What is the job outlook for social workers?
California social work jobs are projected to grow from 2024 to 2034, with mental health and healthcare social work growing fastest.
- Mental health and substance use social workers: 20%
- Healthcare social workers: 19%
- Child, family, and school social workers: 14%
- Social workers, all other: 13%
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics forecasts a 6% social work job increase through 2035 across the profession. So satisfied with their careers, 9 in 10 social workers would recommend a social work degree to others.
Where do social workers work?
According to the BLS, social workers held about 816,100 jobs in 2025, most working in an office setting. However, social work happens often outside of the office. Depending on the role, social workers may meet clients wherever they are, then collaborate with colleagues, community service providers and other supporting staff to coordinate care. School social workers may work on several campuses and need travel across a district to reach students.
Common MSW career settings for MSW graduates include:
- Clinical social worker with specializations in mental health, trauma, substance use or grief
- Administrative and leadership roles in nonprofits, health systems and government
- Medical or hospital social worker
- Child welfare or family social worker
- School social worker
- Forensic or correctional social worker
- Military or veterans social worker
- Geriatric or aging services social worker
- Community and social services social worker
- Policy analyst or public-sector social worker
How much do social workers make in California?
Social worker salaries in California vary by work setting. The table below shows the median annual salary for each setting, using U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data from May 2025.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025.
| Setting | Example MSW careers | CA median* |
|---|---|---|
| Child, family, and school | Child welfare, family, or school social worker | $65,200 |
| Healthcare | Medical, hospital, military or veterans, or geriatric social worker | $89,660 |
| Mental health and substance use | Clinical social worker (mental health, trauma, substance use, grief) | $79,000 |
| All other social workers | Nonprofit, health system, or government leadership; forensic or correctional; community services; policy analyst | $63,010 |
*Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025, national and California estimates.
Professional associations for social workers
These associations and reference links contain useful information and may offer career resources, including events, industry updates and job opportunities.
- National Association of Social Workers
- Clinical Social Work Association
- Society for Social Work Leadership in Health Care
- School Social Work Association of America
Accrediting body
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