and case management require detailed record-keeping and care plan coordination across all roles. What Kind of Person is Best Suited? These careers attract people with deep empathy and commitment to social justice. You need strong interpersonal skills and the ability to build trust quickly with diverse populations, including those experiencing trauma, poverty or crisis situations. Cultural competence is essential, as you'll work with individuals from varied ethnic, socioeconomic and linguistic backgrounds. You must remain non-judgmental while maintaining professional boundaries. Resilience and emotional intelligence are important, as the work involves exposure to difficult situations and systemic challenges. The best professionals balance advocacy with self-care while demonstrating creativity and problem-solving skills. What Kind of Education is Generally Required? Most direct service positions require a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) degree, while clinical and supervisory roles require a Master of Social Work (MSW) degree. Social work programs must be accredited by the Council on Social Work Education and include field practicum experiences. Public health positions often require bachelor's degrees in public health, sociology or psychology, with many roles preferring Master of Public Health (MPH) degrees. All states require licensure for clinical social work practice. Many government positions qualify for Public Service Loan Forgiveness programs, reducing educational debt. What is the Average Salary? The median annual wage for social workers was $61,330 in May 2024, with public health social workers averaging $76,266 annually. Salary ranges typically span $59,000 to $91,500, with Licensed Clinical Social Workers earning around $67,000. Health care social workers often earn higher salaries due to specialized training. Geographic location significantly impacts compensation. What Growth is Possible? Employment is projected to grow 7% from 2023-2033, with approximately 67,300 annual openings expected. Health care social work shows particularly strong growth at 10%. You can advance from direct service roles to supervisory positions, program management or executive leadership. Many become directors of social services departments or nonprofit executives. Specialization leads to consulting opportunities in trauma therapy, substance abuse treatment or program eval- uation. Some transition into policy roles with government agencies or advocacy organizations. How Much is This Career in Demand? Demand is strong and growing, driven by an aging population, increased mental health awareness and recognition of social determinants of health. The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the critical importance of public health infrastructure and social support systems. Health care integration initiatives create new positions in medical settings, while the opioid crisis drives demand for specialized clinical services. Rural and underserved communities face particular shortages, creating excellent opportunities. The growing integration of behavioral health with primary health care creates innovative roles combining social work and public health expertise. Links to Learn More n American Public Health Association (APHA) www.apha.org n Society for Public Health Education (SOPHE) www.sophe.org n Bureau of Labor Statistics-Public Health https://www.bls.gov/ooh/life-physical-and- social-science/epidemiologists.htm n National Association of Social Workers (NASW) www.socialworkers.org n Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) www.cswe.org n Bureau of Labor Statistics – Social Workers www.bls.gov/ooh/community-and-social- service/social-workers.htm Tennessee Career Guide | 2026 105 Tennessee’s Top Careers College of Pharmacy & Health Sciences at Belmont University The College of Pharmacy & Health Sciences at Belmont University offers comprehensive preparation for careers in public health and social work through CSWE-accredited programs and extensive field placements. Located in Nashville, the nation's health care capital, students access diverse clinical partnerships with Ascension, HCA Healthcare and Vanderbilt for hands-on experience. Our public health and social work programs emphasize interprofessional collaboration, evidence- based practice and community engagement. Students benefit from award- winning faculty with real-world expertise, small class sizes and meaningful field experiences across government agencies, nonprofit organizations and health care systems throughout Middle Tennessee. The Information on this career is submitted and sponsored by
