Social Work Career Scope: Jobs, Placements, Salary 2025, Top Recruiters/Companies

Updated on Dec 31, 2024 04:42 IST

Social Work career scope is immense. Social Work careers create a direct impact on the lives of people and help society move in a more positive direction. Students who choose to pursue a Social Work career can look forward to an honest, fulfilling, and stable career with ample opportunities and scope for growth.

A student can pursue a career as a Social Worker, Lawyer, Human Resource Executive, Project Coordinator, Mental Health Educator, etc. after completing Social Work degrees. Students can expect a salary ranging from INR3-6 LPA in a Social Work career.

Students can pursue further studies like MBA, Masters, and PhD after Social Work degrees. They can also start working in Social Work career fields like Government and Public Service Sector, NGOs, Law, Academia, Human Resources, etc. Some of the top recruiters in the Social Work industry are the NITI Aayog, Goonj, Accenture, Amazon, and the United Nations, etc. 

Colleges that offer Social Work degrees include Jamia Millia Islamia, Banaras Hindu University MCC - Madras Christian College, University of Lucknow, University of Mumbai, Amity University, Christ University, Lovely Professional University, etc. 

Table of Contents
  1. Social Work Careers: Quick Facts
  2. Top Job Profiles in Social Work Careers
    • 2.1 Government & Private Sector Jobs in Social Work Careers
  3. Emerging Trends in Social Work Jobs and Careers
  4. Social Work Career Scope: Jobs, Salary, and Further Education in India
    • 4.1 Core Industries in Social Work Careers
    • 4.2 Social Work Careers Top Recruiters
    • 4.3 Courses after Social Work Degrees
  5. Social Work Degrees: Top Colleges for Placements In India
  6. Social Work Career FAQs

Social Work Careers: Quick Facts

  • According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the overall employment of social workers is projected to grow 7% from 2023 to 2033.
  • The average starting salary of a Social Worker in India is around INR 3 LPA.
  • The projected employment growth in the US, through 2023-33 for Mental Health and Substance Abuse social workers is expected to grow at a rate of 11% while it is estimated at 10% for Healthcare social workers and 5% for Child, Family, and Educational social work. 

Students Also Read:

BSW (Bachelor of Social Work) Degrees

MSW (Master of Social Work) Degrees

Top Job Profiles in Social Work Careers

Social Work is an honorable career field that aims to bring changes in society through various jobs in law, education, governance, etc. that bring changes to the ground level. There is a plethora of job opportunities that students can pursue after completing Social Work courses. 

Government & Private Sector Jobs in Social Work Careers

Students can get a job in both, the government as well as the private sectors after completing a Social Work Degrees. Some of the most commonly chosen job profiles are listed below:

Job Profile

Description

Average Annual Salary 

Social Worker

In such a job profile, one provides appropriate resources, advice, and support to individuals who are facing difficulties or problems in their personal/ professional lives. A social worker helps individuals cope with any problems they are facing to fulfill their monetary, emotional, and social needs.

INR 5 LPA

Social Educator

In such a profile one needs to plan and organise events related to social issues. A social educator also needs to conduct committee meetings with the Public Affairs as well as Social Issues departments.

INR 6 LPA

Project Coordinator

Aspirants are hired at this job profile in an NGO. Project Coordinators need to help in the planning, budgeting, and monitoring process of a project undertaken by an NGO. 

INR 5 LPA

Mental Health Educator

A mental health educator guides their clients and offers them support. They facilitate healing and living a fulfilling life.

INR 6.5 LPA

Health Instructor

A health instructor helps people suffering from substance abuse and other disorders that may have negative results on their health. They help people develop healthy habits and lifestyles.

INR 2 LPA

Life Coach

A life coach helps people evolve and become the best version of themselves. They offer support and guidance to their clients.

INR 6 LPA

Note: The salaries given above have been taken from ambitionbox.com and may vary depending on the companies offering the jobs

You May Like:

BSW Career Scope

MSW Career Scope

Emerging Trends in Social Work Jobs and Careers

The several trends and shifts in the traditional forms of social work. These Social Work career trends have been listed below:

Integration of AI Technology: Virtual and AI platforms are increasingly being used to support mental health and therapy processes. They offer convenience and non-judgemental, neutral platforms for the patients. There is vast scope for the integration of AI platforms in Social Work.

