Alternative Jobs to Pursue with an MSW Degree for 2025

by Imed Bouchrika, Phd

Co-Founder and Chief Data Scientist

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What are the top non-traditional jobs for MSW graduates?

Many MSW graduates are choosing to explore non-traditional career paths that leverage their expertise while moving beyond direct practice. Below are some of the most promising alternative MSW jobs:

• Human Resources & Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI): MSWs excel in employee relations, workplace wellness, and organizational culture, making them strong candidates for HR leadership and DEI initiatives. These roles often offer six-figure earning potential with corporate stability.
• Policy Analyst or Advocacy Specialist: With strong backgrounds in social systems, MSWs can influence laws, programs, and funding priorities. These positions offer higher pay and the chance to impact change at a macro level.
• Healthcare Administrator or Case Manager: MSWs bring a unique systems perspective to hospital operations and patient care coordination. These roles allow for healthcare leadership without requiring clinical licensure.
• Academic Advising & Higher Education Roles: MSW graduates can work as advisors, program directors, or faculty in social sciences and related programs. This path offers stability, benefits, and opportunities for mentoring future professionals.
• Corporate Wellness or Employee Assistance Program (EAP) Consultant: Companies hire MSWs to design mental health and well-being programs for employees. This role combines counseling skills with organizational strategy to improve workplace productivity.
• Nonprofit or Community Program Director: Many MSWs transition into managing programs, fundraising, and community partnerships. These positions provide mission-driven work with leadership experience.

Some of these paths intersect with fields outside traditional social work—for example, roles aligned with best jobs for criminology majors, such as corrections program managers or policy analysts, where social systems expertise is equally valuable.

What is the salary range for alternative careers with an MSW degree?

While the median social worker and addiction counselor salary was $61,330 in 2024, many MSW graduates who transition into non-traditional paths find opportunities with significantly higher earning potential. This shift reflects the flexibility of the degree and the demand for transferable skills in diverse fields.

For example, HR managers earn a median salary of about $130,000 per year. Similarly, policy analysts and community service managers earn between $70,000 and $90,000 annually, depending on their employer and geographic location. Academic advising and higher education administration offer more modest salaries, averaging $50,000 to $75,000, but with strong benefits and job security.

Other alternative roles, such as corporate wellness consultants, nonprofit directors, or healthcare administrators, provide competitive compensation packages that surpass traditional social work roles. Nonprofit leadership positions average $80,000 to $100,000, while healthcare administration roles can reach $90,000+.

To better understand when professionals often make these kinds of career shifts, the chart below highlights the average age at which individuals change careers.

How do MSW transferable skills apply to non-clinical careers?

MSW graduates develop a wide range of transferable skills that extend far beyond clinical social work settings. Empathy, active listening, conflict resolution, and cultural competence are highly valuable in human resources, diversity and inclusion, and corporate leadership.

Employers increasingly recognize that MSW-trained professionals bring a human-centered approach to problem-solving, which strengthens workplace culture and improves team collaboration.

MSWs also possess strong research, policy analysis, and systems-thinking skills. Their ability to assess programs, evaluate outcomes, and design evidence-based strategies translates seamlessly into program evaluation, policy development, and organizational consulting.

These analytical strengths also position them well for public health, UX research, and technology ethics, where a balance of data interpretation and human impact is essential. You can take an accelerated user experience design degree online if you're interested in this trajectory.

Moreover, MSWs are trained to work under pressure, manage crises, and navigate complex systems. These abilities are invaluable in healthcare administration, education, and legal support services. Their background in case management and resource coordination equips them to lead multidisciplinary teams, streamline operations, and advocate for systemic improvements.

To provide additional context, the chart below illustrates the average tenure of social workers across different settings, shedding light on career stability and long-term opportunities in the field.

What healthcare jobs can MSW graduates do without being a licensed clinical social worker?

Many MSW graduates are drawn to healthcare but may not want, or need, to pursue licensure as a clinical social worker. Fortunately, the healthcare sector offers a variety of non-clinical roles that rely on skills in coordination, advocacy, and systems management rather than direct therapy. 

