Median pay
$67,880
per year
U.S. jobs
187,630
Healthcare Social Workers
Typical entry
BSW for care-coordination and discharge roles; clinical roles typically require an MSW
Bachelor license
Often, especially to hold the social worker title
What Does a Medical or Hospital Social Worker Do?
Healthcare social workers support patients through illness, injury, and care transitions. They assess psychosocial needs, plan safe discharges, arrange home care or rehabilitation, connect families to financial and community resources, and provide emotional support. BSW-level practitioners commonly work in discharge planning and care coordination; clinical counseling roles usually require a master's degree and clinical license.
Work Settings and Employers in This Career
- Hospitals and emergency departments
- Outpatient and specialty clinics
- Hospice and home health
- Rehabilitation centers
- Dialysis and oncology centers
What a Typical Workday Involves
- Assess patient and family needs at admission
- Coordinate safe, timely discharge plans
- Arrange home health, equipment, and follow-up care
- Connect families to financial assistance and benefits
- Provide crisis, grief, and adjustment support
- Communicate with the interdisciplinary care team
How a BSW Prepares You for This Career
A BSW qualifies you for hospital care-coordination, discharge-planning, and social-work-assistant roles. Moving into a licensed clinical hospital social worker position generally requires an MSW.
Compare programs in our national BSW ranking and state-by-state rankings, or check your state's licensing rules on the credentials page.
Advancing to clinical, supervisory, or fully licensed roles in this field usually requires a master's.
What Is the Pay and Job Outlook for Medical and Hospital Social Workers in 2026?
The BLS counts medical or hospital social worker jobs under the category Healthcare Social Workers, which reported a median wage of $67,880 per year and about 187,630 jobs nationwide (May 2025). The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects employment to grow 8% from 2023 to 2033. Wages vary by state, setting, and experience.
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025; BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook. National, cross-industry figures.