to the private and military sectors. As a result, students will become more well-rounded and versatile in the positions they can pursue.
Master of Public Admin	Kaplan University : The MPA program at Kaplan University prepares student to become leaders with the education to make a difference within their organization. The classes this program offers will help you make educated decisions that have a positive effect on social and ethical issues. The classes prepare you for careers in social work, public administration, and public management.
MS in Social Social	Boston University : Students can work on and turn in assignments at any time before or on deadlines for assignments. Combine this with the fact that students can work from any computer, and you will soon see why Boston University's Masters of Social Work is the perfect choice for students with busy or inconsistent schedules. BU's online programs are accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges.
Master of Public Admin MM in Public Admin	University of Phoenix : Earning an MPA degree from the University of Phoenix will prepare you for an exciting career in social work. You can also earn a Master of Management in public administration, which will help you develop the skills and techniques used by the best public administrators today. Through these programs you will be given the opportunity to expand your career opportunities and capabilities by giving you the skills to provide support to government, nonprofit, and corporate facilities.
MPA in Govt & Policy	Grand Canyon University : The MPA program in Government and Policy at Capella University features a global network of experienced professionals and faculty to prepare you for a career in social work, public administration, and public management. Students that complete this program will be prepared to meet the demands of their future career in public health issues that affect many people today.
MA in Social Issues	Union Institute & University : The MA degree in Leadership, Public Policy, & Social Issues prepares students to meet the social demands faced in public, private, and nonprofit institutions today. Graduates of the program can find careers in social work, public administration, human resources and many other exciting areas. Ethical leadership and social responsibility are stressed through your tenure of this program.
Master of Public Admin MBA in Public Admin MA/OM in Public Admin MA in Edu / Public Policy	Ashford University : An MBA in Public Administration from Ashford University will help you to explore your passion for public service. This degree will enhance your leadership skills and prepare you for a career in social work, human resources, public policy and other areas in the public and private sectors. An MPA degree will help you to develop skills needed for evaluating social initiative strategies. An MA/OM in Public Administration will enhance your management skills and prepare you to become a global leader. The school also offers an MA in Education & Public Policy which will equip you with the skills needed to enact positive change in schools and lead policy initiatives that will benefit future generations.