Social Work Teachers, Postsecondary Salary Guide (2025): $77,570 Median
Social work professors at colleges and universities earn a median $77,570 per year, according to the latest BLS data. That works out to roughly $37 an hour. The typical range runs from $48,200 at the 10th percentile to $126,790 at the 90th. With about 12,610 positions nationwide, this is a small but stable academic field.
How much Social Work Teachers, Postsecondary earn
The national median salary for postsecondary social work teachers is $77,570, with a mean of $83,940. Half of all professors earn between $48,200 and $126,790. Top earners in the 90th percentile pull in over $126,790, while those just starting or at smaller institutions may earn near $48,200. Salaries vary significantly by institution type, rank, and location.
- 10th percentile: $48,200
- 25th percentile: ~$59,000 (estimated from range)
- Median: $77,570
- 75th percentile: ~$104,000
- 90th percentile: $126,790
Pay by state
Where you teach dramatically affects your paycheck. Hawaii tops the list at $133,340, followed by Kansas at $108,610, Delaware at $100,550, South Carolina at $100,400, and New York at $98,700. At the other end, Arkansas averages $60,470, South Dakota $60,100, and Montana $43,010. That's a difference of over $90,000 between Hawaii and Montana.
How to become Social Work Teachers, Postsecondary
To become a postsecondary social work teacher, you typically need a master's degree in social work (MSW) from a CSWE-accredited program, plus a doctoral degree (DSW or PhD) for tenure-track positions at four-year universities. Most community colleges require at least an MSW with field experience. Licensing is essential: you must hold a clinical license (LCSW or LICSW) to teach practice courses. The path: earn a bachelor's in social work or related field, complete an MSW (2 years full-time), accrue 2–3 years of post-MSW clinical experience, obtain state licensure, then pursue a doctorate (4–6 years part-time). Many professors start as adjuncts or field instructors while completing their PhD.
- Earn a bachelor's degree in social work, psychology, or sociology.
- Complete a CSWE-accredited MSW program (typically 2 years).
- Gain 2–3 years of supervised clinical experience.
- Obtain state licensure (LMSW or LCSW depending on state).
- Earn a PhD or DSW in social work (4–6 years).
- Begin as adjunct faculty or field supervisor to build teaching experience.
Job outlook
Employment of social work teachers is projected to grow 2.3% from 2024 to 2034, about as fast as the average for all occupations. This translates to roughly 1,300 openings per year, many arising from retirements or faculty moving to nonteaching roles. Competition for tenure-track jobs remains strong, especially at research universities. Community colleges and online programs may offer more opportunities.
Frequently asked questions
What is the highest paying state for Social Work Teachers, Postsecondary?
Hawaii pays the most, with an average annual salary of $133,340, according to BLS data.
How long does it take to become a Social Work Teacher, Postsecondary?
The typical path takes 8–10 years after high school: 4 years for a bachelor's, 2 for an MSW, and 4–6 for a doctorate. Factoring in clinical experience, you may need 10–12 years total.
What is the job growth for Social Work Teachers, Postsecondary?
The BLS projects 2.3% growth from 2024 to 2034, about as fast as average, with about 1,300 openings each year.
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 Social Work Teachers, Postsecondary data.