Social Work — Career Paths
6 careers commonly entered by Social Work graduates. Median US salary across these roles: $61K. 5 are in high or very-high demand.
What can you do with a Social Work degree?
Graduates with a Social Work degree typically move into the 6 roles listed below. This list is built from the U.S. Department of Education's official CIP→SOC crosswalk — meaning each role is a documented occupational pathway from this field of study, not a guess. 2 of these roles will be transformed (but not replaced) by AI — workers who pair the degree with AI fluency will outperform those who don't.
Career Roles (6)
Clinical Social Worker
Help patients and families cope with illness and access community resources
Community Manager
Manager building and engaging online communities
Correctional Officer
Supervise inmates in correctional facilities
Social Media Manager
Manage social media presence, content, and engagement strategies
Mental Health Counselor
Provide therapy and counseling for mental health and emotional issues
Social Services Caseworker
Help individuals and families access government assistance programs
How AI-proof is your Social Work degree?
5 quick questions, instant score — see how ready you are for where these careers are heading.
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