Inclusivity: A Social Worker comes across people from diverse walks of life, from different cultures, religions, ethnicities, etc. and it is essential that they use language,  techniques, and processes that exude empathy and respect for people from all backgrounds to build trust and a sense of comfort with their clients.

Special Needs School Counselors: As schools become more inclusive for students with different academic calibers, they are increasingly hiring professionals who understand the struggles and teaching techniques for students with special needs.

Working With The Youth: The struggles of the young may vary greatly from those belonging to older age groups. Issues like bullying, gender identity issues, cyber harassment, and addiction issues are real problems being faced by our younger generations and are important issues that must be dealt with.

Relevant Articles:

BSW Syllabus 

MSW Syllabus 

Social Work Career Scope: Jobs, Salary, and Further Education in India

There is vast scope for students who wish to pursue Social Work careers. Students can choose to bring changes in the fields of healthcare, administration, environment, education as well as in the industrial sector. There are many options and job opportunities for Social Work graduates to choose from. Read on to find out more about Social Work career scope and opportunities.

Core Industries in Social Work Careers

A Social Work graduate can find themselves working in various industries. The job opportunities are diverse in nature. Students can take a look at some of the commonly chosen job industries for a career in the Social Work sector.

JOB INDUSTRY

DESCRIPTION

AVERAGE SALARY

Government Organisations

The Government Ministries and Departments that work towards social welfare and the torchbearers of social justice in India offer several job roles related to Social Work. 

INR 12 LPA

Community Service Organisations

Community Service Organizations, NGOs, and non-profits offer a wide range of job opportunities for Social Work graduates. They can also seek overseas job opportunities by becoming an International Social Worker.

INR 3 LPA

Corporates and Consultancies

Private companies offer job opportunities in many entry-level and executive-level positions. Employs can work in fields like project management and human resources etc. 

INR 4.4 LPA

Educational Institutions

Social Work graduates can teach various subjects in primary classes, Social Science in middle school, and, Sociology and other Humanities subjects to highschool students. They can also choose to pursue PhD and become professors.

INR 6 LPA

Note: This information is sourced from multiple sources on the web. Hence, it may vary.

Students Also Read:

Public Administration Course

Public Policy Courses

Social Work Careers Top Recruiters

The top recruiting companies for students who have completed Social Work degrees include companies like:

Social Work Career Top Recruiters 

Goonj

Flipkart

Dabur India Ltd.

Reliance Industries

Amazon

CRY NGO

Deloitte

Kotak Life Insurance

TATA Motors

Pfizer

Accenture

CVS Health

Courses after Social Work Degrees

Many students choose to further their education after completing an undergraduate degree in Social Work. Higher education opens up a wide horizon of possible career opportunities and helps students develop a deeper knowledge and gain practical skills that can help them in the real world. 

Students can combine their knowledge of Social Work with technical degrees like Law, MBA, and PhD to enter various other career fields:

Courses

DESCRIPTION

Law Courses

An academic degree that educates students about citizen rights, governance, legal knowledge, etc. 

MBA Courses

A 2-year professional, management degree that instructs students on business management, administration, and operation.

MA Course

A specialized, PG program that educates students about the different fields of Social Work.

PhD Courses

A doctorate degree, that permits candidates to independently conduct and publish their research.

Related Articles:

PhD in Social Work Course

PhD Career Scope

Social Work Degrees: Top Colleges for Placements In India

Many colleges in India offer Social Work courses. Some of the top colleges, with the highest average placement packages have been mentioned in the table below:

Social Work Colleges

Average Placement Package

University of Mumbai 

INR 18 LPA

Dibrugarh University

INR 14.55 LPA

Prasanna School of Public Health, MAHE

INR 11.75 LPA

Srinivas University

INR 10 LPA

Jamia Millia Islamia

INR 9.25 LPA

Calcutta University

INR 9.2 LPA

Banaras Hindu University

INR 9 LPA

Aligarh Muslim University

INR 8.65 LPA

Note: The information is sourced from the official website/counseling body and may vary.

Related Articles:

BSW Course Admission 

MSW Course Admission 

Social Work Career FAQs

What are the entry-level jobs after Social Work courses?

There are many industries where students can pursue a career after completing social work courses. As freshers, students can find employment as medical social workers, project coordinators, or substance abuse counselors. Generally, the average entry-level job salary will range from INR 3 LPA to INR 5 LPA. Once students have gained a little experience, they can choose a more intense job role in fields like prison reformation and rehabilitation, human resources, mental health counseling, and as professors. Students can also start their own NGO.

