Community & social service · SOC 21-1023
Mental health and substance abuse social workers
BLS projects 138,900 jobs in 2025 to become 153,200 by 2035 — +10.3%, against +3.5% across all occupations.
+10.3%
projected change to 2035
About 14,300 more jobs
12,500
openings a year
9.0% of the occupation a year, counting people who retire or move on
$60,280
median annual pay
Usually entered with: master's degree
2025 to 2035
Employment at the start and end of the projection, in jobs.
- 2025 employment138,900
- 2035 projected153,200
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections program, 2025–2035 projections.
Other community & social service occupations
The largest occupations in the same group, by projected change to 2035.
- Substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors533,400+18.4%
- Social and human service assistants463,400+7.4%
- Child, family, and school social workers405,100+4.4%
- Educational, guidance, and career counselors and advisors389,500+2.9%
- Clergy242,000+2.4%
- Healthcare social workers194,800+8.5%
- Directors, religious activities and education141,900+3.3%
- Community and social service specialists, all other118,600+5.5%
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections program.