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Those who hold a master’s degree tend to experience lower unemployment (2.2% in 2024), according to U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data, compared with 6.2% for people with less than a high school diploma. BLS data from May 2024 also show that pay generally rises with educational attainment, though the size of the jump varies by level (for example, median weekly earnings increase from $1,543 for bachelor’s degree holders to $1,840 for master’s degree holders, about $15,000 more per year when annualized).

Although these figures represent overall unemployment rates and salaries, they can be an indicator of the appeal of earning a graduate degree such as a master’s in social work. Is an MSW worth it? To help you decide if this is the right path for you, here is a look at what the degree is, whether an MSW is necessary to practice in the field, and the pros and cons of getting a master’s in social work.

An MSW, or master’s degree in social work, is the master’s degree that students earn in an MSW graduate program that is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education. It is common for students in an MSW program to have a bachelor’s in social work, or a BSW. However, candidates who hold a different liberal arts degree, such as psychology, may find success in a master’s in social work program.

In addition to completing core coursework, students must complete a practicum or internship that varies by school or program. The National Association of Colleges and Employers Journal states that students with in-field experience are more likely to find employment than applicants without this training period.

The short answer is no. While a BSW is the traditional starting block for a master’s in social work; this undergraduate degree qualifies you for a variety of social work positions, including:

Most jobs open to BSWs are entry-level and do not provide room for advancement without further education. On the other hand, an MSW offers additional opportunities in clinical, specialty or supervisory practice.

When going through any decision-making process, several factors, both positive and negative, must be considered. The factors that should be taken into account when considering an MSW include workplace environment, earning potential and student debt.

Even though job opportunities exist for candidates who possess a bachelor’s of social work, there are several benefits to earning an MSW degree.

Because a master’s in social work is a diverse, multidisciplinary degree, you will find greater flexibility in career options than fellow graduates with a master’s degree from a different field.

While it is common for clinical social workers to take on administration, research, teaching and writing roles, you are not bound to these positions. With an MSW, you can specialize in an area that interests you, like family social work, mental health or substance abuse within a variety of workplaces, such as schools, clinics, hospitals and government.

Almost every state requires a license to practice clinical social work, which includes assessment, diagnosis, intervention and treatment in a variety of settings. But it’s important to contact your state’s social work licensing board for more information about specific requirements.

The completion of your coursework and internship will qualify you for licensure, which can lead to several career opportunities, including positions in hospitals, residential treatment facilities, not-for-profit agencies and private practice.

You gain skills like communication, leadership and critical thinking when pursuing an MSW program. This can prove useful in both your personal and professional life.

Your level of education in social work will affect your salary and earning potential. The BLS reports that the national average weekly wage for persons with a master’s degree in 2024 was $1,840, which is 19.2% higher than that of employees who held a bachelor’s degree.

The BLS national outlook for social workers is a 6% growth rate from 2024 to 2034, which is faster than the average for all occupations. Growth varies by specialty area. For example, BLS projects 8% growth for healthcare social workers and 10% growth for mental health and substance abuse social workers over the same period.

According to the NASW Survey of 2018 Graduates, “More than four of five (80.5%) MSW graduates who applied for employment received at least one job offer, and 43.2% received two or more.” Figures from the U.S. Bureau of Labor of Statistics support continued openings for the social work industry.

The BLS national outlook for social workers is a growth of 11% from 2018–2028, which is faster than the average for all occupations. Clinical social workers who work in health care and mental health and substance abuse should see much higher growth rates of 17% and 18%, respectively.

Even though there are many benefits from pursuing an MSW, several drawbacks exist.

An MSW can open doors to clinical and leadership roles, but some graduates feel the degree is “undervalued” because compensation doesn’t always match the cost of school, the emotional demands of the work, or the supervised hours required for clinical licensure (which typically requires a master’s degree, supervised clinical experience, and state licensure). Nationally, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that social workers earned a median annual wage of $61,330 (May 2024), with pay varying widely by role and setting, so entry-level community and nonprofit jobs can start notably lower than hospital or government roles. By comparison, higher-paid mental health careers that require substantially more education, like physicians and surgeons (which includes psychiatrists), have median wages at or above $239,200 per year, according to the same BLS report. 

Be prepared to spend a few extra years working toward your MSW and license. It is common for MSW programs to offer BSW degree students advanced standing, allowing them to complete the MSW coursework within a year with full-time attendance, versus two years for those with a non-social work undergraduate degree.

For part-time students, the program would last 2 to 4 years. In addition, you will need to complete an internship or practicum to obtain licensure in the state in which you wish to work.

It goes without saying that time spent earning an advanced degree entails additional financial obligations. It is essential to note that the amount of debt from the master’s program is in addition to the undergraduate figure, which leaves the average new MSW graduate burdened with student loans that will take some time to pay back.

While several factors, such as flexibility in workplace options and higher earning potential, present a strong case for an MSW, downsides such as increased student debt and a tight job market remain.

So, is a social work degree worth it? One practical way to answer, beyond “would you recommend it?”, is to look at whether people stay in the profession despite the negatives. In the 2024 Social Work Workforce Survey (part of the ASWB Social Work Census; published July 2025), more than 60% of master’s-level licensed social workers and about 69% of clinical social workers said they planned to remain in their current positions over the next two years, while only ~3.31% of master’s and ~3% of clinical social workers said they planned to leave the social work field but continue working, suggesting most see enough value to continue even when challenges (like pay and burnout risk) are real.

The reason behind this response is because people like you do not choose social work as a career for the money or accolades. You enter the field because you are passionate about helping others and making a difference.

Information last updated: January 2026