High-Paying Social Work Roles You Can Start Without a College Degree

This article will help you explore in-demand social work roles that you can begin with just a high school diploma or GED, no college required.

Many entry-level social service positions, such as behavioral health technicians, community health workers, or social and human service assistants, can be started with just a high school diploma or GED, especially when combined with relevant training or certifications.

Many of these roles also offer on-the-job training and clear promotion paths into case management or licensed counseling with further credentialing that are a great career path if you want to get started and don’t have your college degree.

What Is Social Work?

Social work is a profession that is centered on helping individuals, families, and communities overcome challenges and improve their well-being. Social workers provide support in areas such as child welfare, housing insecurity, healthcare access, substance use recovery, and mental health.

This field is very broad and even more diverse. Social workers can be found in hospitals, schools, nonprofit organizations, correctional facilities, private practice, and more. Some roles focus on direct client support, while others emphasize advocacy, policy change, or research that shapes community services. These direct client support roles are often termed ‘micro social work’, while the advocacy, policy, and research roles are referred to as ‘macro social work’. 

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the number of social worker jobs is projected to grow by 7 percent in the next decade, which is faster than the average for all occupations.¹

What Do Social Work Jobs Pay?

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the national median annual wage for social workers today is $61,330.¹ Salaries will vary widely depending on your specialization and setting. For example, child, family, and school social workers earn a median of $58,570, healthcare social workers earn $68,090, and mental health and substance use social workers earn $60,060.²

Earnings also depend on location, employer type, and your background and experience. Social workers in hospitals and government agencies tend to earn higher salaries than those working in community organizations and nonprofits.² While many of the top-paying social work jobs require a bachelor’s or master’s degree, several entry-level positions that don’t require a degree will still provide steady income and opportunities for advancement.

What Skills Do You Need to Land a Social Work Job?

Communication

Strong communication skills are essential for social workers. This role will often involve sensitive conversations with clients, coordinating with healthcare providers, and explaining complex processes to patients’ and their families in a way that’s clear and compassionate. Effective interpersonal skills will help build trust and improve your client outcomes.

Critical Thinking

Social workers also frequently face complex cases that require analyzing multiple factors to develop sometimes lifesaving solutions. Critical thinking allows you to assess your client’s needs, weigh their potential options, and make informed decisions that will support their long-term well-being.

Organization

Because social workers often manage multiple cases at once, organizational skills are key. Being able to keep accurate and referenceable records, prioritize tasks, and allocate time effectively will ensure that each client receives the support they need.

Empathy and Cultural Competence

Empathy is also vital for understanding your client experiences, while cultural competence ensures that you can provide respectful and effective services to people from diverse backgrounds. Employers increasingly value these skills in both degree and non-degree social work roles.

What Education Do You Need to Get a Social Work Job?

Most social work positions require at least a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work (BSW) or a related field, and advanced roles like clinical social workers typically will also require a master’s degree and licensure. However, that being said, not all social service jobs demand a college education.

Entry-level roles such as social and human service assistant, community health worker, or behavioral health technician will often accept applicants with only a high school diploma or GED, especially if they bring relevant certifications, training, or volunteer experience. These positions can prove to be a valuable pathway into the field, giving you hands-on experience and give you the chance to advance into a higher-paying role over time.

Why College Is Not for Everyone

College can be an important step for many social work careers, but it isn’t necessarily the right fit for everyone. One major reason is cost. The cost of college in the United States has continued to rise in recent years, leaving many students either opting for different paths forward or burdened with significant debt.³

For those who prefer a more affordable and direct path into the workforce, social work offers opportunities that don’t always require a college degree. Roles such as a community health worker or social and human service assistant will allow you to build experience and earn a steady income without committing to four years of higher education and digging yourself out of potentially decades of student debt.

How to Get a Social Work Job With a GED

Find the right industry

Before applying, it’s important to identify the area of social services you want to work in. These options include things like community health, behavioral health support, elder care, or nonprofit case assistance. Choosing the right path will help you target your skills and applications effectively.

Build Relevant Skills

Most entry-level social service roles require strong communication, active listening, time management, and empathy. Free or low-cost training programs and certifications, such as those in mental health first aid or case management, can strengthen your application.

Volunteer or Intern

Volunteering with nonprofits, hospitals, or community programs is a great way to gain hands-on experience. These opportunities will help you grow your professional network and can even potentially lead to future job referrals.

Prepare a Strong Resume

Make sure to highlight your volunteer work, certifications, and any training you’ve completed. Employers value real-world experience, even if it didn’t come from a paid role.

Use Job Boards and Networks

Websites such as LinkedIn, Indeed, and Glassdoor list thousands of social service openings. Setting filters for “no degree required” or “entry-level” can help you find the right fit.

High-Paying Social Work Jobs Without a College Degree

While many social work careers require a higher education degree, some entry-level and related roles are accessible with a high school diploma or GED. Below are some examples of positions that you can start without a bachelor’s degree, along with their average salaries and projected job outlook.

