According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the field of social work is expected to grow almost 20 percent during the next decade. This is good news for students who are enrolled in social work degree programs or are considering it for a career path. These are some top-paying jobs for graduates with health and human service degrees.
Related: Top 10 Online Health and Human Services Degree Programs – Bachelor’s
1. Social Work Teacher
Teachers of social work classes typically earn about $71,000 per year. Graduates who want to earn more with their degrees and enjoy teaching are the best candidates for such jobs. HHS instructors may teach undergraduate classes or graduate classes depending on their educational background. They may also teach classes at community colleges where students earn associate’s degrees in health and human services. These instructors are responsible for training students to become ethical and knowledgeable social workers. While some educational institutions may accept a master’s degree for a teaching position, most require a doctoral degree.
2. Speech Pathologist
Speech pathologists earn an average annual salary of $67,000. However, they must receive more training beyond their social work degrees. Speech pathologists study speech disorders. They diagnose them and create special plans for patients to communicate better. Their client base usually includes adults or children with speech impediments or oral deformities, and they also work with people who have developmental disabilities. Speech pathologists help with speech rehabilitation after a person suffers a stroke or a brain injury. Prospective speech pathologists must hold at least a master’s degree.
3. School Counselor
School counselors earn an average of $53,000 annually. They may work in high schools, grade schools or in facilities for special education. These counselors should have a strong desire to help children find focus in life and direct them in the right path. School counselors can play a vital role in shaping young minds and aspirations. In addition to counseling students, school counselors must work with parents and teachers to help students learn adequately. Additional training beyond a degree is often required or desired for a school counselor position. Students who plan to pursue this career path should seek a master’s degree.
4. Health Care Social Worker
The average annual salary for this job is $51,000. While general social workers typically work around families facing abuse or dysfunction-related issues, health care social workers focus more on helping people who are facing diseases or illnesses. Some examples are cancer, cystic fibrosis or other long-term illnesses. There are unique challenges that come with lifelong or terminal diagnoses, and the health care social worker’s job is to help the patient and his or her family cope with those challenges. Health care social workers analyze situations, provide support and create personalized care plans. Students who plan to seek this type of job should hold a bachelor’s or master’s degree.
5. Social Worker
The average annual salary for a social worker is $40,000. Social workers are employed in many different settings. They may provide counseling for their clients. Their clients typically include adults, children, single parents, couples or families who are facing difficulties. Social workers may work mostly in offices. However, some conduct home visits or attend group counseling meetings to help their clients. To become a social worker, a bachelor’s or master’s degree is required.
There are many other exciting career opportunities for graduates of social work and health and human services degree programs. Non-profit jobs are great for students with a specialized passion, and there are paid internships for recent graduates. The first step toward any of these jobs is finding the right degree program.
