Assess and treat individuals with mental, emotional, or substance abuse problems, including abuse of alcohol, tobacco, and/or other drugs. Activities may include individual and group therapy, crisis intervention, case management, client advocacy, prevention, and education.
Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers
SOC: 21-1023 O*NET: 21-1023.00
Median Salary
$60,060
per year
Job Growth
🚀 9.7%
Much Faster (2024-2034)
Annual Openings
13.5
projected jobs/year
Education Level
Bachelor's degree plus work experience, or graduate degree
Job Zone 5
Assess and treat individuals with mental, emotional, or substance abuse problems, including abuse of alcohol, tobacco, and/or other drugs. Activities may include individual and group therapy, crisis intervention, case management, client advocacy, prevention, and education.
Overview
Compensation & Benefits
Salary Distribution by Percentile
Understanding where you might fall in the salary range based on experience and location.
10th
$36,036
25th
$48,048
50th (Median)
$60,060
75th
$72,072
90th
$90,090
Percentile Explained: If you're in the 75th percentile, you earn more than 75% of workers in this occupation. Entry-level positions typically fall in the 10th-25th percentile range, while experienced professionals often reach the 75th-90th percentile.
Typical Benefits Package
Health & Wellness
- ✓Health Insurance
- ✓Dental Insurance
- ✓Vision Insurance
- ✓Mental Health Support
- ✓Wellness Programs
Financial Benefits
- ✓401(k) Retirement Plan
- ✓Employer Match (typically 3-6%)
- ✓Profit Sharing
- ✓Stock Options
- ✓Performance Bonuses
Work-Life Balance
- ✓Paid Time Off (15-25 days)
- ✓Paid Sick Leave
- ✓Flexible Work Arrangements
- ✓Remote Work Options
- ✓Parental Leave
Professional Development
- ✓Tuition Reimbursement
- ✓Professional Certifications
- ✓Conference Attendance
- ✓Training Programs
- ✓Mentorship Opportunities
Note: Benefits vary widely by employer, company size, and location. Large corporations and tech companies often offer more comprehensive packages, while small businesses may offer fewer benefits but more flexibility. Always review the complete compensation package, not just base salary.
Job Market Intelligence
Job Market Intelligence
High Demand
Market demand
Medium Risk
Automation risk
Current Employment
National Employment:136,800
10-Year Outlook
Growth Rate:+9.7%
Annual Openings:13,500
Employment Projections
2024 (Current)136,800
Current
2034 (Projected)150,100
+9.7%
+13,300
Employment Change
+9.7%
Growth Rate
10
Year Projection
Growth Category: Faster than average
Key Growth Factors
- •Faster than average growth expected
- •High current market demand
Top Skills
✓
Social Perceptiveness
Social Perceptiveness
✓
Active Listening
Active Listening
✓
Speaking
Speaking
✓
Reading Comprehension
Reading Comprehension
✓
Critical Thinking
Critical Thinking
✓
Monitoring
Monitoring
✓
Complex Problem Solving
Complex Problem Solving
✓
Coordination
Coordination
✓
Service Orientation
Service Orientation
✓
Learning Strategies
Learning Strategies
Key Knowledge Areas
✓
Therapy and Counseling
✓
Psychology
✓
English Language
✓
Customer and Personal Service
✓
Education and Training
✓
Sociology and Anthropology
✓
Public Safety and Security
✓
Medicine and Dentistry
✓
Philosophy and Theology
Education & Training
Education Required
Bachelor's degree plus work experience, or graduate degree
Experience Required
Extensive skill, knowledge, and experience needed
Job Training
Extensive training and work experience required