Wondering what the social work job market looks like, or what paths to consider?
Whether you’re actively job seeking or preparing for your future search, you can learn about your prospects in several ways:
-
- Market Research: To get a sense of the overall job landscape, start with the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook, which tracks national employment trends. According to its 2024–2034 projections, employment for social workers is expected to grow by 6% nationally, with even stronger growth (10%) for those in mental health and substance use roles. You can also explore the National Center for Health Workforce Analysis (NCHWA)’s Workforce Projections Dashboard for data specific to behavioral health workers.
- Workforce Studies: Professional organizations such as the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB), Council on Social Work Education (CSWE), and National Association of Social Workers (NASW) regularly conduct workforce studies to track employment outcomes across the profession. More recently, ASWB and the Social Work Workforce Coalition launched their inaugural Social Work Census, uncovering insights about where both licensed and non-licensed social workers are employed, and the types of roles they hold.
-
- CSSW Resources: For insight on jobs that CSSW graduates have pursued immediately after graduation, review our 2024 graduate outcomes report (additional reports can be found in Career Connect). You can also explore alumni career trajectories on CSSW’s LinkedIn Alumni page and in the CSSW LinkedIn Group. If you’re not sure where to start, use the list of 80+ job search sites in Career Connect or request a career chat with an alum through our Career Mentorship Program to gain firsthand insights from professionals in the field.
By combining career and market research with conversations with social workers in your areas of interest, you’ll be better prepared to identify opportunities that fit your skills and aspirations. We’re also here to help, wherever you are in your journey.