Entry Level Salary
$41,175
Median Salary
$64,311
Unemployment Rate
2.3%
Avg: 2.2%
Underemployment Rate
19.8%
Working non-college jobs
Earnings Trajectory
Lifetime: $2,572,440
Entry (Early)
$41,175
Median (Prime)
$64,311
High (Prime)
$66,038
ROI Sensitivity AnalysisAssuming 4 Years to Graduation
This analysis tests three "What-If" scenarios. While most students start at the Entry Level, calculating ROI using Median and High salaries helps illustrate the potential long-term payoff for top performers relative to the degree cost.
Lifetime Value Added (NPV)
Entry Level
Median
High
$0 Cost
-84k
+118k
+132k
$25k / yr
-174k
+28k
+42k
$50k / yr
-264k
-62k
-48k
Break-even Age
Entry Level
Median
High
$0 Cost
Never
31
30
$25k / yr
Never
49
45
$50k / yr
Never
Never
Never
Return on Investment %
Entry Level
Median
High
$0 Cost
0%
∞
∞
$25k / yr
-160%
26%
39%
$50k / yr
-122%
-29%
-22%
Sensitivity Analysis Methodology: These grids assume you begin your career earning the salary specified in the column header (Entry Level = conservative baseline, Median/High = potential upside).
These figures are medians for past graduates who received federal aid. Your cost and pay will differ. Run your own numbers in the Guided ROI Interview →
Education Impact
Advanced Degree Rate51.6%
Analysis: A large percentage of students in this field pursue Master's or Doctoral degrees to maximize earnings.
Top Professions
Social workers, all other
25.1% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$45,000
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$60,727|$71,900
openings
5,800 /yr
Growth (10yr): +2.3%
Social and community service managers
3.6% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$42,509
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$66,910|$80,390
openings
18,500 /yr
Growth (10yr): +7.2%
Therapists, All Other
3.2% of graduates map to this role
Stable
Entry Salary
$46,322
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$58,951|N/A
openings
N/A /yr
Growth (10yr): N/A
Management occupations
2.7% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$47,300
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$76,000|$126,520
openings
1,081,700 /yr
Growth (10yr): +6.2%
Elementary and middle school teachers
2.7% of graduates map to this role
Stable
Entry Salary
$36,436
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$54,000|$64,170
openings
127,300 /yr
Growth (10yr): -0.4%
Counselors, social workers, and other community and social service specialists
2.3% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$45,293
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$55,000|$58,300
openings
249,100 /yr
Growth (10yr): +8.3%
Child, family, and school social workers
2.3% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$43,946
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$60,000|$59,550
openings
33,900 /yr
Growth (10yr): +4.4%
Medical and health services managers
2.1% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$48,660
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$80,000|$123,860
openings
62,300 /yr
Growth (10yr): +24.2%
Healthcare social workers
2.0% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$56,000
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$67,526|$67,880
openings
16,900 /yr
Growth (10yr): +8.5%
Educational, guidance, and career counselors and advisors
1.8% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$38,015
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$56,000|$64,330
openings
27,800 /yr
Growth (10yr): +2.9%
About this Data:
- Entry: Median salary for graduates aged 22 to 27 (American Community Survey).
- Median (PUMS | BLS): Comparison of this major's graduates vs. the national market average for the role.
- Growth & Openings: 10-year national projections (2025–2035).
Program Variants & Earnings Ranges
Summary of specific program titles and credential levels mapped to this major, showing the range of earnings across different colleges.
Completers Only: Federal median earnings data strictly reflects outcomes for students who successfully graduated. Students who do not complete their degree typically earn significantly less and face higher risks of debt default.
| Program Title | Credential Level | # Colleges | Median Earnings Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| social work. | Undergrad Certificate | 34 | $23,617 - $61,618 |
| social work. | Associate's Degree | 122 | $27,940 - $57,548 |
| social work. | Bachelor's Degree | 560 | $19,099 - $76,060 |
| social work. | Post-bacc Certificate | 6 | $57,835 - $60,275 |
| social work. | Master's Degree | 288 | $32,054 - $108,099 |
| social work. | Doctoral Degree | 79 | $84,830 - $130,490 |
| social work. | First Professional Degree | 3 | $59,122 - $90,782 |
| social work. | Graduate Certificate | 21 | $51,461 - $82,838 |