Traditionally, social work has not been viewed as a highly lucrative career. However, there are certain positions within the field that offer relatively high salaries, even reaching into six figures. In 2023, the median hourly wage for social workers was just above $28, which was higher than the median hourly wage for all professions at $23.11, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Despite this appealing figure, those in the field acknowledge that securing a high-paying job often requires significant time and educational investment.
“If you're looking to get rich quick, social work may not be the ideal field for you,” says Jillian Amodio, a licensed master social worker (LMSW) at Waypoint Wellness Center in Maryland. Amodio notes that higher-paying roles, such as those in clinical practice, research, and policy, generally require advanced licensure and education. The salaries of social workers can also vary based on location and the demand for specific services in an area.
“As with other professions, social work salaries differ based on specialty and location,” explains Alisha Simpson-Watt, executive clinical director and founder of Collaborative ABA Services in Connecticut. Differences in pay might stem from factors like available funding (e.g., grants), cost of living adjustments, and market conditions.
Here are ten high-paying social work jobs, including general salary data and top-paying employers and locales:
1. Director of Rehabilitation - Overseeing teams in clinical settings with a salary of $99,587 (top-paying locales: Los Angeles, CA; Denver, CO; Rochester, NY).
2. Director of Social Work - Managing social work operations with a salary of $93,028 (top-paying locales: Santa Clara, CA; Federal Way, WA; Washington D.C.).
3. Speech Pathologist - Assisting with communication disorders; $91,452 (top-paying locales: Santa Clara, CA; New York City, NY; Los Angeles, CA).
4. Health Services Administrator - Administrative roles in healthcare with a salary of $90,764 (top-paying locales: Buena Park, CA; Portland, OR; Denver, CO).
5. Licensed Master Social Worker - Handling policy or case management with a salary of $88,723 (top-paying locales: Santa Cruz, CA; Union City, CA; Sunnyvale, CA).
6. Licensed Clinical Social Worker - Working in specialty areas with a salary of $85,285 (top-paying locales: New York City, NY; Los Angeles, CA; Riverside, CA).
7. Policy Analyst - Developing policies affecting social work, with a salary of $81,838 (top-paying locales: San Francisco, CA; Washington D.C.; Richmond, VA).
8. Social Science Researcher - Conducting research related to social issues with a salary of $81,332 (top-paying locales: New York City, NY; Arlington, VA; Washington D.C.).
9. Medical Social Worker - Assisting patients with their medical and social needs earning $80,462 (top-paying locales: San Mateo County, CA; Redwood City, CA; Santa Clara County, CA).
10. Psychiatric Social Worker - Supporting those with mental health issues, with a salary of $72,192 (top-paying locales: Soledad, CA; San Francisco, CA; San Jose, CA).
In essence, while social work might not always equate to high pay, positions exist that offer lucrative salaries. Nonetheless, social workers are reminded to focus on the core mission of their work, which is to serve and help communities and those in need. “Social work is a helping profession,” says Simpson-Watt. “Our role is to promote the well-being of others and to advocate for social justice, which can take many forms.”
Amodio emphasizes that while salary is important, fulfillment and making a meaningful difference are often more crucial for many social workers. “It's something to consider, but don’t let pay be the sole reason for your career choice,” she says. “If the work doesn’t satisfy you, you’ll never find happiness in it.”