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For Educators: Military Resources
For Educators: Military Resources

Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers

Median Salary
55,960
Job Outlook
+7%
In-Demand

Overview

What are the responsibilities of this role?

Assess and treat individuals with mental, emotional, or substance abuse problems, including abuse of alcohol, tobacco, and/or other drugs. Activities may include individual and group therapy, crisis intervention, case management, client advocacy, prevention, and education.

What sectors do they work in?

Private not for profit

36%

Private for profit

28%

Self-employed

18%

State and local government

13%

Federal Government

4%

Did you know this role exists in the Military?

What is the job outlook?

Overall employment of social workers is projected to grow 7 percent from 2023 to 2033, faster than the average for all occupations. About 67,300 openings for social workers are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.

Compensation

What is the typical salary range?

$29,430

10%

$55,960

Median

$84,560

90%

How does location impact how much salary?

Education

What level of education do professionals in this role have?

Education Level

  • Master's degree

    77%

  • Bachelor's degree

    18%

  • Post-master's certificate

    4%

Which college majors best prepare you for this role?

  • Social Work
  • Clinical/Medical Social Work
  • Social Work, Other

Skills and Interest

Which skill sets are the most valuable to possess?

Skills

  • Verbal Skills

    High

  • Leadership

    High

  • Critical Thinking and Problem Solving

    High

  • Math and Science Skills

    Mid

  • Technology Design and Control

    Mid

  • Equipment Operation and Maintenance

    Low

What knowledge should you bring to the table?

  • Therapy and Counseling
  • Psychology
  • Customer and Personal Service
  • English Language
  • Education and Training

What challenges will you likely face in the workplace?

Workplace

  • Time Pressure

    High

  • Repetitiveness

    Mid

  • Decision Making

    Mid

  • Exposure to Job Hazards

    Low

  • Responsibility

    Low

  • Physical Activity

    Low

  • Level Of Competition

    Low

What personality traits help people thrive in this role?

Social

You love connecting with people, helping others and making a difference in your community.

Investigative

You love figuring out how things work and researching subjects that interest you.

RIASEC represents six broad interest areas—Realistic, Investigative, Artistic, Social, Enterprising, and Conventional—helping individuals identify careers that match their skills and preferences.

Take the RIASEC Test

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Data supplied by Bureau of Labor Statistics, National Center of Education Statistics, Defense Manpower Data Center (View our update schedule). Contact any business, college or military service branch to answer additional questions.