NOC 41300: Social workers

The employment outlook will be Good for social workers (NOC 41300) in Newfoundland and Labrador for the 2025-2027 period.

The following factors contributed to this outlook:

Employment growth will lead to several new positions.

Not many positions will become available due to retirements.

There are a small number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

Job opportunities in this profession are influenced by government funding and factors related to the general wellness of the population. Growing services for veterans and those with mental-health issues, alongside an aging population, are positive factors for the employment prospects for this occupation. Certain positions have highly irregular hours and may be physically demanding. High workload levels in some cases can raise the potential for burnout without the proper self-care. The Newfoundland and Labrador Association of Social Workers is the regulatory body and professional association for social work in this province. Registration with this association is necessary to obtain the designation of Registered Social Worker. This is required in order to use the title of social worker or practice within the social work profession in Newfoundland and Labrador.

Here are some key facts about social workers in Newfoundland and Labrador:

Approximately 1,550 people work in this occupation.

Social workers mainly work in the following sectors:

Social assistance (NAICS 624): 37%

Hospitals (NAICS 622): 26%

Provincial and territorial public administration (NAICS 912): 21%

Ambulatory health care services (NAICS 621): 7%

The distribution of full-time and part-time workers in this occupation is:

Full-time workers: 95% compared to 83% for all occupations

Part-time workers: 5% compared to 17% for all occupations

80% of social workers work all year, while 20% work only part of the year, compared to 56% and 43% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 46 weeks compared to 40 weeks for all occupations.

Less than 5% of social workers are self-employed compared to an average of 8% for all occupations.

The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:

Men: 13% compared to 51% for all occupations

Women: 87% compared to 49% for all occupations

The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is:

no high school diploma: n/a

high school diploma or equivalent: less than 5% compared to 27% for all occupations

apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: n/a

college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: less than 5% compared to 23% for all occupations

bachelor's degree: 74% compared to 14% for all occupations

university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: 23% compared to 7% for all occupations

The employment outlook will be Good for social workers (NOC 41300) in Prince Edward Island for the 2025-2027 period.

The following factors contributed to this outlook:

Employment growth will lead to several new positions.

Not many positions will become available due to retirements.

There are a small number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

Social workers in Prince Edward Island continue to face strong demand and good employment prospects, with opportunities created by both employment growth and retirements. The province’s aging population is increasing the need for palliative care, seniors’ services, and mental health supports, while government investments in healthcare and community programs are sustaining demand. In 2025, the P.E.I. government reaffirmed funding for mental health and addictions services in its budget, alongside new grant programs to strengthen community wellbeing. Despite these supports, the sector is challenged by unfilled vacancies, high caseloads, and staff burnout, with many new graduates starting in child protection before moving into other areas of practice. Labour needs are closely tied to public funding, and recent reports highlight the importance of expanding the workforce to reduce wait times and improve access to services. For new graduates or career changers, this occupation offers stable employment, diverse career pathways, and opportunities to advance through higher education, though flexibility and resilience are essential given the pressures on the system.

Here are some key facts about social workers in Prince Edward Island:

Approximately 350 people work in this occupation.

Social workers mainly work in the following sectors:

Hospitals (NAICS 622): 51%

Social assistance (NAICS 624): 32%

Provincial and territorial public administration (NAICS 912): 7%

Ambulatory health care services (NAICS 621): 6%

The distribution of full-time and part-time workers in this occupation is:

Full-time workers: 88% compared to 84% for all occupations

Part-time workers: 13% compared to 16% for all occupations

75% of social workers work all year, while 25% work only part of the year, compared to 59% and 41% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 46 weeks compared to 41 weeks for all occupations.

The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:

Men: 13% compared to 51% for all occupations

Women: 88% compared to 49% for all occupations

The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is:

no high school diploma: n/a

high school diploma or equivalent: n/a

apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: n/a

college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: n/a

bachelor's degree: 43% compared to 17% for all occupations

university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: 54% compared to 8% for all occupations

The employment outlook will be Good for social workers (NOC 41300) in Nova Scotia for the 2025-2027 period.

