What is a licensed social worker and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025

5 min read

Quoted expert

Virginia Schwindt

A licensed social worker has completed a bachelor's degree in social work and has obtained a state license to practice. They work with individuals, families, and communities to address social issues and improve overall well-being. Licensed social workers provide counseling, support, and advocacy, and connect clients with housing, healthcare, and education. They may work in schools, hospitals, non-profits, or government agencies. Overall, licensed social workers help individuals and communities achieve their full potential and overcome obstacles.

What general advice would you give to a licensed social worker?

Virginia Schwindt

MSW Field Director/Associate Professor, Union University

Take the licensing test as soon as you are able to, and be open to where you work. It is great to want a specific population or employer, but being open to other experiences may be where God wants you to be. Don't limit yourself because, as a social worker, you can do so many different things.

ScoreLicensed Social WorkerUS Average

Salary

4.5

Avg. Salary $57,005

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level

9.4

Growth rate 9%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity

4.3

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.60%

Asian 3.32%

Black or African American 19.92%

Hispanic or Latino 12.27%

Unknown 5.43%

White 58.45%

Gender

female 83.91%

male 16.09%

Age - 44

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 44

Stress level

9.4

Stress level is very high

7.1 - high

Complexity level

10.0

Complexity level is advanced

7 - challenging

Work life balance

5.5

Work life balance is fair

6.4 - fair

What are the pros and cons of being a licensed social worker?

Pros

Varied and rewarding work
Opportunities for professional development and growth
Good job security and stability
Competitive salary and benefits package
Flexible work schedules and options for part-time work

Cons

Heavy workload and long hours
Working with clients who may not want help or who are resistant to change
Limited career advancement opportunities in some organizations
Low pay compared to other professions requiring similar education levels
Exposure to legal liability and ethical dilemmas

Key steps to become a licensed social worker

Explore licensed social worker education requirements

Most common licensed social worker degrees

Bachelor's

55.1 %

Master's

38.2 %

Associate

4.9 %

Start to develop specific licensed social worker skills

Skills	Percentages
Social Work	29.13%
Patients	13.46%
Home Health	10.95%
Rehabilitation	5.38%
Substance Abuse	4.52%

Complete relevant licensed social worker training and internships

Accountants spend an average of 1-3 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New licensed social workers learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a licensed social worker based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real licensed social worker resumes.

Obtain the necessary licensing

Becoming a licensed licensed social worker usually require a college degree. However, you need to pass an exam to become a licensed licensed social worker in most of states. 32 states require licensed social workers to have license for their work. You can see the list of states below.

State	Education	Exam	License url
Kansas	Degree required	Third-party exam required	Licensed Master Social Worker
Alabama	Degree required	State exam required	Licensed Bachelor Social Worker (LBSW)
Arkansas	Degree required	Third-party exam required	Licensed Certified Social Worker
Hawaii	Degree required	Third-party exam required	Licensed Social Worker
Idaho	Degree required	Third-party exam required	Social Workers

Research licensed social worker duties and responsibilities

Foster self-determination of patients by evaluating for vocational rehabilitation that includes employment, volunteering, or education opportunities.
Evaluate and provide psychotherapy services to patients diagnose with serious and persistent mental illness and/or chemical dependency within an inpatient setting.
Provide clinical supervision to MSW students.
Supervise and train MSW students during their final concentration practicum.

Prepare your licensed social worker resume

When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your licensed social worker resume.

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