The Best Social Work Degrees in California
California social workers earn higher salaries compared to their peers in other states. When you enroll in an online master of social work (MSW) program in California, you meet the minimum qualification to register as an associate social worker (ASW). Social workers in California enjoy in-demand careers with better pay than the national average.
Explore the best social work graduate programs in California and what your earning potential could be after graduation.
Featured Online Programs in Social Work
Becoming a Social Worker in California
MSW graduates can choose from two pathways to become a social worker in California, both requiring at least an MSW degree. According to the Board of Behavioral Sciences, which regulates social work licensing in the state, you can become an associate clinical social worker (ASW) after completing an MSW program. Getting registered as an ASW serves as a stepping stone toward social work licensure.
California only offers one license for social workers. To become a licensed clinical social worker, you need an MSW degree and at least 3,000 supervised work experience hours. You also need to pass the Association of Social Work Boards clinical exam.
The Best Social Work Programs in California
California boasts of over 40 bachelor and master of social work programs accredited by the Council on Social Work. If you’re looking to jumpstart your social work career in California, check out our comprehensive ranking of the top social work programs in the state.
University of Southern California
Los Angeles, CA- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$59,260
- Out-of-state$59,260
- Retention Rate91%
- Acceptance Rate16%
- Students Enrolled46,287
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment89%
- AccreditationYes
California State University-Northridge
- Northridge, CA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$5,742
- Out-of-state$17,622
- Retention Rate83%
- Acceptance Rate66%
- Students Enrolled40,381
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment98%
- AccreditationYes
California State University-San Bernardino
- San Bernardino, CA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$5,742
- Out-of-state$17,622
- Retention Rate85%
- Acceptance Rate78%
- Students Enrolled19,689
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment100%
- AccreditationYes
National University
- San Diego, CA
- 4 year
- Online
- In-State$11,064
- Out-of-state$11,064
- Retention Rate0%
- Acceptance Rate0%
- Students Enrolled12,471
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment0%
- AccreditationYes
University of Massachusetts Global
- Irvine, CA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$12,000
- Out-of-state$12,000
- Retention Rate0%
- Acceptance Rate95%
- Students Enrolled10,986
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment100%
- AccreditationYes
How Much Will it Cost to Get My Degree in Social Work?
Your standing, residency status, enrollment status, and the type of college you attend determines your tuition rate. For instance, public online MSW programs in California may offer a flat rate tuition regardless of your residency status. Otherwise, as an out-of-state resident, you often pay more for tuition.
According to the National Center for Education Statistics, the average graduate student at a public college paid $12,596 in 2021-2022. Private school students at nonprofit and for-profit schools paid $14,161-$29,931.
California schools charge between $442 and $1,928 per credit for an MSW degree. This does not include additional fees that you may incur as a college student, such as books, supplies, transportation, and housing. Many colleges offer social work scholarships and other financial aid packages that can reduce the total cost.
How Much Will I Make as a Social Worker in California?
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), social workers in California earned the following wages as of May 2023:
| Occupation | Average Hourly Wage (CA) | Average Annual Wage (CA) |
|---|---|---|
| Child, Family, and School Social Workers | $33.34 | $69,340 |
| Healthcare Social Workers | $44.81 | $93,200 |
| Mental Health and Substance Use Social Workers | $39.10 | $81,720 |
| Social Workers, All Other | $34.77 | $77,320 |
Social workers in California earn wages based on their specialties and location in the state. California’s cities of San Jose, Sunnyvale, and Santa Clara pay the most for child, family, and school, mental health, and substance use social workers who earn a six-figure annual mean wage. California is home to all 10 of the top 10 metropolitan areas for average salaries for healthcare social workers.
Earnings for social workers in California exceed national averages by at least $10,000 per year, depending on the social work specialty. Overall, California has the fourth highest cost of living. Social workers living in or looking to transfer their license to California must weigh the higher-than-average salaries against the higher cost of living.
Job Outlook with a Social Work Degree
Job growth for social workers should outpace all other professions. While employment growth rates in California will not exceed the national projections, social workers are in demand in the Golden State.
In California, specialities like child, family, and schools social workers; healthcare social workers; and mental health and substance use social workers could see increased job openings from 2020-2030, according to Projections Central,
There are roughly 84,000 social workers in California, and employers expect to add another 8,900 social work positions each year from 2020-2030. Demand for child, family, and school social workers is fueled in part by a growing need to prevent child abuse. Employers need more mental health and substance use social workers to meet the demand of people seeking treatment and resources.
That said, certain occupations, such as child, family, and school social workers, will be limited in growth because of budget cuts at the state and federal level, according to the BLS.
| Occupation | 2020-2030 Growth Projections (US) | 2020-2030 Growth Projections (CA) |
|---|---|---|
| Child, Family, and School Social Workers | 12.6% | 9.7% |
| Healthcare Social Workers | 13.2% | 12.2% |
| Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers | 14.9% | 10.1% |
| Social Workers, All Others | 5.7% | 7.2% |
Frequently Asked Questions About California Social Work
What is the salary range for social workers in California?
Social work salaries in California vary by occupation and years of experience. Across all social work occupations in California, median annual salaries range from $63,680-$89,800, or $30.61-$43.17 per hour. While social workers in the 10th percentile make $41,060-$49,230, those in the 90th percentile can make as much as $109,030-$132,630 per year.
What is the highest paid social worker in California?
Healthcare social workers make the most in California, where they earn $49,230-$132,630, depending on their experience. California has the second highest employment level of healthcare workers after New York. The state also compensates healthcare workers the most in the U.S., with an annual mean wage of $93,200, according to the BLS.
What education is required to become a social worker in California?
A master’s in social work degree is the minimum requirement to become a social worker in California. If you want to register as an ASW or become a licensed LCSW, you need at least an MSW degree.
Is becoming a social worker in California worth it?
Becoming a social worker in California can be worth it. Social workers have tough jobs that can be physically and emotionally demanding. However, social work can be incredibly rewarding, as the career focuses on improving others’ lives. Social workers can also receive advancement opportunities and higher salary potential with additional experience and education.