Is Social Work a Valued Profession?

“Social workers don’t make money.”It’s something many of us hear before we even enter the profession—or early in our careers.

In my opinion, social work is one of those fields that’s deeply needed yet often undervalued. In today’s economy, more people are losing their jobs, relying on government assistance, and depending on social workers to step in and save the day. But let’s be honest—social worker does not equal miracle worker.

Many employers fail to recognize this reality yet still post openings with job descriptions that read like novels and salaries that barely cover living expenses.

The Job Search Reality

I’ve been job searching for the last two months, and what I’ve described above is exactly what I’ve seen firsthand. I’ve come across several positions that I know I would excel in, but the pay is so low that I don’t even bother applying.

The issue isn’t that the job descriptions are long or demanding—I’m passionate about being a social worker. This career sets my soul on fire, and I’m willing to do whatever comes with the role. I just want to earn a livable wage while doing it.

This brings me back to the question: Is social work a valued profession?

My Honest Answer

In my opinion, overall, it’s not—but to the right people, at the right agency, and in the right setting, it can be.

I didn’t become a social worker for the money. I chose this profession to support people through their most vulnerable moments and help them live high-quality lives. However, that doesn’t mean I should have to struggle financially to do so.

What Travel Social Work Taught Me

Becoming a travel social worker and earning six figures (after taxes) opened my eyes to what’s possible. The issue is that I shouldn’t have to be on the road to make an appropriate salary.

Seeing that kind of income also highlighted a major downside of travel social work. Travel social workers earn a premium pay compared to social workers who are in more permanent roles. But after earning what I’ve earned, it’s hard to go back and I refuse to be low balled when I have the experience and I meet the criteria.

I truly believe all social workers deserve six-figure salaries, regardless of their specific role.

The Value We Bring

Lately, I’ve noticed more people posting about social work salaries on LinkedIn, and the comments can be disheartening. Many people genuinely don’t believe social workers should earn six figures—and that’s heartbreaking.

The work we do every single day is work that many people can’t or won’t do but still must be done.

Social workers are valuable, resourceful, empathetic, compassionate, and multi-faceted. Social workers are world changers, who uplift communities, fight for justice, advocate for all, and continue to show up even when it gets hard.

Final Thoughts

Honestly, staying motivated during my job search has been challenging. I refuse to accept a position that requires a master’s degree yet pays less than $50K a year. Transitioning out of travel social work so soon wasn’t part of my plan, but here I am—trusting that the right opportunity will come.

If you’re also searching for your next position, I encourage you to value your time, your education, and your worth. You deserve to earn a livable wage for the life-changing work you do every day.

What are your thoughts—do you feel social work is a valued profession? Share your experiences in the comments below! And if this post resonated with you, don’t forget to share it with another social worker who might need the reminder that their work matters and their worth is non-negotiable!

Subscribe to my blog so that you don't miss a post!

Sincerely, SC