Job	Median Annual Salary	Job Outlook
Community Health Worker	$51,0305	+13% (much faster than average)
Social and Human Service Assistant	$45,1206	+8% (faster than average)
Home Health and Personal Care Aide	$34,9007	+21% (much faster than average)
Childcare Worker	$32,0508	-1% (decline)
Teacher Assistant	$35,2409	-1% (decline)
Recreational Worker	$35,38010	+5% (average)
Customer Service Representative	$42,83011	-5% (decline)

Best Social Work Jobs That Don’t Require a Degree: A Closer Look

Social service roles that don’t require a college degree give you the chance to support your community while building a career path with growth potential. Here’s what you can expect from some of the most common options:

Community Health Worker

Community health workers act as a link between healthcare providers and local residents. They provide informal health guidance, conduct outreach, and connect people with resources. This role typically requires just a high school diploma, though some employers will prefer applicants who have additional training in public health or medical terminology.

Social and Human Service Assistant

These professionals help clients to access resources such as food assistance, housing, and healthcare. They often help coordinate services with social workers or case managers and follow up to ensure client needs are met. Most of these positions require only a high school diploma and on-the-job training.

Home Health and Personal Care Aide

Aides support clients who cannot fully care for themselves due to age, illness, or disability. They help with daily activities such as cooking, cleaning, and personal hygiene, often in private homes or long-term care facilities. The demand for this role is among the fastest growing in the U.S..

Childcare Worker

Childcare workers oversee the daily well-being of children, whether this is in daycares, schools, or private homes. The typical duties include supervising child’s play, preparing meals, and organizing educational activities. While no degree is required, patience and communication skills are critical.

Teacher Assistant

Teacher assistants support classroom teachers by preparing learning materials, supervising students, and providing one-on-one help when needed. Most positions require a high school diploma and some short-term training, but requirements can vary by state.

Recreational Worker

Recreational workers will design and lead activities in settings such as community centers, parks, and senior living facilities. The goal is to encourage physical activity, creativity, and social interaction. A diploma or GED is typically enough to start, with training provided on the job.

Customer Service Representative

Customer service representatives in social service organizations will help clients navigate services, resolve issues, and access resources. Although not traditionally considered a social work role, this job builds transferable skills such as problem-solving and client support.

Companies That Offer Entry-Level Social Work Jobs

Several organizations across the U.S. provide entry-level opportunities in social services that may not require a college degree. These employers often offer on-the-job training and professional development:

• AMITA Health: A healthcare system that delivers medical services and runs community outreach programs aimed at expanding access to care.
• Center for Urban Community Services (CUCS): Based in New York, CUCS supports people experiencing homelessness through housing programs, case management, and medical care.
• Sycamores: A Southern California nonprofit that provides housing, mental health, advocacy, and family services for children, adults, and families.
• Crisis Connections: A nonprofit offering a 24-hour crisis helpline and training programs to support individuals in distress.
• Opportunity House: An Illinois-based organization providing residential care, recreational activities, and developmental training for people with disabilities.

These organizations represent just a few of the many employers that hire social service workers without requiring a bachelor’s degree. Entry-level roles in these settings can provide valuable experience and often lead to career advancement.

Where to Find Social Work Jobs That Don’t Require a Degree

Finding entry-level social service roles is easier when you know which platforms to use. Here are a few reliable options to check out to begin your search:

• SocialService.com: A job board that is dedicated to social work professionals. You can filter the results to highlight openings that don’t require a degree. You can also search by location or specialization to get more narrowed listings that will pertain to you.
• LinkedIn: Beyond job postings, LinkedIn allows you to connect directly with social service professionals and recruiters. Many nonprofit and healthcare employers post entry-level social work opportunities here, so it’s a great place to start your search.
• Indeed: As one of the largest job boards in the country, Indeed lists thousands of social service roles. Use filters such as “no degree required” or “entry-level” to find jobs that match your background.

These platforms are updated daily and often feature roles from nonprofit organizations, healthcare providers, and government agencies. Setting alerts for keywords like “social service assistant,” “community health worker,” or “behavioral health technician” can help you spot opportunities faster.

Consider a Social Work Degree Later in Your Career

Starting your career in social services without a degree doesn’t mean higher education is off the table forever. Many professionals begin in entry-level roles, such as social and human service assistant or community health worker, and decide to later pursue a Bachelor of Social Work or even a Master of Social Work degree to unlock higher-paying, licensed positions.

Online and part-time degree programs often make it possible to continue working while you complete your graduate coursework. This is a great approach because it allows you to gain hands-on experience, build your resume, and earn income while working toward these higher credentials that expand your career options.

Social Work Jobs Without a Degree FAQ

References

1. https://www.bls.gov/ooh/community-and-social-service/social-workers.htm
2. https://www.bls.gov/ooh/community-and-social-service/social-workers.htm#tab-5
3. https://www.centredaily.com/news/business/article311615594.html
4. https://www.bls.gov/ooh/community-and-social-service/substance-abuse-behavioral-disorder-and-mental-health-counselors.htm
5. https://www.bls.gov/ooh/community-and-social-service/community-health-workers.htm
6. https://www.bls.gov/ooh/community-and-social-service/social-and-human-service-assistants.htm
7. https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/home-health-aides-and-personal-care-aides.htm
8. https://www.bls.gov/ooh/personal-care-and-service/childcare-workers.htm
9. https://www.bls.gov/ooh/education-training-and-library/teacher-assistants.htm
10. https://www.bls.gov/ooh/personal-care-and-service/recreation-workers.htm
11. https://www.bls.gov/ooh/office-and-administrative-support/customer-service-representatives.htm