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$11K

$56K

How much do social work professor jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for social work professor in the United States is $54,019.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $53,000.00 and $55,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What Does a Social Work Professor Do?

A social work professor provides instruction and prepares students for careers in social services. You develop curricula, provide a syllabus, track attendance, administer tests, record grades, and assist students throughout the class. You teach the skills necessary for field work, provide training related to the subject, and help students realize their future goals, all while creating an engaging, positive learning atmosphere. You also collaborate with other professors in the department on the content of courses. A social work professor also continues professional growth with research and publications as well as participates in college community activities.

What are Social Work Professors?

Social Work Professors are educators and researchers who teach social work courses at colleges or universities. They develop curriculum, guide students in understanding social work theories and practices, and often conduct research in areas such as social policy, community welfare, or clinical practice. In addition to teaching, they may supervise student internships, mentor future social workers, and contribute to academic publications. Their work plays a vital role in preparing students to enter the social work profession and advance the field through scholarship.

What is the difference between Social Work Professor vs Social Worker?

AspectSocial Work ProfessorSocial Worker
Required CredentialsMaster's or Doctorate in Social Work, academic credentialsBachelor's or Master's in Social Work, state licensure often required
Work EnvironmentUniversities, colleges, academic settingsCommunity agencies, hospitals, schools, government
Employer & IndustryEducational institutions, academiaHealthcare, social services, government agencies
Primary FocusTeaching, research, academic mentorshipDirect client services, case management, advocacy

Social Work Professors primarily focus on teaching and research within academic settings, requiring advanced degrees. Social Workers engage directly with clients in community and healthcare environments, often needing licensure. Both roles are integral to the social work industry but differ in responsibilities and work environments.

What types of collaboration can a Social Work Professor expect with community organizations and agencies?

Social Work Professors regularly collaborate with local and regional agencies to enhance both their teaching and research. These partnerships may involve coordinating student field placements, developing community-based research projects, or serving as consultants for program development. Such collaborations not only provide students with real-world learning experiences but also allow professors to stay current with best practices and emerging trends in social work. Building these relationships is essential for impactful teaching and often creates opportunities for professional growth and service.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Social Work Professor, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Social Work Professor, you need an advanced degree in social work (typically a Ph.D. or DSW), a strong background in research, and experience in academic instruction and curriculum development. Familiarity with learning management systems, research databases, and accreditation standards is essential. Exceptional communication, mentorship, and cultural competency are vital soft skills for fostering student growth and engaging diverse classrooms. These skills are crucial for preparing future social workers, advancing the field through research, and ensuring academic excellence.
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Social Work Professor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Social Work Professor job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 5% Locum Tenens, 5% Full Time, 27% Part Time, and 63% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $54,019 per year, or $26 per hour.
Professor - Social Work