• Healthcare Administrator: MSWs can oversee hospital departments, manage staff, and improve patient care systems. This role focuses on leadership, compliance, and program development rather than direct counseling.
• Case Manager (Non-Clinical): These professionals coordinate patient services, connect families with resources, and ensure continuity of care. MSWs excel here by leveraging advocacy and organizational skills.
• Patient Advocate or Care Coordinator: MSWs can help patients navigate insurance, treatment options, and healthcare rights. This work emphasizes support and guidance rather than therapy.
• Public Health Program Manager: With training in systems and policy, MSWs design and manage health initiatives for communities. These roles often intersect with government or nonprofit healthcare programs.
• Medical Social Work Educator or Trainer: MSWs may lead workshops, training, or staff development on trauma-informed care and patient communication. This role strengthens healthcare teams without requiring clinical licensure.

Similar to these roles, many professionals enter allied fields like hospital administration through programs such as bachelor's to master's in nursing, which also open leadership doors without requiring traditional bedside practice.

What are the benefits of pursuing a doctorate after an MSW?

Getting a doctorate after an MSW can open doors to advanced career opportunities that are often out of reach with a master’s alone. A Doctor of Social Work (DSW) or PhD makes graduates qualified for academic teaching, high-level research, and leadership roles in universities, think tanks, and policy institutes.

For educators considering different doctoral pathways, questions like what is the difference between EDD and EDS often arise, especially when weighing options in education-focused leadership versus specialized practitioner roles.

For those interested in shaping the next generation of social workers or influencing systemic change, a doctorate provides the platform to contribute at both educational and policy levels.

Another major benefit is the potential for higher earning power and career stability. Doctoral-prepared social workers can earn $20,000–$30,000 more annually compared to MSW-only professionals. These roles also come with stronger benefits, long-term contracts, and opportunities for advancement into tenured positions or senior administrative posts.

A doctorate also allows MSW professionals to specialize deeply in a field of interest, such as healthcare systems, child welfare policy, social justice, or international social work. This specialization not only builds credibility but also positions graduates as thought leaders capable of influencing national and global discourse.

What federal agencies hire social workers for non-clinical positions?

Many social workers find meaningful MSW degree jobs in federal agencies that focus on policy, advocacy, program management, and community impact. These non-clinical positions let MSWs use their skills in systems thinking, program evaluation, and social policy development on a national scale. 

• U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS): MSWs can work in program administration, policy analysis, and public health initiatives. Roles focus on improving healthcare access, child welfare systems, and community health outcomes.
• U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA): Beyond therapy, social workers manage veteran support programs, housing initiatives, and benefits navigation. These jobs center on advocacy and systems-level case coordination.
• Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS): MSWs contribute to policy development, program oversight, and community engagement. They give vulnerable populations easy access to equitable healthcare.
• U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ): Social workers can work in victim advocacy, reentry programs, and justice reform initiatives. These roles work on program management and systemic change rather than direct counseling.
• Administration for Children and Families (ACF): MSWs help shape child welfare, refugee resettlement, and family support programs. This work is focused on program development, compliance, and federal grant oversight.

Federal agencies often require ongoing professional training and compliance checks. For social workers, this can mirror standards such as CEU requirements for board certified behavior analyst, which ensure professionals remain updated and qualified for highly specialized roles.

What businesses can MSW graduates start outside of private counseling?

MSW graduates have the skills and expertise to succeed as entrepreneurs, even outside of traditional private practice or counseling. Their background in problem-solving, advocacy, and organizational leadership makes them well-suited to launch businesses that serve communities, organizations, and individuals in innovative ways. 

• Consulting Firm (HR, DEI, or Organizational Wellness): MSWs can advise companies on workplace culture, employee well-being, and diversity initiatives. This path combines social work values with business strategy to improve organizational health.
• Nonprofit Organization or Social Enterprise: Graduates can create mission-driven organizations addressing housing, youth development, or community services. This allows MSWs to scale their impact beyond one-on-one work.
• Training and Professional Development Company: MSWs can design workshops on trauma-informed care, conflict resolution, or leadership skills. These programs serve schools, healthcare systems, corporations, and nonprofits.
• Life Coaching or Career Coaching Practice: Using motivational interviewing and goal-setting skills, MSWs can guide clients in personal growth and career transitions. This field offers flexibility and does not require a clinical license. Learn how to start a career in spiritual counseling in this guide.
• Grant Writing and Program Evaluation Services: With expertise in research and program outcomes, MSWs can provide specialized services to nonprofits and agencies seeking funding. This business focuses on helping organizations secure resources and demonstrate impact.

