The Earnings Premium of a BSW for Bachelor's-Level Social Workers.
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| Title: | The Earnings Premium of a BSW for Bachelor's-Level Social Workers. |
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| Authors: | Joo, Michael Myungkook, Kim, Joy Jeounghee |
| Source: | Journal of Social Work Education. Summer2025, Vol. 61 Issue 3, p357-372. 16p. |
| Subjects: | Social workers, T-test (Statistics), Income, Undergraduate programs, Socioeconomic factors, Social work education, Wages, Descriptive statistics, Multivariate analysis, Educational attainment, Employment |
| Geographic Terms: | United States |
| Abstract: | Although bachelor's level social workers are crucial in the social service sector, employers often hire graduates with non-social work degrees for these positions. This study explores the relationship between the limited job market recognition of a BSW degree and the earnings of bachelor's level social workers. Analyzing a sample of 27,297 bachelor's level social workers from the American Community Survey over 11 years, the study examines the effects of the ten most common undergraduate majors on their annual earnings. The findings show that a BSW degree is associated with a modest, yet significant, earnings premium compared to non-social work degrees, after considering other factors influencing earnings. These results highlight the need to better promote BSW degrees in the job market. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] |
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| Database: | Psychology and Behavioral Sciences Collection |
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| Abstract: | Although bachelor's level social workers are crucial in the social service sector, employers often hire graduates with non-social work degrees for these positions. This study explores the relationship between the limited job market recognition of a BSW degree and the earnings of bachelor's level social workers. Analyzing a sample of 27,297 bachelor's level social workers from the American Community Survey over 11 years, the study examines the effects of the ten most common undergraduate majors on their annual earnings. The findings show that a BSW degree is associated with a modest, yet significant, earnings premium compared to non-social work degrees, after considering other factors influencing earnings. These results highlight the need to better promote BSW degrees in the job market. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] |
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| ISSN: | 10437797 |
| DOI: | 10.1080/10437797.2025.2468252 |
