There are currently an estimated 81,000 social workers in the United States. The social worker job market is expected to grow by 3.9% between 2024 and 2034.

How employable are social workers?

CareerExplorer rates social workers with a C employability rating, meaning this career should provide moderate employment opportunities for the foreseeable future. Over the next 10 years, it is expected the US will need 3,100 social workers.

What’s the supply of social workers?

The social worker industry is concentrated in Minnesota, California, Florida

Social Worker job market by state

State Name Employed Social Workers
Minnesota 7,270
California 6,430
Florida 4,800
Oregon 3,710
Ohio 3,250
Texas 2,880
Arizona 2,850
New York 2,470
Colorado 2,190
Illinois 1,910
Tennessee 1,910
Wisconsin 1,860
Pennsylvania 1,730
Michigan 1,700
North Carolina 1,670
Georgia 1,510
Maryland 1,270
Virginia 860
Louisiana 850
Washington 790
Arkansas 690
West Virginia 680
Utah 660
New Jersey 640
Kentucky 610
Missouri 590
Massachusetts 540
Montana 540
Maine 470
Connecticut 460
Indiana 460
South Carolina 440
Alabama 400
Nevada 370
District of Columbia 350
Alaska 330
Oklahoma 320
Mississippi 280
New Mexico 250
Iowa 230
Nebraska 220
Idaho 210
Hawaii 200
Wyoming 160
South Dakota 130
Delaware 130
Vermont 110
North Dakota 110
New Hampshire 100
Rhode Island 90