For those who want to strengthen their business foundation, exploring the shortest online master’s degree in entrepreneurship can provide a fast, practical pathway to combine social work expertise with entrepreneurial strategy.

What international jobs are available for social work degree holders?

Social work graduates interested in global impact can venture into the international arena. These roles entail humanitarian aid, policy development, community building, and advocacy for vulnerable populations across borders. 

• Humanitarian Aid Worker (NGOs/UN Agencies): MSWs can support crisis response, refugee protection, and disaster relief programs worldwide. These positions focus on program delivery, advocacy, and community resilience.
• International Development Specialist: Social workers contribute to poverty reduction, education, and healthcare initiatives in developing countries. They design and evaluate programs aimed at long-term systemic change.
• Refugee Resettlement or Migration Services Officer: MSWs help refugees and migrants integrate into new communities. These roles involve policy advocacy and cross-cultural collaboration.
• Global Health Program Manager: With expertise in public health and social systems, MSWs lead initiatives addressing HIV/AIDS, maternal health, and mental health care abroad. This work bridges healthcare delivery with social support services.
• Policy Advisor for International Organizations: Social workers influence child protection, human rights, and social justice agendas at entities like UNICEF. These roles emphasize research, strategy, and global advocacy.

Like international healthcare roles, these jobs sometimes intersect with specialized knowledge areas. For instance, humanitarian teams often employ people trained in forensic science technician salary by state–type research roles, blending scientific and social expertise in disaster zones.

Do you need additional certifications for non-traditional MSW jobs?

Whether MSW graduates need additional certifications for non-traditional jobs largely depends on the career path they want to pursue. Many alternative roles, such as nonprofit leadership, program management, or policy analysis, can be accessed directly with an MSW degree and relevant work experience.

In these cases, the emphasis is often on transferable skills, like research, advocacy, and organizational leadership, rather than formal licensure.

That said, certain non-clinical career paths may require or strongly recommend additional credentials to stay competitive. For example, MSWs moving into Human Resources or corporate roles often benefit from certifications like the Professional in Human Resources (PHR) or Society for Human Resource Management Certified Professional (SHRM-CP). They can also consider the fastest online master's degree in human resources management programs.

Those entering grant writing, program evaluation, or project management may also pursue a Project Management Professional (PMP) or Certified Nonprofit Professional (CNP) credential. In healthcare and public health, certifications in case management (CCM) or public health (CPH) can also expand career options and earning potential.

An MSW can already help professionals land non-traditional jobs, but stackable credentials can further signal expertise, pave the way for specialized industries, and increase competitiveness in the job market. The need for certifications is therefore less about meeting strict entry requirements and more about aligning professional development with career goals.

Here’s What Graduates Have to Say About Their Alternative MSW Careers

Other Things You Should Know About What You Can Do with an Alternative MSW Career

Can you become a professor with an MSW degree?

It's possible to become a professor with an MSW degree, but opportunities are typically limited to teaching at the bachelor’s or master’s level as an adjunct or lecturer. Many universities require a PhD or DSW for tenure-track and full-time faculty positions, especially if the role involves research.

However, MSW graduates with significant professional experience are often welcomed into academia to teach practice-based courses, supervise fieldwork, and contribute to student training.

Why do people quit social work?

Many people quit social work due to burnout, high caseloads, and emotional strain that come with supporting vulnerable populations under limited resources. Low pay compared to the intensity of the work, bureaucratic barriers, and lack of organizational support also contribute to dissatisfaction.

Social work is deeply rewarding, but some challenges prompt professionals to seek alternative careers where their skills are valued, offering a better balance and compensation.

Is social work still in demand?

Yes, social work is still in strong demand. The need is especially high in healthcare, mental health services, child and family support, and aging populations. Despite challenges like high turnover, the demand for skilled professionals guarantees that social work remains a stable and growing field.

What is the highest-paying job with an MSW?

The highest-paying jobs with an MSW are typically in administration, healthcare leadership, or corporate roles rather than direct practice. Positions such as healthcare administrators, human resources directors, or executive directors of nonprofits can earn well above $90,000 to $130,000 annually, depending on experience and location.

These roles reward MSWs who combine their social work expertise with management, policy, or organizational leadership skills.