The social work field is vast and ever-changing, with new opportunities always cropping up. There are many social work careers, each with its own unique set of tasks and challenges. You need to have a degree in social work to pursue this career, and most states require licensure.
For the best chance at success, consider pursuing a graduate degree in social work. The median salary for a social worker is $50,390 per year. You’ll work as a social worker in common environments, including schools, hospitals, prisons, and private practices.
The outlook for social work is bright, with a projected growth rate of 14% from 2020 to 2030. The day-to-day tasks of a social worker vary depending on their specialization and place of work but involve helping people in need. For example, you might provide direct services, such as counseling, crisis intervention, or case management.
Advocating for policy changes or raising awareness about social issues is another possibility. You might sometimes provide direct services, such as counseling, crisis intervention, or case management. You might also advocate for policy changes or work to raise awareness about social issues.
If you’re interested in a career in social work, here are some jobs that may be similar:
1. Community Organizer
Community organizers help groups of people come together to achieve a common goal. This may involve raising awareness about an issue, working to change a policy, or organizing a protest. Most community organizers have at least a bachelor’s degree, though some jobs may only require a high school diploma.
The median salary for a community organizer is $54,290 per year. They typically do the job in an office, though some travel may be required. The daily responsibilities of a community organizer include interacting with people in the community, researching issues, and creating strategies.
You’d also need to communicate your plans to others and work to build support for your cause. An example of a task you might perform is recruiting volunteers for an upcoming event. Another possibility is writing grant proposals to secure funding for your organization.
2. Human Resources Manager
A human resources manager is responsible for the hiring and onboarding of new employees, as well as the development and retention of existing employees. This job usually requires a bachelor’s degree in human resources, business, or a related field. Some employers may prefer candidates with a master’s degree or several years of experience working in human resources.
The median salary for a human resources manager is $136,590 per year. Most human resources managers work in an office, though some travel may be required for job fairs or to meet with employees at different locations. The day-to-day tasks of a human resources manager involve developing and implementing policies, overseeing employee records, and conducting performance reviews.
Typical duties may also include resolving conflict, managing employee benefits, and training new employees.
3. School Counselor
A school counselor supports students who may struggle academically, socially, or emotionally. They work with students one-on-one and in groups to provide guidance and support. Most school counselors need at least a master’s degree, though some jobs may only require a bachelor’s degree.
The median salary for a school counselor is $62,320 per year. You’ll work as a school counselor in an educational setting, such as a school. Your day-to-day tasks would involve meeting with students, teachers, and parents.
You’d also create and implement programs to support students, such as those interested in a career in social work, who may be interested in becoming a school counselor.
4. Psychologist
Psychologists study human behavior and mental processes. They may work with patients one-on-one to help them deal with psychological issues. Most psychologists need at least a master’s degree, though some jobs may only require a bachelor’s degree.
The median salary for a psychologist is $81,040 per year. Most psychologists work in an office, though some travel to meet with clients and attend conferences may be required. The daily tasks of a psychologist include meeting with patients, conducting research, and diagnosing psychological disorders.
But most of your time is spent working with patients to help them deal with psychological issues.
5. Sociologist
Sociologists study human behavior and society. They may research social issues or work with organizations to improve social conditions. Most sociologists need at least a master’s degree, though some jobs may only require a bachelor’s degree.
You need a doctorate for most research positions. The median salary for a sociologist is $84,260 per year. Most sociologists work in an office.
However, they sometimes travel to meet with people in person when completing interviews. The day-to-day tasks of a sociologist include conducting research, analyzing data, and writing reports. You may also teach classes or give presentations on your findings.
The median salary for a sociologist is $92,910 per year. Sociologists typically work in an office, though some travel to conduct research or attend conferences may be required. The daily tasks of a sociologist include conducting research, analyzing data, and writing reports.
For example, you may study the effects of social media on society or research how different cultures interact.
6. Family and Marriage Counselor
Family and marriage counselors help people deal with personal issues, such as relationship problems or family conflicts. Most counselors need at least a master’s degree, though some jobs may only require a bachelor’s degree. The median salary for a family and marriage counselor is $59,660 per year.
You’ll work as a counselor in an office, though some travel may be required to meet with clients at different locations. Your day-to-day tasks involve meeting with clients and writing reports. You may also create and implement programs to support families and marriages, such as group counseling sessions with other couples or all children.
These sessions aim to help families and couples learn how to communicate better and resolve conflicts.
7. Mental Health Counselor
Mental health counselors help people deal with personal issues like depression or anxiety. Most counselors need at least a master’s degree, though some jobs may only require a bachelor’s degree. Unlike psychiatrists, mental health counselors can’t prescribe medication.
This position is like a family and marriage counselor except that mental health counselors may work with individuals, couples, or families. The median salary for a mental health counselor is $44,8630 per year. You’ll work as a counselor in an office, though some travel may be required to meet with clients at different locations.
Your day-to-day tasks involve meeting with clients and writing reports. You may also create and implement programs to support mental health, such as group counseling sessions or support groups. These aim to help individuals learn how to cope with mental health issues.
