Social workers please answer?

Question

How much do social workers REALLY make and how do you like your job? Serious answers only please. I am thinking about switching my major to social work, but am hearing pretty bad things about it.

Answer 1

Social work is such a varied profession that you have to be VERY careful of making generalizations from what a few people say.  A degree in social work actually opens up more doors than any other human service related degree.  It provides for more job flexibility and movement.  You also don't know how good a social worker someone is who is providing you information.  Salary is often dependent on who the person is and the work they do.

However here is some general info:

Salaries vary by location, degree, population served and job title (also private sector/public sector).

With all those caveats.

In general a BSW straight out of school will make 20-40K and after 5 years 30-50K

An MSW will make 30-60K and 5 years out 40 - 80k

I direct an MSW program and keep a tab on salaries locally and nationally.

DA

Answer 2

After 8 years in the field, with a masters, I make approximately 47k.  I started at 21k.  I have really good benefits.  I've also had my life threatened.  My telephone number is unlisted.  The stress is high.  I work long hours (come in early and stay late many days.)  

I wouldn't recommend it.