The following factors contributed to this outlook:

Employment growth will lead to a moderate number of new positions.

A moderate number of positions will become available due to retirements.

There are a small number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

Job opportunities in this profession are influenced by government funding and factors related to the general wellness of the population. Growing services for veterans and those with mental-health issues, alongside an aging population, are positive factors for the employment prospects for this occupation. The provincial social workers association has reported on the long-standing issue of turnover in the occupation related to the stressful work environment, high caseloads and staff burnout. Many new social workers begin their career in child services, as job tends to be more available, before progressing into other areas of social work.

Here are some key facts about social workers in Nova Scotia:

Approximately 1,750 people work in this occupation.

Social workers mainly work in the following sectors:

Hospitals (NAICS 622): 25%

Social assistance (NAICS 624): 25%

Provincial and territorial public administration (NAICS 912): 20%

Ambulatory health care services (NAICS 621): 7%

Federal government public administration (NAICS 911): 6%

The distribution of full-time and part-time workers in this occupation is:

Full-time workers: 93% compared to 82% for all occupations

Part-time workers: 7% compared to 18% for all occupations

81% of social workers work all year, while 19% work only part of the year, compared to 62% and 38% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 47 weeks compared to 42 weeks for all occupations.

Less than 5% of social workers are self-employed compared to an average of 11% for all occupations.

The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:

Men: 14% compared to 51% for all occupations

Women: 86% compared to 49% for all occupations

The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is:

no high school diploma: less than 5% compared to 10% for all occupations

high school diploma or equivalent: less than 5% compared to 27% for all occupations

apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: less than 5% compared to 12% for all occupations

college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: less than 5% compared to 22% for all occupations

bachelor's degree: 51% compared to 20% for all occupations

university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: 43% compared to 10% for all occupations

The employment outlook will be Good for social workers (NOC 41300) in New Brunswick for the 2025-2027 period.

The following factors contributed to this outlook:

Employment growth will lead to several new positions.

Not many positions will become available due to retirements.

There are a small number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

An ageing population will support demand for social workers by increasing the need for services related to maintaining the well-being of older adults.

Opportunities will be greater in the province’s larger urban centres of (Fredericton, Moncton and Saint John), as these areas are more densely populated.

Prospects are better for those who can speak both English and French.

Candidates must be registered and a member in good standing with the New Brunswick Association of Social Workers. In some cases, clinical experience will greatly improve employment prospects, particularly in the treatment of addiction and mental health. Many positions require a Class 5 Driver's License and access to a vehicle, as well as CPR and First Aid training. Strong interpersonal skills are considered an asset.

Given the expanding application of virtual care, candidates should be comfortable with all relevant technologies.

Here are some key facts about social workers in New Brunswick:

Approximately 1,950 people work in this occupation.

Social workers mainly work in the following sectors:

Social assistance (NAICS 624): 32%

Provincial and territorial public administration (NAICS 912): 25%

Hospitals (NAICS 622): 19%

Ambulatory health care services (NAICS 621): 8%

Federal government public administration (NAICS 911): 6%

84% of social workers work all year, while 16% work only part of the year, compared to 62% and 38% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 48 weeks compared to 42 weeks for all occupations.

Less than 5% of social workers are self-employed compared to an average of 10% for all occupations.

The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:

Men: 13% compared to 52% for all occupations

Women: 87% compared to 48% for all occupations

The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is:

no high school diploma: n/a

high school diploma or equivalent: less than 5% compared to 30% for all occupations

apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: n/a

college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: less than 5% compared to 23% for all occupations

bachelor's degree: 74% compared to 16% for all occupations

university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: 22% compared to 7% for all occupations

The employment outlook will be Moderate for social workers (NOC 41300) in Quebec for the 2025-2027 period.

The following factors contributed to this outlook:

Employment growth will lead to a moderate number of new positions.

Not many positions will become available due to retirements.

There are a small number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

Employment in this occupation depends primarily on the need for social services and government spending on these services.

In recent years, the demand for social services has increased significantly due to several factors, including the aging of the population, a growing awareness of mental health issues, a rise in household economic insecurity, housing shortages, addiction issues, and an increase in homelessness.

