Social Work Career Scope: Jobs, Placements, Salary 2024, Top Recruiters/Companies

Updated on Dec 31, 2024 04:42 IST
Sarjana Sinha

Sarjana SinhaContent Writer

Social Work career scope is immense. Students can expect a salary ranging from INR3-6 LPA in a Social Work career and 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. 

Social Work Careers: Quick Facts

  • The overall employment of social workers will grow 7%from 2023 to 2033.
  • The average starting salary 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

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.

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

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

Prasanna School of Public Health, MAHE

INR 11.75 LPA

Srinivas University

INR 10 LPA

JMI

INR 9.25 LPA

Calcutta University

INR 9.2 LPA

BHU

INR 9 LPA

AMU

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 improve their chances of getting a job after completing a social work degree. It would be helpful to do internships in fields related to your degree. Work experience can further increase your chances of landing a decent job. 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 of around INR 8 LPA to INR 16 LPA after having experience in the field and a medical social worker can earn somewhere around INR 5 LPA to INR 7 LPA.

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

Yes, why not! There are many students who choose to pursue an online, distance degree along with a part-time/full-time job. If you're interested in a distance degree, you can refer to some options in the table below -

Distance Colleges

Average Fees

IGNOU

Rs. 1 K - 36 K

NSOU

Rs. 10.4 K

TNOU

Rs. 6 K - 10 K

VMOU

Rs. 15.3 K

BRAOU

Rs. 2.1 K

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.

Table of content
  • Popular Social Work Colleges in India
  • Popular Private Social Work Colleges in India
  • Popular Exams
  • Popular Social Work Specializations
  • Most Popular Courses
  • Popular Social Work UG Courses
  • Popular Social Work PG Courses
View More

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.
62.91 K
3 - 3.5 LPA

#16 NIRF

2.14 L
4.6 LPA

#14 NIRF

2.76 L - 5.2 L
4.6

#81 India Today

Social Work Applications open. Apply Now

2.19 K - 54 K
4.2

#12 NIRF

4 Courses
55.18 K - 1.79 L
3 - 6 LPA

#55 NIRF

1.65 L
8.1 LPA

#34 NIRF

Popular Private Social Work Colleges in India

2 Courses
50 K - 68 K
2.75 - 3.5 LPA

#107 Outlook

1.58 L

Social Work Applications open. Apply Now

1.27 L - 2.67 L
4.8 LPA
1.4 L - 1.5 L
3.5
1.08 L - 1.65 L
3 - 4 LPA

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 '26

CPGET 2026 Notification

TENTATIVE

Jun '26

CPGET 2026 Registration

TENTATIVE

Mar '26

CUET 2026 Application Process

TENTATIVE

May '26 - Jun '26

CUET 2026 Exam

TENTATIVE

Oct '25

SAT Registration Deadline for November Test

TENTATIVE

14 Jul ' 25 - 31 Oct ' 25

JMI Entrance Exam 2025 Counselling

31 Oct ' 25

Last Date for submitting Qualifying Exam result (...

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 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

qna

Student Forum

chatAnything you would want to ask experts?
Write here...

Find insights & recommendations on colleges and exams that you won't find anywhere else

On Shiksha, get access to

  • 65k Colleges
  • 1k Exams
  • 687k Reviews
  • 1800k Answers