Changing careers as a social worker can feel daunting, but it’s actually a lot more common than you might think. Social workers are constantly building transferable skills like communication, problem-solving, and advocacy, that employers across all industries value. These skills and abilities will open the door to opportunities in healthcare, education, human resources, policy, and other growing fields.
As of late 2025, there are almost 811,000 people working as social workers in the United States, and this field is projected to grow 6 percent this decade.¹ Still, many professionals want to explore new directions to find higher pay, improved work-life balance, or fresh challenges. Whether you want to transition into healthcare management, teaching, or corporate leadership, your background in social work can be the foundation for a rewarding second career.
Career Change for Social Workers: Overview
Social workers build a wide range of transferable skills, such as communication, crisis management, and advocacy, during their time in the field that can open doors to careers outside traditional social work. Many professionals will consider switching fields because of challenges like modest pay, high caseloads, or workplace stress that they face in the social work field.
Healthcare remains a leading destination for career changers. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects significant growth in healthcare employment occupations in the next decade, adding about 1.9 million new jobs each year, which is faster than the average for all occupations.2
In 2025, there are almost 811,000 people working as social workers in the US, and the field is expected to grow 6 percent over the next decade¹² While the profession is expanding, the combination of stress and limited salary growth motivates some to explore related industries where their skills, such as empathy and case management, are in high demand.
What Can You Do with a Degree in Social Work Besides Being a Social Worker?
With a degree in social work, you can pursue a wide range of careers beyond just direct practice. Alternative careers for social work graduates include those in HR management, career counseling, teaching at the college level, nonprofit leadership, and policy analysis.
Bachelor’s-level coursework in social work typically helps people competencies in things like case management, community engagement, ethics, and cultural competence, which are often reinforced through supervised fieldwork. These skills prepare graduates for roles in areas like youth counseling, community organization, and employee relations. Many graduates also pursue advanced study, such as a master’s degree in counseling, education, or public administration, to help expand their career options and increase earning potential.
Common Second Careers for Social Workers
In their daily work, social workers interact with diverse populations, which makes their skills highly transferable to other professions. Second careers for social workers will often include high school teaching, paralegal work, mediation, mental health counseling, career advising, and human resource management.
Training in social work provides a foundation in areas like counseling, conflict resolution, and program management, which can all be applied in fields such as family services, education, healthcare, advocacy organizations, justice, corrections, and nonprofit leadership.In fact, the BLS projects a 17 percent growth for mental health counselors in the next decade, which is much faster than the average for all jobs.7 For social workers that are considering a career transition, counseling careers can be an especially strong fit because of their overlapping skills and the rising demand.
The Best Alternative Careers for Social Workers in 2025
Alternative careers for social workers in 2025 range from HR management and mediation to higher education and policy roles. Transitioning out of traditional social work does not always require clinical training or private practice experience. Instead, the transferable skills gained in social work, such as communication, problem-solving, and advocacy, can help you qualify for diverse opportunities, including the high-paying careers listed below.
To put this into context, BLS data shows the median annual wage for all social workers is currently $61,330, and many of the career paths below will offer higher median earnings, with a key reason why social workers are considering these transitions.1
High-Paying Jobs for Former Social Workers
| Job Title | Median Salary | Job Outlook |
|---|---|---|
| Human Resources Manager | $140,030² | 5% growth² |
| Sociologist | $101,690³ | 4% growth³ |
| Advertising / Marketing Manager | $159,660⁴ | 6% growth⁴ |
| Public Relations / Fundraising Manager | $132,870⁵ | 5% growth⁵ |
| Mediator / Arbitrator | $67,710⁶ | 4% growth⁶ |
| Career or School Counselor | $65,140⁸ | 4% growth⁸ |
| High School Teacher | $64,580⁹ | 2% decline⁹ |
| Operations Research Analyst | $91,290¹⁰ | 21% growth¹⁰ |
| Financial Analyst | $101,910¹¹ | 6% growth¹¹ |
| Public Relations Manager | $132,870¹² | 5% growth¹² |
Human Resources Manager
Human resource managers oversee recruiting, training, benefits, and employee relations. Social workers often find this transition natural because of their background in conflict resolution, ethics, and interpersonal communication. The role pays a median salary of $140,030, with projected growth of about 5 percent from 2024 to 2034.2
Sociologist
Sociologists study social behavior, cultural dynamics, and institutions through data collection and analysis. Former social workers bring firsthand experience with human services and community systems, which strengthens their ability to conduct impactful research. The median salary for sociologists is $101,690, and the field is projected to grow around 4 percent in the next decade.3
Advertising/Marketing Manager
