"Employment of social workers is expected to increase by 16 percent during the 2008–18 decade, which is faster than the average for all occupations. The growing elderly population and the aging baby boom generation will create greater demand for health and social services, resulting in rapid job growth among gerontological social workers. Employment of social workers in private social service agencies also will increase. Median annual wages of child, family, and school social workers were $39,530 in May 2008. Median annual wages of medical and public health social workers were $46,650 in May 2008. Median annual wages of mental health and substance abuse social workers were $37,210 in May 2008. Median annual wages of social workers, all other were $46,220 in May 2008."

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2010-11 Edition, on the internet, Retrieved September 22, 2010, http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos060.htm.