How Much Does a Social Worker Who Has a Two-Year B.A. Certificate Make?
- According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, there were approximately 642,000 social workers employed in the United States in 2008. The average salary for child, family and school social workers was $39,530 in 2008. Average salaries of social workers ranged between $31,000 and $74,000 depending on the industry in which the worker was employed.
- The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics divides social worker salary statistics into four different industry categories. Social workers dealing with children, families and schools earned approximately $39,530 on average in 2008. Top earners earned $66,000 or more in the field. Medical and public health social workers earned approximately $46,000 on average, with top earners making approximately $69,000. Mental health and substance abuse workers made an average of approximately $37,000 in 2008, with the highest earners taking home $61,000 or more. "Other" social workers in the nation made an average of approximately $46,000 annually, with the top earners making $74,000 or more annually.
- Social workers provide psychological and emotional assistance and guidance to individuals in the industry in which they work. Workers provide additional assistance to individuals with disabilities to help them achieve employment, housing or life goals. Social workers also act as mediators in some social situations. For example, a worker may help a student who is struggling academically or socially in school. A student may feel that she cannot express her problems to a parent or principal. A social worker can step in and act as a third-party who is neutral.
- Social workers with a bachelor's degree have the opportunity to make more money and acquire more responsibility over the course of their career with promotions and specialization. For example, social workers who advance to management positions or policy making not only steer the direction of the company's social work but also increase their annual salary. Additionally, going back to school and obtaining a master's or doctorate degree increases the annual salary of social workers on average.
