Talking about what Social Work Salaries actually looks like in this profession. This is a collaborative podcast with the hosts of Social Work to Wealth. Between Catherine's experience in medical social work and Taylor’s salary database with over 1,500 entries, we looked at how social workers are getting paid and why we need more transparency around it.

This episode is all about shifting the mindset that social workers should expect to struggle financially. We talk through what influences salary, how job titles can open doors, and why it’s valid to want better pay, even if you love the work you do. Catherine also shares how she’s built multiple income streams and why knowing your financial needs is one of the best things you can do for your career.

Takeaways From This Episode:

• Why salary transparency helps shift the culture of financial struggle in social work
• What the real salary landscape looks like across roles and regions (yes, some social workers are making $300K)
• Why it’s okay to leave a job simply because you need more money
• How to think about total compensation, not just your hourly rate
• How to identify job titles outside the “social worker” label
• Why diversifying your income is worth considering (and what that can actually look like)
• Tips for negotiating your salary

Mentioned resources:

• Supervision Log & Resource Guide on Amazon
• Salary Database – Submit or browse entries

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Thank you to our SPONSORS

HPSO Professional liability insurance designed for healthcare providers

RISE Directory for Clinical Supervision

In this episode, host Catherine Moore, LCSW, breaks down what it means to be a Palliative Care Social Worker — a role focused on enhancing quality of life for patients with serious or life-limiting illnesses.

You’ll learn how palliative social workers support the emotional, social, and spiritual needs of patients and families through psychosocial assessments, family meetings, and advance care planning — all while collaborating with nurses, physicians, and chaplains as part of an interdisciplinary team.

Catherine explains salaries, how to get started, the difference between hospice and palliative care (hint: palliative care isn’t just for end-of-life) and explores the key skills you’ll need, including:

- Communication & compassion in difficult conversations

- Grief counseling, trauma-informed care, and crisis intervention

- Navigating family conflict with cultural humility

- Self-awareness, emotional boundaries, and self-care to prevent compassion fatigue

Whether you’re a new MSW graduate exploring career paths or simply curious about medical social work, this episode offers a clear, compassionate look into palliative care and the heart of this meaningful field.

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Tap Here to Subscribe⁠ to the Social Workers, Rise! Email Resource List⁠

Tap Here⁠ to shop career courses for Social Workers.

____________________________________

Thank you to our SPONSORS

HPSO Professional liability insurance designed for healthcare providers

RISE Directory for Clinical Supervision

In this episode, host Catherine Moore, LCSW, shares her personal journey as a hospice social worker, including the story of her first hospice patient and the lessons she learned supporting individuals and families through the final stages of life.

You’ll discover what hospice social workers really do—from grief counseling, crisis intervention, and family mediation, to navigating ethical dilemmas like the Right to Die and End of Life Option Act. Catherine also discusses self-care, spiritual experiences, salaries, and the deep emotional impact of this work.

Whether you’re a new MSW graduate or exploring social work career options, this episode offers a heartfelt, realistic look into hospice care, advocacy, and what it means to provide dignity at the end of life.

*Trigger Warning: Discussion of death, dying, and ethical dilemmas.

⁠Tap Here to Subscribe⁠ to the Social Workers, Rise! Email Resource List

⁠Tap Here⁠ to shop career courses for Social Workers.

____________________________________

Thank you to our SPONSORS

HPSO Professional liability insurance designed for healthcare providers

RISE Directory for Clinical Supervision