Australian Education Pathways

Social Workers

University degree Strong growth · ANZSCO skill level 1 · occupation 2725

Social Workers assess the social needs of individuals, families and groups, assist and empower people to develop and use the skills and resources needed to resolve social and other problems, and further human wellbeing and human rights, social justice and social development.

People employed47,400
Median pay$2,172per week, full-time
Projected growth+14.6%over 5 years (to 2030)
Recent growth+3.6%per year
Median age38
Female share84%

How do you get there?

Highest qualification held by people in this job: 81.7% university · 13.3% vet / tafe · 3.5% school / entry (ABS Census via JSA).

Usually studied as Human Welfare Studies. A selection of providers offering courses in this field (indicative, not ranked):

Course & field-of-education data © Commonwealth of Australia (CRICOS), CC BY 2.5 AU. Matched by field of education — indicative; confirm entry requirements with each provider.

Where these jobs are

VIC 30.8% · NSW 23.6% · QLD 22.5% · SA 9.4% · WA 8.5% · TAS 2.5% · ACT 1.6% · NT 1.3%

Top industries

Health Care and Social Assistance · Public Administration and Safety.

Source: Jobs and Skills Australia — Occupation profiles (Feb 2026) + Employment Projections (May 2025–2035). © Commonwealth of Australia, CC BY 4.0. Figures are national estimates.