Today’s fast-changing social landscape is driving demand for empathetic, innovative social work professionals who can navigate complex challenges. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) forecasts a strong social work job outlook: Employment is projected to grow 7% from 2023 to 2033, generating over 67,000 job openings annually. This growth should create abundant opportunities for those ready to lead change and support community strengths.
Earning a Master of Social Work (MSW) equips you with the skills, knowledge and ethical grounding to thrive across a wide range of impactful, versatile roles. Whether you aspire to advocate for vulnerable populations in healthcare settings, empower youth through community programs or influence policy at the highest levels, the MSW lays the foundation for making a meaningful and lasting difference.
This article highlights five of the many career paths in which MSW grads are making a real impact and supporting individuals and communities in achieving sustainable, rewarding futures.
Mental Health and Substance Use Counseling
As awareness around mental health grows, so does the demand for skilled social workers—especially those with clinical licensure, such as the LCSW or LICSW. In positions such as clinical social worker, mental health counselor and substance use counselor, MSW graduates assist individuals and families in navigating emotional, psychological and physical challenges through clinical therapy, crisis intervention and recovery-focused care. These professionals are often on the frontlines, working in settings that range from hospitals and nonprofit clinics to private practices and telehealth platforms.
A national focus on behavioral health and the ongoing need for licensed providers fuels a strong job outlook for mental health social work professionals, with a projected 11.6% increase in employment through 2033. Earnings typically range from $39,090 to $98,210, depending on factors such as licensure, experience and location.
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Healthcare and Medical Social Work
As healthcare systems shift toward integrated care models, social workers are assuming key roles in hospitals, rehabilitation centers and long-term care facilities. They help patients and families navigate complex diagnoses, coordinate post-discharge care and manage the emotional and social challenges of serious illnesses. These professionals are critical to improving outcomes and ensuring continuity of care.
Roles such as medical social worker, discharge planner and palliative care coordinator are not only among the most rewarding in the field—they’re also in high demand. Driven by an aging population and rising rates of chronic conditions, demand for healthcare social workers and social workers trained in gerontology continues to grow, with a 9.7% projected increase in employment between 2023 and 2033. Healthcare social workers earn mean annual wages ranging from approximately $41,840 to $97,790, depending on experience and occupation. With specialized roles like palliative care coordinators (who can earn between $106,000 and $188,000), there’s significant earning potential as you advance in the field.
School Social Work and Youth Services
As school social workers, family support specialists, and attendance officers, social work professionals play a vital role within K–12 support teams. Collaborating directly with educators, social workers help address students’ social and emotional needs, creating stronger foundations for academic and personal success.
Demand in this area continues to rise, especially as we see growing mental health challenges among young people. The BLS predicts that employment for child, family, and school social workers will grow by 4.9% through 2033, resulting in over 30,000 job openings annually. These social workers typically earn from $37,900 to $85,600 per year, with the potential for higher earnings as they gain experience, licensure or promotions.
Community and Nonprofit Settings
MSW graduates working with community-based and nonprofit organizations can drive change at the grassroots level. Social workers in roles like case manager, community outreach coordinator, community director, immigration worker and program director contribute to designing services, leading outreach efforts and securing critical funding. They advocate for local and state policy shifts and coordinate direct support for populations facing a host of challenges that include housing instability, food insecurity, domestic violence or immigration challenges.
Social work in community and nonprofit settings provides opportunities to influence systems and lead community initiatives, making it ideal for those interested in addressing the impacts of societal challenges on people’s lives, community engagement, macro social work or leadership. Social work practice in these settings offers flexibility across focus areas and employer types, from small grassroots nonprofits to large national organizations working in housing, public health, youth services and more. Wages typically range from about $50,000 to $129,800.
Policy, Advocacy and Government Roles
All social work students receive training in policy and advocacy, enabling them to shape change at the systems level, while bringing a human-centered lens to their work. MSW graduates understand how policies shape experiences of individuals and their communities and partner with them to drive real, structural change. In roles like policy analyst, legislative liaison and child welfare administrator, they influence decisions that shape entire sectors, from healthcare and education to housing and public safety.
These roles are in high demand across local, state and federal agencies, as well as in nonprofit organizations and advocacy groups. Social workers may focus on community-based policy work or school systems at the local level; at the state level, they may drive legislative initiatives and program management. At the federal level, they may work on nationwide policy reform or with national advocacy organizations. With salaries ranging from about $69,000 to $119,000, there’s substantial earning potential as you make your mark on the future of public policy, especially as you advance into leadership positions.
What’s the Salary Potential for MSW Grads?
With a median annual income of $61,330, social work offers solid earning potential. However, earnings can vary widely depending on factors such as experience, region, licensure, and work setting. The lowest 10% of social workers earn less than $41,580, while the highest 10% earn more than $99,500. For example, careers and salaries for social workers with an MSW are typically higher-paying than those requiring only a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW).
Below is a breakdown of the median wages across different social work settings to give you a clearer picture of median annual earnings:
- Healthcare: $68,090
- Educational services (state, local, and private): $67,620
- Local government (excluding education and hospitals): $65,920
- State government (excluding education and hospitals): $59,630
- Individual and family services: $51,430
- Community food and housing, emergency and other relief services, and vocational rehabilitation services: $49,980
How Pitt’s Online MSW Prepares You for These Careers
As demand grows for social workers with advanced training, the University of Pittsburgh’s MSW program prepares graduates to lead with skill and purpose. Through its face-to-face and part-time online modalities, the MSW program offers key features that support professional growth, ensuring you are well-equipped for success, including:
- Field placements: Complete two curated practicum experiences tailored to your career goals (often with the option to use your current place of employment).
- Career support: Access guidance and resources from a top-ranked school of social work with over a century of experience preparing leaders in the field.
- Curriculum designed to meet workforce needs: Build real-world skills in direct practice with individuals, families, and groups. Customize your education with specialized certificates in Children, Youth, and Families; Integrated Healthcare, Mental Health, or Gerontology.
- Flexible format for working professionals: 100% online and asynchronous coursework allows you to study from anywhere and balance your education with work and personal commitments.
Take the Next Step in Your Social Work Career
Today’s world needs social workers who can lead with empathy, think systemically, and drive real change wherever they serve. Whether your path takes you to hospitals, schools, community organizations or policy-making arenas, the demand for MSW-trained professionals is strong and continues to grow.
Pitt’s MSW program empowers you to meet that moment. With a curriculum grounded in equity, flexible learning designed for working professionals and field experiences that prepare you for what’s next, you’ll graduate ready to make an impact.
Ready to take the next step? Explore the online format for Pitt’s MSW program, request more information, or start your application today. If you have questions about the process, our enrollment team can provide personalized guidance.