Australia continues to welcome skilled professionals who contribute to community well-being, and social workers in Australia remain among the most sought-after. With rising mental health needs, a growing aged population, and increasing demand for community support services, social work has become a vital profession across the country.
Whether you’re searching for social work jobs in Australia, planning your studies, or exploring migration options, this guide gives you a complete overview.
Table Of Content
1Is there a demand for Social Workers in Australia?2Common Types of Social Workers in Australia3What Do Social Workers in Australia Do?4Salary of Social Workers in Australia5How to Become a Social Worker in Australia6Migration Pathways for Social Workers in Australia6Job Opportunities for Social Workers in Australia6Conclusion7Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a demand for Social Workers in Australia?
Yes. As of 2025, approximately 48,900 social workers are employed in Australia, a figure supported by national labor statistics. The sector is forecast to expand by around 23.2% over the next five years, driven by strong demand across healthcare and community service areas.
A 2023 workforce modelling report from New South Wales highlights the growing need for qualified social workers and affirms their status as a core component of Australia’s healthcare and social support system. This report projects demand will rise by up to 2.2% annually through 2040, underscoring a long-term need for skilled professionals in the sector.
Because of this long-term shortage, social workers (ANZSCO 2725) are frequently listed on Australia’s core skilled occupation lists, making them eligible for multiple migration pathways.
Common Types of Social Workers in Australia
Australia’s social workers support people in need through healthcare, family services, community programs, and mental health care. The common types of social workers in Australia is given by:
1. Healthcare Social Workers – Support patients in hospitals and health settings
2. Child & Family Support Workers – Protect child welfare and assist families
3. Community Workers – Advocate for communities facing social disadvantage
4. School Social Workers – Support student wellbeing and development
5. Mental Health Social Workers (AMHSWs) – Provide counselling and mental health support
6. Substance Abuse Counsellors – Assist individuals dealing with addiction
7. Policy & Engagement Officers – Work in social policy, advocacy, and community programs
8. Environmental Social Workers – Address social impacts of climate and environmental issues
What Do Social Workers in Australia Do?
Social workers in Australia help people navigate personal, social, and emotional challenges. Their work spans mental health, disability, family services, employment support, community development, and more.
Key responsibilities include:
- Conducting client assessments and managing cases
- Providing counselling, crisis intervention, and advocacy
- Supporting children, families, older adults, and vulnerable groups
- Designing care plans, programs, and community initiatives
- Collaborating with hospitals, schools, NGOs, rehabilitation centres, and government agencies
Salary of Social Workers in Australia
Social worker salary in Australia varies by experience level, employer, and location. The average salary for social workers in Australia ranges between AU$76,000 and AU$78,600 per year, according to consolidated national reports.
Data from multiple salary databases also reflects similar median figures, indicating stable and reliable remuneration across the profession.
Average Annual Salary Range is :
| Experience Level | Annual Salary Range (AUD) |
|---|---|
| Entry-level (0–2 yrs) | AU$65,000 – AU$77,300 |
| Early career (1–4 yrs) | ~AU$74,400 |
| Mid-level (3–8 yrs) | AU$80,000 – AU$105,000 |
| Senior (8+ yrs) | AU$93,500 – AU$125,000 |
Salaries are typically higher in metropolitan cities such as Sydney, Melbourne, and Perth, and in remote areas where skill shortages are more severe.
Along with base pay, many social workers receive:
- Superannuation contributions
- Professional development funding
- Salary packaging options (common in community and not-for-profit organisations)
- Flexible working arrangements in certain sectors
How to Become a Social Worker in Australia
Here’s the pathway to becoming a qualified social worker in Australia:
Your degree must be accredited by the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW).
Step 1: Complete the Required Qualification
You’ll need either:
- A Bachelor of Social Work (BSW), or
- A Master of Social Work (MSW) (Qualifying)
Your degree must be accredited by the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW).
Step 2: Obtain AASW Skills Assessment
International applicants must undergo an AASW assessment to verify:
- Qualifications
- English proficiency
- Professional experience
Step 3: Register or Apply for Clearances (If Required)
Some roles require specific checks, such as:
- Working With Children Check
- National Police Clearance
- NDIS Worker Screening
Step 4: Apply for Jobs or Begin the Migration Process
You can apply directly to employers or explore skilled migration visas.
Migration Pathways for Social Workers in Australia
1. Skilled Independent Visa – Subclass 189
- Social Workers (ANZSCO 2725) are on the MLTSSL, making them eligible for this points-tested PR pathway.
- No sponsorship required.
- Requires a minimum of 65 points.
2. Skilled Nominated Visa – Subclass 190
- A permanent visa requiring state or territory nomination.
- Nomination adds extra points, boosting your selection chances.
3. Skilled Work Regional Visa – Subclass 491
- A provisional, points-tested visa for regional Australia.
- Requires nomination by a state/territory or sponsorship by an eligible relative.
- Leads to PR via the Subclass 191 after meeting income and residency conditions.
4. Employer-Sponsored Pathways
- TSS 482 Visa: Employers can sponsor social workers where shortages exist, with pathways to PR.
- ENS 186 Visa: A permanent visa through direct entry or after holding a TSS 482 / Regional 494 visa.
Most Australian states actively invite social workers due to ongoing workforce shortages.
Job Opportunities for Social Workers in Australia
Social workers in Australia are needed across a variety of settings and sectors. With increasing demand, especially in mental health, aged care, and child protection, qualified professionals can explore diverse and stable career paths.
Social workers are employed in nearly every major human-service sector, including:
Hospitals & Healthcare Services
Working in acute care, rehabilitation, mental health units, and emergency services.
Schools & Educational Settings
Supporting student wellbeing, behavior management, and family interventions.
Government Agencies
Child protection, correctional services, disability services, and community safety programs.
Non-Profit & Community Organizations
Homelessness services, family support programs, community development, and youth work.
Aged Care Facilities
Case management, dementia support, elder advocacy, and residential care services.
Mental Health & Counselling Services
Providing therapy, crisis intervention, and addiction support.
Private Practice & Consultancy
Social workers can work as counsellors, NDIS practitioners, case consultants, or family therapists.
Popular Job Titles are:
- Child Protection Officer
- Mental Health Social Worker
- Family Support Worker
- Community Development Officer
- Hospital Social Worker
- Youth Justice Worker
- Disability Case Manager
- Domestic Violence Specialist
- Aged Care Social Worker
- Drug & Alcohol Counsellor
With a growing population and expanding social care programs, job opportunities continue to increase each year.
Conclusion
Social workers in Australia play a crucial role in supporting individuals, families, and communities. With strong demand, competitive salaries, diverse job opportunities, and multiple migration pathways, Australia remains one of the best destinations for qualified social work professionals.
If you’re planning to study, migrate, or advance your career in social work, now is an excellent time to explore the opportunities available. For Australia immigration contact CanApprove.
Frequently Asked Questions
