Median pay
$59,550
per year
U.S. jobs
392,550
Child, Family, and School Social Workers
Typical entry
BSW for support roles; many states require an MSW plus school certification
Bachelor license
Usually (license or certification, often a master's)
What Does a School Social Worker Do?
School social workers help students overcome barriers to learning: attendance, behavior, mental health, family instability, and unmet basic needs. They connect families to services, run support and skills groups, intervene in crises, and coordinate with teachers, counselors, and special-education teams. Many states require a master's degree and a school social work certification or license, although some districts hire BSW graduates into support and case-management roles.
Work Settings and Employers in This Career
- Public and private K-12 schools
- School districts and cooperatives
- Alternative and special education programs
- Early-childhood and Head Start programs
What a Typical Workday Involves
- Meet with students and families to assess needs
- Respond to attendance, behavior, and crisis concerns
- Connect families to community and basic-needs resources
- Support IEP and 504 teams
- Facilitate counseling or social-skills groups
- Document interventions and track outcomes
How a BSW Prepares You for This Career
A BSW prepares you for school-based support and case-management roles and is the foundation for the master's degree that most states require to be a fully licensed or certified school social worker. Check your state's rules on the credentials page.
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 School Social Workers in 2026?
The BLS counts school social worker jobs under the category Child, Family, and School Social Workers, which reported a median wage of $59,550 per year and about 392,550 jobs nationwide (May 2025). The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects employment to grow 3% 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.