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Job outlook for directors of social work in the United States
Director of social work job growth summary. After extensive research, interviews, and analysis, Zippia's data science team found that:
The projected director of social work job growth rate is 12% from 2018-2028.
About 20,400 new jobs for directors of social work are projected over the next decade.
Director of social work salaries have increased 8% for directors of social work in the last 5 years.
There are over 11,405 directors of social work currently employed in the United States.
There are 36,450 active director of social work job openings in the US.
The average director of social work salary is $65,174.
Are director of social work jobs in demand?
Director of social work job and salary trends over time
Director of social work jobs over time
Director of social work job growth rate over time
| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 11,405 | 0.00% |
| 2020 | 11,361 | 0.00% |
| 2019 | 11,409 | 0.00% |
| 2018 | 10,928 | 0.00% |
| 2017 | 10,342 | 0.00% |
Average director of social work salary over time
Director of social work salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $65,174 | $31.33 | +3.6% |
| 2024 | $62,879 | $30.23 | +2.8% |
| 2023 | $61,166 | $29.41 | +1.9% |
| 2022 | $60,023 | $28.86 | --0.9% |
| 2021 | $60,566 | $29.12 | +1.8% |
Director of social work jobs by state
Most common states for directors of social work
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Iowa | 3,145,711 | 694 | 22% |
| 2 | District of Columbia | 693,972 | 110 | 16% |
| 3 | Louisiana | 4,684,333 | 699 | 15% |
| 4 | Oklahoma | 3,930,864 | 598 | 15% |
| 5 | Mississippi | 2,984,100 | 409 | 14% |
| 6 | Alabama | 4,874,747 | 640 | 13% |
| 7 | Massachusetts | 6,859,819 | 854 | 12% |
| 8 | Maine | 1,335,907 | 153 | 11% |
| 9 | Vermont | 623,657 | 62 | 10% |
| 10 | New Hampshire | 1,342,795 | 121 | 9% |
| 11 | Montana | 1,050,493 | 91 | 9% |
| 12 | Delaware | 961,939 | 90 | 9% |
| 13 | South Dakota | 869,666 | 74 | 9% |
| 14 | Washington | 7,405,743 | 622 | 8% |
| 15 | Maryland | 6,052,177 | 513 | 8% |
| 16 | North Dakota | 755,393 | 63 | 8% |
| 17 | Alaska | 739,795 | 59 | 8% |
| 18 | Wyoming | 579,315 | 45 | 8% |
| 19 | Utah | 3,101,833 | 216 | 7% |
| 20 | Rhode Island | 1,059,639 | 74 | 7% |
Most common cities for directors of social work
| Rank | City | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Cabot | 1 | 4% | $55,165 |
| 2 | Jacksonville | 1 | 4% | $55,313 |
| 3 | Benton | 1 | 3% | $55,789 |
| 4 | Conway | 1 | 2% | $55,189 |
| 5 | Madison | 1 | 2% | $49,957 |
| 6 | Little Rock | 2 | 1% | $55,548 |
| 7 | Baltimore | 3 | 0% | $61,969 |
Director Of Social Work job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of director of social work experts
Gannon University
Portland State University
Kansas State University
Saginaw Valley State University
Centre College
What will help Directors Of Social Work increase their earning potential?
Parris Baker: Social Work - social work students should receive graduate education and training in clinical social work and learn indigenous healing therapies. Specialization with adolescents/young adults and geriatrics. Attaining licensure in social
Mortuary Science - students who acquire knowledge of indigenous death care customs will increase their customer base and the relationships with diverse communities. This will ultimately translate into greater profits long term. The funeral home industry is changing rapidly. More people are opting for cremations rather than traditional burials (partially related to COVID-19). Green burials (also referred to as natural burial) are becoming more popular with millennials. The body is simply placed in a biodegradable coffin or shroud and interred without a concrete burial vault.
Kimberly Jayne Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Counselor Education, School Counseling Program CoordinatorPortland State University
Counselor Education Department
What's a good job out of college for Directors Of Social Work?
Kimberly Jayne Ph.D.: Upon graduating with a master's degree in school counseling, I highly recommend students pursue a job as a licensed school counselor in a P-12 setting where they develop and facilitate a comprehensive school counseling program for elementary, middle or high school students. The need for highly-skilled, effective, and culturally-responsive school counselors is growing and there are not enough qualified professionals to fill these critical roles in our school communities.
What certifications/licenses/courses can have the biggest impact for Directors Of Social Work?
Kristen Kremer Ph.D.: For masters-level social workers, becoming a licensed clinical social worker is key. In addition to a master's degree and completion of a licensure exam, this typically requires two years of social work practice under a licensed supervisor. Requirements vary by state, so be sure to read about licensing requirements in your state.
What soft skills should all Directors Of Social Work possess?
Kristen Kremer Ph.D.: Social workers engage with vulnerable populations, many of whom have histories of traumatic experiences. Thus, high emotional intelligence will allow social workers to best connect with clients and help them reach their goals.
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Directors Of Social Work?
Michael Heron: There will be enduring impacts on graduates due to the coronavirus pandemic. Unfortunately, this cohort of graduates in 2021 will not be given the opportunity to build relationships and network in-person the way that past students have had the opportunity to do. Interpersonal skills are important for people starting out in their professional lives or starting a new career path and like a muscle that does not get worked these can become difficult to use after months of social distancing or isolation. Many people find jobs or other opportunities through the connections they make in college and the networks they build. Online learning has likely limited the number of interactions with new people and stifled the opportunity to strengthen current relationships that create opportunities in the future.
One thing that may be a positive impact due to the pandemic is that the 2021 graduates will be much more well-versed in online content delivery which will benefit them in a post-COVID world. We are finding out that the classic office setting is not as necessary as we thought and working from home while "Zooming" in will become more prevalent. The students now have been able to hone the skills necessary for this in the laboratory of the classroom. For those in the health and human services fields this will benefit telehealth and service delivery in areas that have previously lacked resources.
What's a good job out of college for Directors Of Social Work?
William Weston: Anything that pays the bills. Honest work is ennobling.
OK, jobs that serve others are more satisfying that those that just make money. Human service jobs lead to all kinds of other careers.