Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers
Assess and treat individuals with mental, emotional, or substance abuse problems, including abuse of alcohol, tobacco, and/or other drugs. Activities may include individual and group therapy, crisis intervention, case management, client advocacy, prevention, and education.
How to read this profile
BLS projects U.S. employment for Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers to increase by 10.3% between 2024 and 2034, from 138,900 to 153,200 jobs. Its estimate of 12,500 annual openings includes replacement needs, so it does not represent current vacancies, contract postings, or freelance demand. The wage ($60,280), education (Master's degree), and related experience (None) figures on this profile describe typical U.S. employees. O*NET skills describe the occupation; they do not assess an individual worker's proficiency.
Base employment (2024)
138,900
Projected employment (2034)
153,200
Projected change (2024–2034)
10%
Annual openings (projected average)
12,500
Pay & Preparation
$60,280
Master's degree
None
Internship/residency
Essential Skills
Social Perceptiveness (4.25/5) • Active Listening (4.12/5) • Speaking (4.12/5) • Critical Thinking (4/5) • Monitoring (4/5) • Reading Comprehension (4/5)
O*NET describes occupational requirements; these ratings do not measure current job-posting frequency or an individual worker’s proficiency.
BLS projections are long-term estimates; annual openings include growth and replacement needs and are not current vacancies.
Market data tells you what is happening.
SmartBid shows you where you fit.
Evaluate opportunities using demand, competition, client quality, and your experience—then focus your effort where you have the strongest chance to win.
Find my best opportunities