Career comparison
Social Work Professor vs. Social Worker
Side-by-side pay, training, growth and day-to-day duties to help you choose between two related careers.
Social work professors earn more at the median ($77,570 vs. $59,550), while social workers usually get to work faster (4 years (BSW); 6 years for MSW of training). Social work professors prepare future social workers and research social problems. Social workers help children and families stay safe, get support and overcome hard times.
Pay data: BLS OEWS, May 2025 · Outlook: BLS 2025–35 · Checked October 15, 2026
| Social Work Professor | Social Worker | |
|---|---|---|
| Median pay | $77,570 | $59,550 ($28.63/hr) |
| Pay range (10th–90th) | $48,200 – $126,790 | $42,280 – $95,530 |
| Job growth, 2025–35 | +2.6% (about as fast as average) | +4.4% (about as fast as average) |
| Openings per year | 1,100 | 33,900 |
| Typical entry education | Doctoral or professional degree | Bachelor's degree |
| Training time | 8+ years including practice | 4 years (BSW); 6 years for MSW |
| Key credential | Ph.D. or DSW | Licensed Baccalaureate Social Worker (LBSW) |
| Work setting | Faculty work in classrooms, offices and community agencies.. | Social workers work in offices, schools, homes, courts and the community, sometimes in tense situations.. |
What each job does
Social Work Professor
- Teach social work courses
- Coordinate field placements
- Conduct research
- Partner with agencies
- Advise students
Social Worker
- Assess client needs and risks
- Investigate child welfare reports
- Develop case and safety plans
- Connect clients to services and benefits
- Visit homes and schools
How they’re similar
Both careers involve helping others, working with people, working independently, and travel. They sit in different fields, education & childcare and community, social & government services, but share transferable skills such as empathy and empathy.
Which should you choose?
Choose social work professor if…
- I’m a social worker who wants to teach
- I care about social justice
- I like research
Choose social worker if…
- I want to help families in crisis
- I can handle emotional situations
- I keep strong boundaries
Still torn? Take the Social Work Professor fit quiz and the Social Worker fit quiz, or the full Career Match Quiz.
Quick comparisons
Which pays more, social work professor or social worker?
Social Work Professors earn more at the median: $77,570 versus $59,550 for social workers, based on BLS May 2025 data.
Which takes less time to train for?
Social Workers typically train faster (4 years (BSW); 6 years for MSW) than social work professors (8+ years including practice).
Which career has better job growth?
BLS projects social workers to grow +4.4% from 2025–35, compared with +2.6% for social work professors.