We’re excited to share this joint episode with Catherine Moore, LCSW, host of Social Workers Rise Podcast, to get into what compensation actually looks like in this profession. Between her experience in medical social work and Taylor’s salary database with over 1,500 entries, we looked at how social workers are getting paid and why we need more transparency around it.

This episode is all about shifting the mindset that social workers should expect to struggle financially. We talk through what influences salary, how job titles can open doors, and why it’s valid to want better pay, even if you love the work you do. Catherine also shares how she’s built multiple income streams and why knowing your financial needs is one of the best things you can do for your career.

Takeaways From This Episode:

1. Why salary transparency helps shift the culture of financial struggle in social work
2. What the real salary landscape looks like across roles and regions (yes, some social workers are making $300K)
3. How to think about total compensation, not just your hourly rate
4. How to identify job titles outside the “social worker” label
5. Tips for negotiating your salary

Mentioned resources:

1. Salary Database – Submit or browse entries
2. Job Title Resource Community (aka Wealth Society)
3. Job Title Resource PDF
4. Check out the affiliated blog post for the full list of resources mentioned in this episode and the unedited transcript.

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Disclaimer: The information presented in this podcast & on any affiliated platforms is for educational, informational, & entertainment purposes only and should not be construed as legal, financial, or professional advice. Consuming this content does not create an attorney-client relationship. If you need legal advice pertaining to your particular situation, consult one-on-one with an attorney.