However, since the health care and social services system is the main employer for this occupation, employment growth will be moderated by the expected slowdown in public health spending.

Here are some key facts about social workers in Quebec:

Approximately 20,100 people work in this occupation.

Social workers mainly work in the following sectors:

Hospitals (NAICS 622): 34%

Social assistance (NAICS 624): 31%

Ambulatory health care services (NAICS 621): 17%

Nursing and residential care facilities (NAICS 623): 5%

The distribution of full-time and part-time workers in this occupation is:

Full-time workers: 85% compared to 82% for all occupations

Part-time workers: 15% compared to 18% for all occupations

76% of social workers work all year, while 24% work only part of the year, compared to 62% and 38% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 46 weeks compared to 43 weeks for all occupations.

Less than 5% of social workers are self-employed compared to an average of 12% for all occupations.

The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:

Men: 13% compared to 52% for all occupations

Women: 87% compared to 48% for all occupations

The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is:

no high school diploma: less than 5% compared to 12% for all occupations

high school diploma or equivalent: less than 5% compared to 19% for all occupations

apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: less than 5% compared to 19% for all occupations

college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: less than 5% compared to 22% for all occupations

bachelor's degree: 74% compared to 17% for all occupations

university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: 22% compared to 11% for all occupations

The employment outlook will be Moderate for social workers (NOC 41300) in Ontario for the 2025-2027 period.

The following factors contributed to this outlook:

Employment growth will lead to a moderate number of new positions.

Not many positions will become available due to retirements.

There are a small number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

What Types of Employers Are Out There?

These professionals provide services in a variety of settings. A high proportion work in individual and family services, and to a lesser extent, in hospitals

What are the Main Trends Affecting Employment?

The social needs of a growing and aging population will support demand for these professionals in the forecast period

Significant government investments in mental health and addiction services

What Skills Do I Need to Succeed?

Social work is regulated by the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers, and only licensed members can use the title of ‘social worker.’

Here are some key facts about social workers in Ontario:

Approximately 26,900 people work in this occupation.

Social workers mainly work in the following sectors:

Social assistance (NAICS 624): 42%

Hospitals (NAICS 622): 18%

Ambulatory health care services (NAICS 621): 10%

Nursing and residential care facilities (NAICS 623): 6%

Local, municipal, regional, aboriginal and other public administration (NAICS 913-919): 5%

The distribution of full-time and part-time workers in this occupation is:

Full-time workers: 89% compared to 81% for all occupations

Part-time workers: 11% compared to 19% for all occupations

76% of social workers work all year, while 24% work only part of the year, compared to 63% and 37% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 46 weeks compared to 43 weeks for all occupations.

7% of social workers are self-employed compared to an average of 15% for all occupations.

The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:

Men: 14% compared to 52% for all occupations

Women: 86% compared to 48% for all occupations

The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is:

no high school diploma: less than 5% compared to 9% for all occupations

high school diploma or equivalent: less than 5% compared to 25% for all occupations

apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: less than 5% compared to 8% for all occupations

college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 6% compared to 22% for all occupations

bachelor's degree: 42% compared to 24% for all occupations

university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: 50% compared to 13% for all occupations

The employment outlook will be Moderate for social workers (NOC 41300) in Manitoba for the 2025-2027 period.

The following factors contributed to this outlook:

Employment growth will lead to a moderate number of new positions.

Not many positions will become available due to retirements.

There are a moderate number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

Demand for this occupation is driven by the province's growing and aging population who need social assistance services, and an increasing array of complex social, health and livability issues which require support, advocacy and resources. Funding for positions is generally through provincial and federal budget allocations.

Key trends for this occupation include specialized skills and cultural competence to meet the needs of immigrant and refugee communities and changing family structures, integration into health and long-term care settings with interdisciplinary teams, and an emphasis on early intervention and preventative care.

This occupation faces the challenges of managing heavy caseloads and complex client needs.

Jobs are concentrated in the Winnipeg, Parklands and North, and Interlake regions.

