- Social work careers in numbers
- BSW or MSW: which do you need?
- Becoming a social worker, step by step
- Apply to the board before you book the exam
- The bachelor's degree you already have counts
- Where social workers work and earn
- What the work is like
- Practice tests and exam prep
- How long it takes
- My verdict
- Frequently asked questions
To become a social worker in the US, you typically earn a bachelor's degree in social work (BSW) for entry-level, nonclinical roles, or a master's in social work (MSW) for clinical roles. Clinical social workers also need supervised clinical experience after the MSW, a pass on a clinical exam and a state licence. Requirements vary by state.
So the first decision is which kind of social work you want to do, because that decides whether a bachelor's is enough. You don't need a social work bachelor's to get into an MSW, either.
Facts below come from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Outlook Handbook and the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB), both read on 26 October 2026. It's a careers guide, not counselling advice.
Social work careers in numbers
| Measure | BLS figure |
|---|---|
| Median pay, social workers (May 2025) | $61,780 a year |
| Jobs in 2025 | 816,100 |
| Projected growth 2025 to 2035 | 6% |
| Openings each year | About 69,100 on average |
| Biggest specialty by jobs | Child, family and school social workers, 405,100 |
Pay figures are as of October 2026. Child, family and school social workers make up about half of all social work jobs.
BSW or MSW: which do you need?
| Bachelor's (BSW) | Master's (MSW) | |
|---|---|---|
| Typical roles | Entry-level nonclinical positions | Clinical roles, and some nonclinical roles |
| Length | A bachelor's degree | Generally 2 years; some BSW holders finish in under 2 |
| Fieldwork | Supervised fieldwork or an internship | A supervised practicum or internship |
| After the degree | Some states require a licence or credential | Supervised clinical experience, then a clinical exam and licence |
Becoming a social worker, step by step
- Decide on clinical or nonclinical work. Clinical social workers provide mental health and counselling services and need an MSW.
- Earn your degree. A BSW is the most common requirement for entry-level nonclinical work.
- For clinical work, complete an accredited MSW. A bachelor's in almost any field is acceptable for entry, with public policy, psychology or social science common.
- Complete supervised clinical experience after the MSW. BLS says the length varies by state and may take several years.
- Apply for licensure with your state board, then schedule the exam.
- Pass the exam and get licensed. Keep up with your state's renewal rules.
Apply to the board before you book the exam
This order trips people up. ASWB tells candidates to apply for licensure with their state or provincial board first, and only then to register and sit the exam at a Pearson test center. Booking prep courses and picking an exam date before your board has approved you can leave you waiting, so start with the board.
It's also worth knowing what the exam looks like. ASWB says its exams include 122 questions, of which 110 are scored and 12 are unscored, using three- and four-option multiple choice. The current exams are based on a 2026 blueprint, and there are separate categories: Bachelors, Masters, Advanced Generalist and Clinical.
The bachelor's degree you already have counts
Many people assume they need to start again with a social work degree. BLS says a bachelor's in social work isn't required to enter a master's in social work. A bachelor's in almost any field is acceptable, and recommended coursework includes sociology, economics and political science. If you do hold a BSW, some programs let you finish the MSW in under 2 years.
Where social workers work and earn
State and local government employs the most social workers, at 27% of jobs. Individual and family services employ about 17 in every 100, and healthcare, hospitals and schools make up much of the rest.
| Setting | Median pay, May 2025 |
|---|---|
| Hospitals; state, local and private | $77,440 |
| Educational services | $68,850 |
| State and local government, excluding education and hospitals | $65,100 |
| Ambulatory healthcare services | $63,710 |
| Individual and family services | $51,980 |
Those are BLS medians as of October 2026. Hospital social work paid the most of these settings, and individual and family services the least.
What the work is like
Most social workers work in an office but spend time visiting clients and meeting colleagues and community specialists. School social workers may cover several schools and travel around a district. BLS notes that understaffing and large caseloads can make the work stressful, and some social workers work evenings, weekends and holidays or are on call.
If the ethics of the profession appeal to you, this piece on business ethics inspired by social work principles is an interesting read, and if you're switching careers, these interview practice prompts help with applications.
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I build the systems that handle the boring 80 percent, so you get your week back. Done properly, with the human kept in.
Practice tests and exam prep
ASWB sells an online practice test that stays available for 30 days after your first login, and its Exam Guidebook explains what to expect on exam day and how questions are built. If English isn't your first language, or you have a disability or health condition, ASWB says you may be eligible for nonstandard testing arrangements, so it's worth asking before you book.
How long it takes
For a nonclinical role with a BSW, you're looking at a bachelor's degree plus any state credential. For a clinical role, add an MSW, generally 2 years, and then supervised clinical experience that BLS says may take several years depending on your state. So clinical licensure is usually a six-year-plus journey from the start of college.
My verdict
Choose clinical or nonclinical first, because that decides your whole route. A BSW gets you into entry-level work. For clinical practice, you need an MSW, years of supervised experience and the clinical exam. Don't let a non-social-work bachelor's stop you: it's accepted for MSW entry. And when you're ready for the exam, apply to your state board before anything else.
Frequently asked questions
What degree do you need to be a social worker?
A bachelor's in social work (BSW) is the most common requirement for entry-level nonclinical roles. Clinical social workers need a master's in social work (MSW).
Can I get an MSW without a BSW?
Yes. BLS says a bachelor's in social work isn't required to enter a master's program; a bachelor's in almost any field is acceptable.
How long does it take to become a licensed clinical social worker?
An MSW generally takes 2 years, followed by supervised clinical experience that may take several years depending on the state, then a clinical exam.
How many questions are on the ASWB exam?
ASWB says its exams include 122 questions: 110 scored and 12 unscored.
How much do social workers make?
BLS reports a median of $61,780 a year in May 2025, as of October 2026. Hospital social workers had a higher median, at $77,440.
Do I apply for the exam or the licence first?
ASWB says to apply for licensure with your state or provincial board first, then schedule and sit the exam.