How can I enhance my chances of getting a job after Social Work courses?

There are many ways through which students can enhance their chances of bagging a job after completing a social work degree. As students, it would be beneficial to pursue internships in fields related to your degree. Work experience in relevant fields can increase your chances of scoring an interview with an employer. Additionally, students should pursue a lot of online or short-term courses that will help them expand their skill set and become well-versed with techniques that can help their Social Work careers. Building a strong resume, that accurately and comprehensively conveys your skills can be very helpful. Students should also try to build a strong network among their peers and school alumni as it will help them connect with like-minded individuals and may open up many job opportunities after Social Work courses.

What is the highest-paying career after Social Work courses?

There are many Social Work careers and employment sectors where students can find a good salary. Careers in human resources and in medical social work are among the highest-paying industries after social work courses. An HR executive can earn a salary ranging from INR 8 LPA to INR 16 LPA after gaining experience in the field. A medical social worker can earn a salary ranging from INR 5 LPA to INR 7 LPA after gaining experience.

Can I continue my education in the Social Work course along with a job?

Yes, continuing to pursue education along with a job can be a great decision for many people, depending on their career aspirations and situation. While a regular, full-time degree has its own perks, it may not be suitable for everyone. There are many students who choose to pursue an online, distance/correspondence degree along with a part-time/full-time job. Students who are interested in distance/correspondence degrees can refer to some options in the table below:

Distance/ Correspondence College

Average Fees

IGNOU - Indira Gandhi National Open University

INR 1,000- 36,000

NSOU - Netaji Subhas Open University

INR 10,400

TNOU - Tamil Nadu Open University

INR 6,000-10,000

VMOU - Vardhman Mahaveer Open University

INR 15,300

BRAOU - Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Open University

INR 2,100

What are the skills I need to become a Social Worker?

There are many skills that would be helpful for students if they wish to become a social worker. Empathy for others, Communication skills, problem-solving abilities, being a good listener, patience, being inclusive, and holding unconditional positive regard toward the client are all essential skills that are required to become a good social worker.

Popular Social Work Colleges in India

Following are the most popular Social Work Colleges in India. Learn more about these Social Work colleges (Courses, Reviews, Answers & more) by downloading the Brochure.
37.84 K - 65.2 K
4.6 LPA

#6 The Week

62.91 K
3.13 - 3.5 LPA

#5 Outlook

2.15 L - 2.64 L
3.53 LPA

#17 Outlook

1.65 L
7.5 LPA

#19 Outlook

65.08 K - 1.46 L
3.6 - 4 LPA

#14 Outlook

21.1 K

#29 The Week

Popular Private Social Work Colleges in India

Social Work Applications open. Apply Now

40 K
1.48 L - 2.52 L
4 LPA

#84 India Today

2.76 L - 5.2 L
4.6

#44 The Week

4 Courses
70 K - 2.8 L
1.25 L - 2.27 L
3.7

Popular Social Work UG Courses

Following are the most popular Social Work UG Courses . You can explore the top Colleges offering these UG Courses by clicking the links below.

UG Courses

Popular Social Work PG Courses

Following are the most popular Social Work PG Courses . You can explore the top Colleges offering these PG Courses by clicking the links below.

PG Courses

Popular Social Work Specializations

Following are the most popular Social Work Specializations . You can explore the top Colleges offering these Specializations by clicking the links below.

Popular Specializations

Popular Exams

Following are the top exams for Social Work. Students interested in pursuing a career on Social Work, generally take these important exams.You can also download the exam guide to get more insights.

Jun '24

CT SET 2024 Counselling Start

TENTATIVE

Jun '24

CT SET 2024 Result

TENTATIVE

21 Feb ' 25

SAT Registration Deadline for March Test

25 Feb ' 25

SAT Deadline for Changes, Regular Cancellation, a...

Feb '25 - Apr '25

CUET 2025 Application Process

TENTATIVE

Apr '25

CUET UG 2025 Application Form Correction

TENTATIVE

21 Sep ' 24

Second Phase of Counselling Begins

20 Sep ' 24

Reporting to Respective Colleges

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Student Forum

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Write here...

Answered a month ago

Hello!