Here are some key facts about social workers in Manitoba:

Approximately 3,200 people work in this occupation.

Social workers mainly work in the following sectors:

Social assistance (NAICS 624): 49%

Hospitals (NAICS 622): 15%

Provincial and territorial public administration (NAICS 912): 12%

Ambulatory health care services (NAICS 621): 5%

The distribution of full-time and part-time workers in this occupation is:

Full-time workers: 92% compared to 81% for all occupations

Part-time workers: 8% compared to 19% for all occupations

80% of social workers work all year, while 20% work only part of the year, compared to 65% and 35% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 47 weeks compared to 43 weeks for all occupations.

Less than 5% of social workers are self-employed compared to an average of 12% for all occupations.

The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:

Men: 16% compared to 53% for all occupations

Women: 84% compared to 47% for all occupations

The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is:

no high school diploma: less than 5% compared to 12% for all occupations

high school diploma or equivalent: less than 5% compared to 31% for all occupations

apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: less than 5% compared to 12% for all occupations

college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: less than 5% compared to 17% for all occupations

bachelor's degree: 71% compared to 20% for all occupations

university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: 22% compared to 8% for all occupations

The employment outlook will be Moderate for social workers (NOC 41300) in Saskatchewan for the 2025-2027 period.

The following factors contributed to this outlook:

Employment growth will lead to a moderate number of new positions.

Not many positions will become available due to retirements.

There are a moderate number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

Employment in social assistance occupations is expected to continue to increase to meet the needs of the aging population and to alleviate existing social inequities.

Increased provincial funding for third-party providers of emergency shelter and support services for persons with disabilities, at-risk children, youth, and families is expected to sustain existing jobs and create new ones.

The need for services for children and youth, addiction treatment and prevention remain in high demand.

Funding commitments to support individuals with developmental disabilities.

Jobs are concentrated in high-population regions such as Saskatoon, Regina, Prince Albert.

Here are some key facts about social workers in Saskatchewan:

Approximately 2,500 people work in this occupation.

Social workers mainly work in the following sectors:

Social assistance (NAICS 624): 34%

Hospitals (NAICS 622): 28%

Provincial and territorial public administration (NAICS 912): 16%

Elementary and secondary schools (NAICS 6111): 5%

The distribution of full-time and part-time workers in this occupation is:

Full-time workers: 91% compared to 81% for all occupations

Part-time workers: 9% compared to 19% for all occupations

76% of social workers work all year, while 24% work only part of the year, compared to 65% and 35% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 46 weeks compared to 43 weeks for all occupations.

Less than 5% of social workers are self-employed compared to an average of 16% for all occupations.

The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:

Men: 11% compared to 53% for all occupations

Women: 89% compared to 47% for all occupations

The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is:

no high school diploma: n/a

high school diploma or equivalent: less than 5% compared to 33% for all occupations

apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: less than 5% compared to 15% for all occupations

college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: less than 5% compared to 17% for all occupations

bachelor's degree: 77% compared to 18% for all occupations

university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: 16% compared to 7% for all occupations

The employment outlook will be Moderate for social workers (NOC 41300) in Alberta for the 2025-2027 period.

The following factors contributed to this outlook:

Employment growth will lead to a moderate number of new positions.

Not many positions will become available due to retirements.

There are a small number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

Here are some key facts about social workers in Alberta:

Approximately 8,800 people work in this occupation.

Social workers mainly work in the following sectors:

Social assistance (NAICS 624): 37%

Provincial and territorial public administration (NAICS 912): 16%

Hospitals (NAICS 622): 16%

Ambulatory health care services (NAICS 621): 7%

Nursing and residential care facilities (NAICS 623): 6%

The distribution of full-time and part-time workers in this occupation is:

Full-time workers: 90% compared to 80% for all occupations

Part-time workers: 10% compared to 20% for all occupations

76% of social workers work all year, while 24% work only part of the year, compared to 61% and 39% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 46 weeks compared to 42 weeks for all occupations.

Less than 5% of social workers are self-employed compared to an average of 15% for all occupations.

