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For Educators: Military Resources

Healthcare Social Workers

Median Salary
62,940
Job Outlook
+7%
In-Demand

Overview

What are the responsibilities of this role?

Provide individuals, families, and groups with the psychosocial support needed to cope with chronic, acute, or terminal illnesses. Services include advising family caregivers. Provide patients with information and counseling, and make referrals for other services. May also provide case and care management or interventions designed to promote health, prevent disease, and address barriers to access to healthcare.

What sectors do they work in?

Private for profit

36%

Private not for profit

35%

State and local government

23%

Self-employed

3%

Federal Government

2%

What is the job outlook?

Overall employment of social workers is projected to grow 7 percent from 2023 to 2033, faster than the average for all occupations. About 67,300 openings for social workers are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.

Compensation

What is the typical salary range?

$30,770

10%

$62,940

Median

$89,800

90%

How does location impact how much salary?

Education

What level of education do professionals in this role have?

Education Level

  • Master's degree

    70%

  • Bachelor's degree

    14%

  • Post-master's certificate

    11%

  • First professional degree

    3%

Which college majors best prepare you for this role?

  • Social Work
  • Clinical/Medical Social Work
  • Social Work, Other
  • Thanatology
  • Forensic Social Work

Skills and Interest

Which skill sets are the most valuable to possess?

Skills

  • Verbal Skills

    High

  • Leadership

    High

  • Critical Thinking and Problem Solving

    High

  • Math and Science Skills

    Mid

  • Technology Design and Control

    Mid

  • Equipment Operation and Maintenance

    Low

What knowledge should you bring to the table?

  • Therapy and Counseling
  • Psychology
  • Customer and Personal Service
  • Sociology and Anthropology
  • English Language

What challenges will you likely face in the workplace?

Workplace

  • Time Pressure

    Mid

  • Decision Making

    Mid

  • Physical Activity

    Mid

  • Level Of Competition

    Mid

  • Exposure to Job Hazards

    Low

  • Repetitiveness

    Low

  • Responsibility

    Low

What personality traits help people thrive in this role?

Social

You love connecting with people, helping others and making a difference in your community.

Investigative

You love figuring out how things work and researching subjects that interest you.

RIASEC represents six broad interest areas—Realistic, Investigative, Artistic, Social, Enterprising, and Conventional—helping individuals identify careers that match their skills and preferences.

Take the RIASEC Test

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Data supplied by Bureau of Labor Statistics, National Center of Education Statistics, Defense Manpower Data Center (View our update schedule). Contact any business, college or military service branch to answer additional questions.