* Type of degree: A Bachelor's degree will result in a lower salary than a Master's degree (MSW is the most common). A Doctorate in Social Work (DSW) or PhD will generally command the highest salaries.
* Years of experience: Entry-level positions pay less than those requiring several years of experience.
* Location: Salaries vary widely by geographic location, with higher costs of living often correlating with higher salaries (though not always proportionally). Urban areas typically pay more than rural areas.
* Employer: The type of employer (government, non-profit, private practice, hospital) significantly impacts salary. Private sector and specialized roles often offer higher pay than government or non-profit positions.
* Specialization: Social workers specializing in high-demand areas (e.g., geriatric care, substance abuse, child welfare) may earn more.
Therefore, providing a single salary figure is impossible. However, you can find salary ranges through online resources such as:
* Salary.com: Search for "Social Worker" and specify your degree level, experience, and location.
* Glassdoor: Similar to Salary.com, offering user-submitted salary data.
* Indeed: While not solely focused on salary data, job postings often include salary ranges.
* Payscale: Another site providing salary information based on user data.
* Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS): The BLS provides national averages, but remember this will be a broad range and not reflect local variations.
To get a realistic estimate, use these sites and input specifics relevant to your situation (or the situation you are researching). You'll find that a social worker with a Bachelor's degree will earn considerably less than one with a Master's degree.