Social Workers Salary Guide and Job Outlook: Options With a Social Work Bachelor’s Degree

Pursuing a bachelor’s degree in social work opens the door to a gratifying career dedicated to making a positive impact on people’s lives. As a social worker, you’ll have the opportunity to support individuals, families and communities facing challenges, helping them access resources, overcome obstacles and build brighter futures.

There are many opportunities to do meaningful work in this field with a bachelor’s degree, and you can also pursue further study to enhance your career in social work by earning a master’s degree. The fully online Bachelor of Social Work program from East Central University is flexible, affordable and is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE).

Job Outlook for Careers in Social Work With a Bachelor’s Degree

Once you’ve decided to pursue a bachelor’s degree in social work, you will find that there are a variety of directions to take your career. The BSW degree equips students with the knowledge and skills necessary for entry-level human services, and social work roles in a number of career paths. Some of those include tribal child welfare, case management, hospice, school social work, veterans’ family support and domestic violence. Becoming licensed as a social worker requires further study at the graduate level that can build on the foundation provided by a BSW degree.

Some careers in social work, like Marriage and Family Therapists, Rehabilitation Counselors and Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder and Mental Health Counselors, require a master’s degree. Typically, salaries for these jobs are higher than those that only require a bachelor’s degree. According to ZipRecruiter the average annual salary for social workers in Oklahoma is $70,419 per year.

Community and Social Service Areas Projected to Grow

Projections from the BLS indicate that the demand for social workers assisting the elderly is expected to rise. The population is aging, and by 2032, more than 25% of the population will be 65 or older. Social workers who can help older people with health issues, lifestyle changes, housing needs and more are becoming increasingly crucial. This includes helping older veterans, their families and seniors with disabilities.

Similarly, the need for social workers who can work with people with substance abuse issues is expected to increase as this is a growing concern. Opioid addiction and overdose death rates increased rapidly in the 2010s and remain elevated as does the need for treatment.

More people are also seeking mental healthcare, which is increasing the need for more therapists, counselors and social workers who provide mental health support. Particularly, marriage and family therapists are projected to see employment growth of nearly 15% according to the BLS; however, the number of people seeking mental health services in all age groups is increasing, so these counselors and therapists are in high demand.

Career Paths Available to Those With a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work

An internship in social work will allow you to work under an established social worker to become familiar with the industry and learn the skills needed to work with clients and respond to challenges. These opportunities often illuminate the path ahead in a variety of roles and settings. A program specialist helps develop and implement new programs within an organization. This includes everything from budgets and funding to overseeing implementation and researching existing social services programs. The average salary for a program specialist in Oklahoma is $54,993.

Working with children may involve visiting their homes, observing their families and offering counseling to children and their families as a child welfare specialist. You may also assess potential adoptive or foster families to aid in the placement of children who need care. The national average salary for a child welfare specialist is $53,099.

Matching people in need with the programs and services that can benefit them is the work of the Director of Social Services. This is a role for a facilitator who can also be a fundraiser. The average salary for a Director of Social Services in Oklahoma is $48,299. If your interest is health-related, you can become a health education specialist who works with groups in the community, in hospitals, nonprofit organizations and government agencies. The median salary for a health educator in Oklahoma is $63,000.

If your interests lie in mental health, as a technician you can work in mental health centers, both inpatient and outpatient facilities. Primary responsibilities include helping new patients with admission, leading groups during therapeutic activities and monitoring the behaviors and vital signs of patients. The national average salary of a mental health technician is $42,000. Probation and parole officers assist in rehabilitating law offenders and have a national median pay of $48,044. Entry into this field only requires a bachelor’s degree.

Pursuing Your Career With a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work

The expert faculty at East Central University prepares graduates for social work practice to enhance the quality of life for all people. The online BSW coursework includes hands-on internship opportunities, giving you real-world experience.

The variety of electives available allows for specialization to suit your career goals. This program equips graduates with the skills and tools to make a difference in their communities through a wide variety of career paths.

Learn more about East Central University’s online Bachelor of Social Work program.