The Top 6 Benefits of Becoming a Social Worker

When we think of social workers, we often think of givers. While it’s true social workers strive tirelessly to help others, many find their career choice to be fulfilling and incredibly rewarding. Social workers make a significant positive impact on individuals and communities. And, with diverse specializations available—ranging from child welfare to mental health and beyond—social workers can align their careers with personal passions. The field is characterized by continuous learning, advocacy for social justice and meaningful relationships with clients and communities. Guided by a strong ethical framework, social workers empower others, contribute to community well-being and enjoy a career with significant job stability and demand. This dynamic and impactful profession attracts those dedicated to driving positive change.

There are many great reasons to go into this field, and as many social workers will tell you, the benefits far outweigh the drawbacks. In this blog post, we’ll explore the top six benefits of pursuing an exciting and fulfilling career path in social work.

The field of social work is expanding rapidly. In fact, the Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that the overall employment of social workers will grow 7% (faster than average) through 2033.¹ And with a wide range of job options, it’s likely that you’ll be able to find meaningful work in this field no matter where you want to work, from government agencies to healthcare facilities and every location in between.

The pay for social workers isn’t terrible, either. According to Indeed, the average base salary for a social worker in the U.S. is $67,153 per year.² Keep in mind that salary averages will change based on location, education level and years of experience.

If you’re looking to make an impact globally, social workers are in great demand around the world. Increasing social challenges, such as poverty, mental health crises and child welfare concerns, necessitate skilled professionals who can address these complex issues. Growing awareness and advocacy for mental health issues and social justice further amplify the need for social support services. Many countries are expanding social service programs and healthcare access, requiring social workers to implement and manage these initiatives. Additionally, globalization and migration contribute to this demand, as social workers are pivotal in supporting displaced individuals and families facing cultural integration challenges. Crisis response roles have also expanded as social workers play critical roles in managing disaster recovery and providing immediate assistance in times of need. Professional organizations, like the National Association of Social Workers (NASW), work with organizations and initiatives to promote social change and offer social support on a global scale.³

One of the benefits of becoming a social worker is that depending on the position, professionals may qualify to have some or most of their student loans forgiven. The Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLFP) is available to those working in public service (which includes both nonprofit organizations and government agencies) and discharges the remaining balance on Direct Loans once qualifications are met.⁴ To be eligible, you must have “made the equivalent of 120 qualifying monthly payments under an accepted repayment plan while working full-time for an eligible employer.”⁵

You may also qualify to have up to $50,000 of your student loans repaid if you work for two years in a community-based site in a high-need designated Health Professional Shortage Area as part of the National Health Service Corps loan repayment program.⁴ Some other employers may also provide loan repayment or assistance programs as well to help defray the cost of your education.

While you may assume that social workers only work in social services agencies run by the government, that is not the case. There is a wide range of opportunities and workplaces for social workers.

Social workers specialize their career paths around their areas of interest and can be found in various settings. From government agencies to private practices and nonprofit organizations, rehabilitation centers to correctional facilities, social workers are out at the forefront of their communities to provide counseling services, support and resources to community members. Social workers serve as school social workers, medical social workers, military social workers, clinical social workers, as human services specialists and mental health social workers. A social worker can practice as a child welfare social worker or child welfare researcher within the community or the foster care system, medical social worker, a behavioral management aide, a geriatric social worker, a family social worker and much, much more.

Explore some of the social worker types in greater depth:

School social workers help children work through the social and emotional issues that might prevent them from thriving in school. School social workers also provide various family services, helping parents access necessary programs and resources.

Clinical social workers diagnose and treat mental illnesses, in addition to helping clients prevent and address the psychological, behavioral, emotional and social contributors to mental illness. Clinical social workers are usually required both to hold a master’s degree and to complete other licensing requirements to be considered clinical licensed social workers.

Mental health social workers work with patients experiencing mental health disorders, including anxiety and depression. Some choose to specialize as substance abuse social workers, as well, a type of practice that benefits from also earning an addictions credential. A mental health social worker plays a key role in creating an effective strategy and plan to treat mental disorders.

A substance abuse social worker specializes in working with clients who have addiction issues. They may provide individual and family services, and work with wider communities that are affected by substance abuse. They may offer community resources and contribute to treatment plans along with other healthcare professionals. Substances can include alcohol, drugs, or tobacco. Some addictive behaviors can also fall under the purview of a substance abuse social worker, including gambling and overeating.

