Social workers held about 642,000 jobs, in 2008. About 54 percent jobs were in healthcare and social assistance industries, and 31 percent were employed by government agencies. Although most social workers are employed in cities or suburbs, some work in rural areas. Employment by type of social worker, in 2008, follows:
Child, family and school social workers | 292,600 |
Medical and public health social workers | 138,700 |
Mental health and substance abuse social workers | 137,300 |
Social workers, all other | 73,400 |
Source: U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2010-11 Edition