How come social workers don't make a lot of money?

Answer 1

Much has to do with federal and state funding. Unfortunately, if there is a cut, Human Services - it appears - is one of the first areas to get cut. Still, review the below for a better understanding of earnings.

Median annual earnings of child, family, and school social workers were $37,480 in May 2006. The middle 50 percent earned between $29,590 and $49,060. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $24,480, and the top 10 percent earned more than $62,530. Median annual earnings in the industries employing the largest numbers of child, family, and school social workers in May 2006 were:

Elementary and secondary schools $48,360

Local government 43,500

State government 39,000

Individual and family services 32,680

Other residential care facilities 32,590

Median annual earnings of medical and public health social workers were $43,040 in May 2006. The middle 50 percent earned between $34,110 and $53,740. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $27,280, and the top 10 percent earned more than $64,070. Median annual earnings in the industries employing the largest numbers of medical and public health social workers in May 2006 were:

General medical and surgical hospitals $48,420

Home health care services 44,470

Local government 41,590

Nursing care facilities 38,550

Individual and family services 35,510

Median annual earnings of mental health and substance abuse social workers were $35,410 in May 2006. The middle 50 percent earned between $27,940 and $45,720. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $22,490, and the top 10 percent earned more than $57,630. Median annual earnings in the industries employing the largest numbers of mental health and substance abuse social workers in May 2006 were:

Local government $39,550

Psychiatric and substance abuse hospitals 39,240

Individual and family services 34,920

Residential mental retardation, mental health and substance abuse facilities 30,590

Outpatient mental health and substance abuse centers 34,290

Median annual earnings of social workers, all other were $43,580 in May 2006. The middle 50 percent earned between $32,530 and $56,420. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $25,540, and the top 10 percent earned more than $68,500. Median annual earnings in the industries employing the largest numbers of social workers, all other in May 2006 were:

Local government $46,330

State government 45,070

Individual and family services 35,150

About 20 percent of social workers are members of a union. Many belong to the union that represents workers in other occupations at their place of employment.

For the source and more detailed information concerning this subject, click on the related links section (U.S. Department of Labor) indicated below.