FAQ
Social Worker FAQ
Answers to the most common questions about working as a social worker.
Straight answers to the questions people ask most about becoming a social worker: pay, training time, degrees, certifications and whether it’s a good career.
9 questions about social workers
Do social workers need a license?
Many roles require a state license, especially clinical roles.
What’s the difference between a BSW and MSW?
A BSW prepares for entry roles; an MSW is required for clinical work and many advanced jobs.
Is social work stressful?
It can be, especially in child welfare, so supervision and self-care matter.
How much does a social worker make?
The median annual wage for social workers was $59,550 ($28.63 per hour) in May 2025, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The lowest 10% earned less than $42,280 and the highest 10% earned more than $95,530.
How long does it take to become a social worker?
Most people need about 4 years (BSW); 6 years for MSW of training. A bachelor’s degree in social work or a related field is typical for entry roles; a master’s in social work is required for clinical practice.
Do you need a degree to be a social worker?
Yes. BLS lists a bachelor’s degree as typical, usually a BSW or a related field, and clinical social work requires a master’s degree and a license.
Is social worker a good career?
It can be, depending on your goals. Employment is projected to change +4.4% from 2025–35 (about as fast as average), with about 33,900 openings each year. Upsides include deeply meaningful work; a common challenge is that emotionally heavy cases.
What skills does a social worker need?
Key technical skills include case management, risk and safety assessment, interviewing, and documentation. Employers also value empathy, boundaries, and communication.
What certifications are available for social workers?
Common credentials include Licensed Baccalaureate Social Worker (LBSW), Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW), Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), and School social work certification. States license social workers at bachelor’s, master’s and clinical levels, with exams from the Association of Social Work Boards.
Still deciding?
Try the Social Worker fit quiz, compare with Healthcare Social Worker, or explore Social Worker training.
Sources
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025, SOC 21-1021 (Child, family, and school social workers).
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Employment Projections, Table 1.2 (2025–35).
- O*NET OnLine summary for Child, family, and school social workers (U.S. Department of Labor).
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook.
Reviewed by the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team. Pay figures are national estimates; local pay varies. See our editorial policy.