Certified hospice and palliative care social workers offer counseling and emotional support to terminally ill people and their families, helping them through the grieving process. This type of social worker requires advanced certification as well as a master’s degree.

Salary expectations for these positions vary based on where you work, your education level, and how many years of work experience you have under your belt. Below is a general breakdown of average base salaries for each of these specializations.

The types of positions you have in each of these fields vary, as well. You could be involved in direct client care, serve in a supervisory role, or focus on policy development, advocacy, grant writing or other aspects of the field. In short, there is no single definition of social work, and you can find a role that interests you and fits your skills and talents.

Once you get your foot in the door of the social work field, you have a great deal of potential for growth, especially if you continue your education and earn a master’s degree. For social workers aspiring to advance their careers, pathways to private practice or supervisory roles provide lucrative and fulfilling opportunities.

Gaining experience in diverse social work settings can prepare you for these advancements. Obtaining advanced degrees, such as a Master of Social Work (MSW), and additional certifications can be critical steps toward opening a private practice or qualifying for supervisory positions. Specializing in areas like clinical social work, family therapy, substance abuse counseling or gerontology can enhance expertise and make social workers more competitive candidates. With the right credentials and a strong professional reputation, social workers in private practice can set their own fees and enjoy flexible schedules, often leading to increased earning potential. Similarly, those in supervisory or administrative roles may command higher salaries due to the added responsibilities of overseeing programs and staff.

Continuing education and networking within professional organizations can further bolster your career, providing the necessary skills and connections for these advanced roles.

You can’t have a discussion about the benefits of a career in social work without addressing the fact that working in the field allows you to make a difference in the lives of individuals and provide a tangible benefit to society.

Well-known social workers include Irena Sendler and Jane Addams. Sendler was a Polish social worker who, during World War II, saved approximately 2,500 Jewish children from the Holocaust. She used her position to gain access to the Warsaw Ghetto and she smuggled children out and placed them with Polish families, orphanages and religious institutions, risking her life to protect them.¹¹ Addams is known as the “mother” of social work in the United States. She co-founded Hull House in Chicago in 1889, which was one of the first settlement houses in North America. Hull House provided essential services such as childcare, educational opportunities, and vocational training for immigrants and the urban poor, greatly influencing social reform and the development of the social work profession.¹²

Many people want to make the world a better place but aren’t sure where to start or what to do. As a social worker, you are in a position to solve specific problems and help others, and there is a good chance that you will end up being the person who changes someone else’s life. Whether on a large scale, like Sendler or Addams, or on a day-to-day basis in your community, your work as a social worker will make an impact. While it is a lot of hard work and change doesn’t always happen quickly, just knowing that your work is meaningful to others can help provide you with a purpose and personal fulfillment.

Social work fulfills both personal and societal goals by enabling practitioners to make a meaningful impact on individuals and communities while addressing broader social issues. On a personal level, social workers often find fulfillment in helping individuals overcome challenges, improve their quality of life and achieve personal growth, aligning their day-to-day tasks with their values of compassion and empathy. This direct contribution to positive change fosters a deep sense of purpose and satisfaction.

On a societal level, social workers play a crucial role in many people’s lives by advocating for social justice, equality and systemic change. They work tirelessly to address issues such as poverty, discrimination, and access to healthcare and education, striving to create a more equitable and inclusive society. Through these efforts, social workers help to build stronger, more resilient communities and advance important social causes, bridging the gap between individual well-being and collective progress.

If this work aligns with your values, then consider becoming a social worker.

Social work has a number of significant benefits for those who commit to it, and earning a master’s degree is the best way to get the meaningful career you desire. With various career paths to choose from, it may seem difficult to know where to start. However, if you have been thinking about a career in this field, now is a great time to jump in and begin making a difference in your community.

It’s never been easier to find the right program for you with a greater abundance of online social work programs. Consider how an online Master of Social Work (MSW) from Yeshiva University can help you find a meaningful career. With advanced training in methodologies and specialized practice for communities, group work and individuals, you will find the style of social work that matches your unique preferences, personal interests and professional strengths.

Our flexible, 100% online master’s degree program prepares you for real-life challenges with our methods-based curriculum. In our acclaimed virtual learning environment, The Heights, you’ll learn best practices for a variety of important specializations. This is where purpose and passion intersect, offering the greatest opportunity to achieve your highest aspirations.

Contact us to find out even more about the benefits of pursuing an online Master of Social Work degree.

_{NOTE: Coursework in community practice is not offered in the online MSW program.}