8. School and Career Counselors and Advisors
School counselors help students develop the academic and social skills needed to succeed. Career counselors help people choose careers and plan their education. Most states require counselors at public institutions to have a certification or a license.
The median salary for school counselors is $60,510 per year. You’ll work as a counselor in an office, though some travel may require school counselors to learn about college opportunities for their students or attend conferences. Typical activities for counselors include meeting with students, writing reports, and creating and implementing programs.
For example, a school counselor may start a program to teach study skills, or a career counselor may create an internship program to help students or adults explore different careers.
9. Rehabilitation Specialists
Rehabilitation counselors help people with physical, mental, developmental, and emotional disabilities. Most states require counselors at public institutions to have a certification or a license. Education requirements for this job vary, but most rehabilitation counselors have at least a bachelor’s degree.
The median salary for rehabilitation counselors is $48,520 per year. You’ll work as a counselor in an office, though some travel may be required to meet with clients at different locations. Your day-to-day tasks involve meeting with clients and writing reports.
You may also create and implement programs to support people with disabilities, such as group counseling sessions or job training programs. These aim to help individuals learn how to cope with their disabilities and live independently.
10. Drug Rehabilitation Counselor
Drug rehabilitation counselors help people with substance abuse disorders. The level of education required for this job varies, but most drug rehabilitation counselors have completed a bachelor’s degree at a minimum. You may need a license or certification to work in this field.
The median salary for drug rehabilitation counselors is $39,980 per year. You’ll work as a counselor in an office. Most opioid addiction specialists work in clinical settings, such as hospitals, outpatient centers, and residential treatment facilities.
Your day-to-day tasks involve meeting with clients individually and in group settings, writing reports, and creating and implementing programs. For example, you may start a program to teach anger management or life skills. These aim to help individuals learn how to cope with substance abuse disorders and live independently.
11. High School Teacher
High school teachers help students develop the academic and social skills needed to succeed. Most states require teachers at public institutions to have a certification or a license. Education requirements for this job vary, but most high school teachers have at least a bachelor’s degree.
In some states, teachers must have a master’s degree or work to earn one while teaching. The median salary for high school teachers is $62,870 per year. You’ll work as a teacher in a school.
However, this can vary by location. Your day-to-day tasks involve leading classes, writing reports, and creating and implementing lesson plans. For example, you may teach a class on world history or create a lesson plan on the Civil War.
You may also advise students on college and career opportunities.
12. Outreach Coordinator
Outreach coordinators work with community groups to raise awareness about an issue. Most outreach coordinators have a bachelor’s degree, but the level of education required for this job may differ depending on the organization. The median salary for outreach coordinators is $52,919 per year.
Where you’ll work depends on the organization. For example, an outreach coordinator for a nonprofit organization may work in an office, whereas an outreach coordinator for a school district may travel to different schools. Daily, you will meet with different community groups, write reports on what transpired, and create and carry out new programs.
For example, you may start a program to mentor at-risk youth or organize a food drive for the needy. The goal of these programs is to address the needs of the community.
13. Mediator
Mediators help people resolve conflicts. Most mediators have a bachelor’s degree, but the level of education required for this job may differ depending on the organization. To work in this field, you may need to complete a mediation training program.
The median salary for mediators is $73,720 per year. This job has no set location, as mediators may travel to different places to mediate conflicts. Sometimes, you may work for an organization where clients come to your space.
Pay is normally conditional on certification. Your duties involve meeting with people in conflict, writing reports, and coming up with solutions to the conflict. For example, you may mediate a dispute between a landlord and tenant or between two employees.
You will also help people develop communication and problem-solving skills.
14. Probation Officer
Probation officers work with individuals who have been convicted of a crime. Most probation officers have a bachelor’s degree, but the level of education required for this job may differ depending on the state. In some states, probation officers must be certified.
The median salary for probation officers is $60,250 per year. You’ll work in an office, but you may also travel to different locations, such as a client’s home or place of employment. Your tasks involve meeting with clients, writing reports, and creating and implementing programs.
For example, you may start a program to teach anger management or life skills. These aim to help individuals learn how to cope with their problems and avoid future criminal activity.
15. Case Manager
Case managers work with individuals to connect them with the services they need. Although a bachelor’s degree is common among case managers, some employers may prefer or require a higher level of education. In some states, case managers must be certified.
The median salary for case managers is $85,518 per year. You’ll work in an office, but you may also travel to different locations, such as a client’s home or place of employment. Your daily tasks involve meeting with clients, writing reports, and referring to services.
For example, you may refer a client to a job training program or housing assistance. You will also follow up with clients to ensure they receive their needed help.
16. College Admissions Counselor
College admissions counselors help students plan for and apply to colleges. Most college admissions counselors have a bachelor’s degree, although the level of education necessary for this work depends on the organization. The median salary for college admissions counselors is $56,310 per year.
You’ll work in an office, but you may also travel to different schools or college fairs. Your duties involve meeting with students, writing reports, and giving presentations. For example, you may meet with a student to discuss their college options or give a presentation on the admissions process.
You will also help students with their applications and essays.