Social Services · Assess and treat individuals with mental, emotional, or substance abuse problems, including abuse of alcohol, tobacco, and/or other drugs
This profile is intended as career exploration guidance based on federal labor data. Actual job requirements, salaries, and opportunities vary by employer and location.
Entry Salary
$30–37k
First 1–2 years
Peak Salary
$58–69k
10+ years experience
Job Outlook
+9.7% · Much faster than average
Projected growth of 9.7% from 2024 to 2034; about 14 openings projected per year.
Time to Start
6+ years
College degree typical
Salary data sourced from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) May 2024. Actual compensation varies by location, experience, employer, and specialization.
Entry-Level Workers
Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers
Experienced Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers
Senior Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers
Director of Social Services
You prioritize Achievement
This career is strongly aligned with Achievement — a core work value that shapes how people approach their career decisions.
You're strong in Social Perceptiveness
Social Perceptiveness is a top skill for this career, and it plays to what students like you naturally do best.
Good fit for your timeline
This career typically requires a graduate or professional degree, which matches common student preparation goals.
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611 schools offer programs in this career field.
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