Social Work Teachers, Postsecondary

Postsecondary social work teachers, who may work as professors or field instructors, spend their days instructing students and preparing them for careers in social services. Their daily responsibilities revolve around organizing, planning, and prioritizing course materials, updating their own professional knowledge, and teaching others. They must communicate effectively with university peers and supervisors, use computers to manage course data, and interpret complex information for their students. Building strong interpersonal relationships and communicating with external organizations are also key parts of the job.

Succeeding in this role requires a strong social interest and a focus on helping others. Key skills include instructing, public speaking, active listening, and critical thinking. Teachers must also use active learning strategies and possess strong reading comprehension and writing abilities. On the knowledge side, these educators rely heavily on training in education, sociology, anthropology, therapy, counseling, and psychology. They also need a solid understanding of the English language, administration, and relevant laws. Essential work styles for this career include empathy, dependability, cooperation, intellectual curiosity, and a sincere, social orientation.

Entering this academic field requires extensive preparation. To become a postsecondary social work teacher, individuals typically need a doctoral or professional degree. Most professionals in this career hold a graduate degree, such as a master's degree, PhD, MD, or JD.

Students preparing for this career path generally focus their studies on specific college majors. Relevant majors include social work, gerontology, and mental and social health services and allied professions. These programs provide the deep foundational knowledge in therapy, counseling, and sociology required to teach at the college level.

In 2025, the median annual pay for postsecondary social work teachers was $77,570. Earnings can vary significantly based on experience, institution, and location. The lowest 10% of earners in this field make less than $48,200, while the highest 10% earn more than $126,790.

There are 12,610 people employed in this occupation. Between 2025 and 2035, employment is projected to grow by 2.6%, which is as fast as the average for all occupations. This growth, combined with normal turnover, is expected to result in approximately 1,100 job openings each year.