Child, Family, and School Social Workers: Salary 2025, How to Become One, and Job Outlook
Child, family, and school social workers earn a median annual salary of $59,550, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ May 2023 estimates. The middle half of workers earn between roughly $42,280 and $95,530. About 392,550 people work in this occupation across the U.S., with an average hourly wage of $29.
How much Child, Family, and School Social Workers earn
The national median salary for child, family, and school social workers is $59,550. The mean annual wage is $64,000, or about $29 per hour.
The bottom 10% earn $42,280 or less, while the top 10% earn $95,530 or more. Pay depends heavily on setting: those in elementary and secondary schools tend to make more than those in individual and family services.
- Median: $59,550
- Mean: $64,000 ($29/hr)
- 10th percentile: $42,280
- 90th percentile: $95,530
Pay by state
The highest-paying states for this occupation are Connecticut ($78,970), Maryland ($76,390), New Jersey ($76,280), Massachusetts ($75,570), and Washington ($74,480). These states typically have higher costs of living but also stronger union protections for school social workers.
The lowest-paying states are Mississippi ($46,530), Oklahoma ($43,950), and Arkansas ($43,330). Rural areas and states with lower education funding generally pay less.
How to become a Child, Family, and School Social Worker
Most positions require at least a bachelor's degree in social work (BSW), though school and clinical roles often require a master's degree (MSW). All states license or certify social workers; typical credentials include the Licensed Baccalaureate Social Worker (LBSW) or Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW).
School social workers usually need state certification in addition to a social work degree, which may include a teaching license or pupil services credential. Fieldwork internships of 400–900 hours are standard during degree programs.
- Earn a BSW (2–4 years) or MSW (1–2 years after a bachelor's).
- Complete supervised fieldwork (e.g., 900 hours for an MSW).
- Pass the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) exam for your state.
- Apply for state licensure. School roles: get state certification.
- Maintain license with continuing education credits.
Job outlook
Employment of child, family, and school social workers is projected to grow 3.4% from 2024 to 2034, about as fast as the average for all occupations. This translates to roughly 35,100 openings each year, mostly from workers leaving the field or retiring.
Demand will be driven by continued need for mental health services in schools and support for families in crisis. Social workers who specialize in school settings or hold an MSW may have the best prospects.
Frequently asked questions
What is the starting salary for a child, family, and school social worker?
Entry-level workers at the 10th percentile earn about $42,280 per year, according to BLS data. Starting pay varies by state and employer; school districts often pay slightly more than private agencies.
How long does it take to become a child, family, and school social worker?
A bachelor’s degree in social work takes 4 years. For an MSW, add 1–2 years. After graduation, you need to pass the ASWB exam and obtain state licensure, which can take 3–6 months. So typical timeline: 4–6 years.
Which state pays child, family, and school social workers the most?
Connecticut pays the highest average wage at $78,970. Maryland ($76,390) and New Jersey ($76,280) are close behind.
Is the demand for child, family, and school social workers growing?
Yes, employment is projected to grow 3.4% through 2034, about as fast as average. About 35,100 job openings per year are expected, mostly due to retirements and turnover.
Salary figures are U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates (OEWS / Employment Projections). For informational purposes only; not career or financial advice. See the full Child, Family, and School Social Workers data.