The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:

Men: 16% compared to 53% for all occupations

Women: 84% compared to 47% for all occupations

The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is:

no high school diploma: less than 5% compared to 10% for all occupations

high school diploma or equivalent: less than 5% compared to 28% for all occupations

apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: less than 5% compared to 13% for all occupations

college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 12% compared to 19% for all occupations

bachelor's degree: 56% compared to 21% for all occupations

university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: 28% compared to 9% for all occupations

The employment outlook will be Moderate for social workers (NOC 41300) in British Columbia for the 2025-2027 period.

The following factors contributed to this outlook:

Employment growth will lead to a moderate number of new positions.

Not many positions will become available due to retirements.

There are a small number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

High employee turnover in this occupation could lead to additional employment opportunities.

The growing demand for child and family support services, homeless shelters, addiction treatment services, and Indigenous community programs is expected to ensure a continued need for social and community service workers.

In addition, increased provincial funding for third-party providers of emergency shelter and support services aimed at individuals with disabilities, at-risk children, youth, and families is projected to maintain existing positions while also generating new job opportunities.

Here are some key facts about social workers in British Columbia:

Approximately 8,200 people work in this occupation.

Social workers mainly work in the following sectors:

Social assistance (NAICS 624): 30%

Hospitals (NAICS 622): 25%

Provincial and territorial public administration (NAICS 912): 19%

Ambulatory health care services (NAICS 621): 8%

Nursing and residential care facilities (NAICS 623): 6%

The distribution of full-time and part-time workers in this occupation is:

Full-time workers: 87% compared to 78% for all occupations

Part-time workers: 13% compared to 22% for all occupations

77% of social workers work all year, while 23% work only part of the year, compared to 61% and 39% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 46 weeks compared to 42 weeks for all occupations.

Less than 5% of social workers are self-employed compared to an average of 17% for all occupations.

The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:

Men: 15% compared to 52% for all occupations

Women: 85% compared to 48% for all occupations

The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is:

no high school diploma: less than 5% compared to 8% for all occupations

high school diploma or equivalent: less than 5% compared to 28% for all occupations

apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: less than 5% compared to 13% for all occupations

college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 5% compared to 17% for all occupations

bachelor's degree: 57% compared to 22% for all occupations

university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: 35% compared to 12% for all occupations

The employment outlook will be Moderate for social workers (NOC 41300) in Northwest Territories for the 2025-2027 period.

The following factors contributed to this outlook:

Employment growth will lead to several new positions.

A moderate number of positions will become available due to retirements.

There are a small number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

Most social workers in the Northwest Territories are employed by the Northwest Territories Health and Social Services Authority, the Hay River Health and Social Services Authority, and the Tlicho Community Services Agency.

Social workers in Northwest Territories are licensed by the Government of Northwest Territories.

Social workers in the Northwest Territories are either registered social workers or licensed social workers. Registered social workers require a Bachelor of Social Work and Licensed Social Workers require a Diploma of Social Work.

Social workers in the Northwest Territories must meet continuing competency requirements each year to retain their licenses.

Local training is available at Aurora College. In 2023, the College announced the launch of a Bachelor’s in Social Work program. As of fall 2025, students can enrol in the General Studies Diploma, which will be a pathway to the Bachelor of Social Work.

Here are some key facts about social workers in Northwest Territories:

Approximately 100 people worked in this occupation in May 2021.

Social workers mainly work in the following sectors:

Public Administration and Defence (NAICS 91): 59%

Health care and social services (NAICS 62): 34%

90% of social workers work all year, while 10% work only part of the year, compared to 71% and 28% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 51 weeks compared to 44 weeks for all occupations.

The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:

Men: 10% compared to 52% for all occupations

Women: 90% compared to 48% for all occupations

The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is:

no high school diploma: n/a

high school diploma or equivalent: n/a

apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: n/a

college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 14% compared to 18% for all occupations

bachelor's degree: 38% compared to 17% for all occupations

university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: 43% compared to 9% for all occupations

An employment outlook has not been assigned to this occupation in this region due to low levels of employment.