Marketing and advertising managers lead campaigns to promote products, services, or organizations. Social workers’ skills in communication, empathy, and audience analysis transfer well into roles that require understanding diverse populations. These roles earn a median salary of $159,660 and have a solid growth rate of 6% in the next decade.4
Public Relations/Fundraising Manager
PR and fundraising managers shape organizational messaging, public image, and donor relationships. Social workers’ experience with advocacy and community engagement makes them well-suited to these fields. PR managers earn a median of $138,520 and fundraising managers $132,870, with employment demand stable and a 5% growth projected over the next decade.5
Mediator / Arbitrator
Mediators and arbitrators help resolve conflicts outside of court, applying negotiation and communication skills to reach fair outcomes. Social workers, who often handle sensitive cases and de-escalation, bring natural strengths to this role. The median salary is $67,710, with about 4 percent job growth projected.6
Career or School Counselor
Career and school counselors guide students and clients through educational, professional, and personal decisions. Social workers’ counseling skills and empathy translate directly into this profession, especially in academic or workforce settings. The median annual wage is $65,140, with steady growth projected around 4 percent.8
High School Teacher
High school teachers design lesson plans, deliver instruction, and support adolescents’ academic and personal growth. Social workers may transition into this role with additional teacher certification, bringing patience, communication, and problem-solving skills to the classroom. The median annual salary is $64,580, though employment is projected to decline slightly by 2034.9
Research Analyst
Research analysts use data to help organizations improve efficiency or understand consumer trends. Social workers’ training in data interpretation, critical thinking, and report writing is directly applicable here. Operations research analysts earn a median salary of $91,290 with 21 percent projected growth in the next decade.10
Financial Analyst
Financial analysts evaluate investment opportunities, budgets, and economic trends to guide businesses and individuals. While this career may require additional coursework in finance, social workers’ analytical and organizational abilities provide a foundation for success. The median annual salary is $101,910, and employment is expected to grow 6 percent through 2033.11
Public Relations Manager (Corporate)
Corporate PR managers focus on brand reputation, media relations, and stakeholder communication. Social workers’ advocacy skills and experience working with diverse communities position them well for leadership in this space. Average pay in these settings is around $132,870 as of 2025 and projected to grow 5% in the next decade.12
How to Make a Career Change from Social Work
Making a career change can be intimidating, but it is increasingly common in this day and age. The key is to treat the transition as a process. Start by identifying your goals, strengthening your skills, and then building connections in your target field.
Steps to Change Careers from Social Work
- Clarify Your Reasons – Identify why you want to leave social work, reasons such as higher pay, better work-life balance, or new challenges.
- Research Alternative Careers – Explore opportunities in HR, education, counseling, research, or business, and learn about training or certification requirements.
- Strengthen Your Skills – Add to your resume with graduate coursework, certifications, or any short-term training that is aligned with your target career.
- Build a Network – Connect with professionals through LinkedIn, through conferences, and/or local associations to learn more about your chosen field.
- Gain Experience – Demonstrate your abilities with volunteer work, internships, or freelance projects that give you practical exposure in a new industry.
Practical experience is essential for potential career changes. Many employers look for people who have demonstrated a commitment to the field, whether that’s through volunteering, internships, or part-time projects. For example, if you’re interested in politics, you might start by volunteering on a local campaign to gain firsthand experience in the industry.
When Should Social Workers Consider a Career Change?
Deciding whether to leave social work is a personal choice that really depends on your goals, financial needs, and long-term career satisfaction. Changing careers is rarely easy, but careful planning and self-assessment can help ensure that the transition is right for you.
If you do choose to move on from social work, remember that the skills that you have developed, such as organization, problem-solving, and empathy, are in demand across many other industries. In some fields, these skills can lead to higher pay and improved work-life balance compared to traditional social work roles.
References
- https://www.bls.gov/ooh/community-and-social-service/social-workers.htm
- https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/human-resources-managers.htm
- https://www.bls.gov/ooh/life-physical-and-social-science/sociologists.htm
- https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/advertising-promotions-and-marketing-managers.htm
- https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/public-relations-managers.htm
- https://www.bls.gov/ooh/legal/arbitrators-mediators-and-conciliators.htm
- https://www.bls.gov/ooh/community-and-social-service/substance-abuse-behavioral-disorder-and-mental-health-counselors.htm
- https://www.bls.gov/ooh/community-and-social-service/school-and-career-counselors.htm
- https://www.bls.gov/ooh/education-training-and-library/high-school-teachers.htm
- https://www.bls.gov/ooh/math/operations-research-analysts.htm
- https://www.bls.gov/ooh/business-and-financial/financial-analysts.htm
- https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/public-relations-managers.htm
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