A BSW course is an undergraduate degree. It can be pursued by any student who has completed their class 12. Students from all streams can apply for this course but they should have scored at least around 45-50% marks in their exams. Most colleges admit students based on entrance exam ranks or

...more

m

muskan

Contributor-Level 7

Answered a month ago

A Bachelor of Arts (BA) in a Bachelor of social work degree offered at GKU Bathinda is an undergraduate programme that prepares students to help individuals, families, and communities to increase their well-being. It focuses on community development, social justice, and providing support to those in

...more

V

Vishakha

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a month ago

The subjects offered in BA Social Work are closely related to sociology, work practice, and society. The names of some subjects offered in the BA Social Work at Guru Kashi University are: 

  • Introduction to Social Work Practice
  • Introduction to Fieldwork Practices
  • Integrated Social Work Practices
  • Sociology

...more

V

Vishakha

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 months ago

Edge Hill University MA in Social Work course duration is 2 years. Note that this course is approved by Social Work England (SWE). This means that on the successful completion of this course, students are going to gain eligibility to apply to register with SWE as a qualified social worker. The tuiti

...more

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Akanksha Malhotra

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 months ago

According to Osmania University's official website, a graduate from any discipline can apply for the Master of Social Work (MSW) degree through CPGET. 

A

Aayushi Madavi

Contributor-Level 8

Answered 2 months ago

IISWBM Kolkata offers MSW or Master in Social Welfare as a 2 year programme affiliated by the University of Calcutta. The programme involves summer internship and field work as a part of the curriculum and is divided in 4 semesters. One of the salient feature of the IISWBM Kolkata MSW is the dual sp

...more

A

Aashi Rastogi

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 months ago

See the table below for top private MSW colleges in India with their total course fee and eligibility:

College Name

Total Tuition Fee

Eligibility

Amity University, Noida Admission

INR 2.6 lakh

Merit-Based

Christ University Admission

INR 2.48 lakh

Merit-Based

LPU Jalandhar Admission

INR 2 lakh

CUET-PG

Loyola College Admission

INR 65,200

Merit-Based

Amity University Mumbai Admission

INR 1.4 lakh

Merit-Based

Disclaimer: This information is sourced from official website and may vary.

A

Aneena Abraham

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 months ago

See the table below for top government MSW colleges in India with their total course fee, seat intake and eligibility:

College Name

Total Tuition Fee

Eligibility

IGNOU

INR 32,400 - INR 36,000

Merit-Based

University of Lucknow Admission

INR 28,000- INR 1.12 lakh

Merit-Based

PSG College of Arts and Science PSGCAS Admission

INR 24,000

Merit-Based

MSU Admission

INR 18,200

Merit-Based

Panjab University Admission

INR 57,730 

PU CET (PG)

Disclaimer: This information is sourced from official website and may vary.

A

Aneena Abraham

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 months ago

Yes, MSW colleges in India do offer distance courses and you can refer below for some of them:

College NameTuition FeeEligibility / Exams
IGNOUINR 32,400 - INR 36,000Merit-Based
NSOUINR 10,400Merit-Based
Tamil Nadu Open UniversityINR 6,000Merit-Based
School of Distance Education Bharathiar UniversityINR 21,120Merit-Based
KSOUINR 34,290Merit-Based

Hope this helps!

A

Aneena Abraham

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 months ago

Hi, please refer below for the top specialisations offered by best MSW colleges in India:

Top SpecialisationsNo. of Colleges
Human Resources10+
Psychiatry6
Personnel Management2
Community Medicine Nursing1
Counselling1

Hope this answered your question!

A

Aneena Abraham

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 months ago

Hi, it can be observed that pursuing MSW in India can be quite inexpensive as most of the colleges have an average tuition fee of less than INR 1 lakh.

A

Aneena Abraham

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 months ago

Hi, listed below are the top MSW colleges in India with their tuition fee and eligibility criteria:

College NameTuition FeeEligibility / Exams
Amity University, NoidaINR 2.6 lakhMerit-Based
IGNOU - Indira Gandhi National Open UniversityINR 32,400 - INR 36,000Merit-Based
Christ UniversityINR 2.48 lakhMerit-Based
University of LucknowINR 28,480 - INR1.12 lakhMerit-Based
LPU INR 2 lakhCUET-PG

Hope this helps!

A

Aneena Abraham

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 months ago

India is home to 800+ best MSW colleges of which 400+ colleges are owned privately180+ colleges are owned by the government and the rest 80+ colleges are owned by semi government institutions. CUET-PG, CPGET and AP PGCET are the top entrance exams for admission to best MSW colleges in India. Amity

...more

A

Aneena Abraham

Contributor-Level 10

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