Professor - Social Work

Western Michigan University

Kalamazoo, MI • On-site

Full-time

Posted 29 days ago

Western Michigan University rating

6.7

Company rating: 6.7 out of 10

Based on 30 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

418th of 537 rated colleges and universities

Job description

Position Details
Posting Summary
College
College Of Health & Human Svcs
Executive Area
Provost & VP Academic Affairs
Department
School of Social Work
Posting Detail Information
Posting Number
F316P
Job Type
Non-Tenure Track
Pay Type
Exempt/Salaried
Pay Grade
I10
Campus Location
WMU-Kalamazoo - East Campus
Salary Range
Pay is commensurate with qualifications and experience, combined with an excellent benefits package.
Number of Vacancies
1
General Summary
Western Michigan University (WMU) invites applications for the position of Full Professor in the School of Social Work, based at the main campus in Kalamazoo, Michigan. This is an academic year faculty position that also carries the role of The Clair & Clarice Platt Endowed Chair of Online Learning, Educational Technology, and Professional Development. This is a three-year strategic leadership appointment, with the possibility of a two-year renewal based on performance and available funding. The position reflects the School of Social Work's strong commitment to online education, digital innovation, workforce development, and academic excellence in the digital era. The Endowed Chair will play a transformative role in shaping the future of social work education at WMU. Key responsibilities include: a) leading the design, development, marketing, implementation, assessment, accreditation, outreach, recruitment, and continuous quality improvement of online social work degree programs; b) advancing cutting-edge professional development initiatives for faculty, students, alumni, social work professionals, and community partners; and c) guiding the ethical and strategic integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into the social work curriculum and research initiatives. This is a unique opportunity for an innovative and visionary leader to make a significant impact on the delivery of social work education and professional training. Applicants must meet the criteria for appointment at the rank of Full Professor. Please note that this position is not a tenure-track appointment.
Major Duties
The Clair & Clarice Platt Endowed Chair of Online Learning, Educational Technology, and Professional Development will provide visionary academic and administrative leadership across several critical areas. Responsibilities include:
  • Leading the design, development, marketing, implementation, assessment, accreditation, outreach and recruitment, and continuous quality improvement of the School of Social Work's fully online BSW, MSW, and DSW programs, ensuring alignment with CSWE accreditation standards.
  • Overseeing the creation, launch, and management of a comprehensive professional development portfolio, including CEU-certified short courses, micro-credentials, and executive certificates.
  • Advancing ongoing faculty development initiatives focused on online teaching excellence, digital pedagogy, AI fluency, and instructional technology.
  • Supporting the adaptation and development of online curricula that meet emerging needs in the profession and reflect current best practices in digital education.
  • Leading the ethical and strategic integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into social work education and research, fostering innovation while upholding the profession's core values.

This position requires a dynamic and future-focused leader who can guide transformational change in digital education while maintaining a strong commitment to academic rigor, equity, and community engagement.
Minimum Qualifications
Required Qualifications: The ideal candidate should,
  • Hold a doctorate in Social Work or a related field, and a Master of Social Work (MSW) degree from a CSWE-accredited social work program.
  • Possess a minimum of 10 years of experience in social work higher education, including at least 5 years of school- or departmental-level leadership.
  • Demonstrate proficiency with Learning Management System platforms and digital instructional tools (e.g., virtual simulations, multimedia development, Canva, Microsoft Teams, WebEx, Zoom, Google Classroom), as well as familiarity with Online Learning Consortium and Quality Matters (QM) principles and rubrics.
  • Demonstrate experience in developing, launching, leading, and assessing online graduate social work programs.
  • Demonstrate experience with online curriculum management, including course development and delivery that meet CSWE competency standards.
  • Demonstrate experience with CSWE accreditation and reaffirmation processes, including competency-based curriculum design.
  • Demonstrate the ability to mentor a diverse faculty with varying levels of technological proficiency and the ability to plan, organize, and lead complex projects with multiple deadlines.
  • Demonstrate knowledge of and experience with market analysis, strategic planning, program assessment, quality management, and data-informed reporting.
  • Demonstrate experience with innovative and effective pedagogical applications of technology in online/hybrid course delivery, including instructional design principles and curriculum adaptation for online/hybrid formats.

Desired Qualifications
Preferred Qualifications: Preference will be given to candidates who,
  • Demonstrate expertise in AI applications, digital and new media literacies, digital innovation, or technology in social work or human services, along with a strong understanding of AI ethics and data equity in marginalized communities.
  • Demonstrate excellent organizational, analytical, and planning skills, as well as experience with collaborative leadership, including managing online and hybrid initiatives.
  • Demonstrate outstanding oral and written communication skills, strong interpersonal and presentation abilities, and a proven capacity to remain current with rapidly evolving technologies.
  • Have a record of peer-reviewed scholarship related to technology, digital social work education, or closely aligned areas.
  • Demonstrate a sustained commitment to advancing equity, access, and inclusion in social work education.

Special Instructions to Applicants
Additional Position Information
For benefits and other information visit https://wmich.edu/hr/employees/faculty

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