-
featuredSep 8 - Sep 8, 2027
Tuition
$4,557
Scholarships available
-
featuredTuition
$5,442
Scholarships available
- featured
Sep 8 - Sep 8, 2028
Tuition
$5,442
Scholarships available
- featured
Sep 8 - Sep 8, 2028
Tuition
$5,442
Scholarships available
- featured
Tuition
$5,514
- featured
Online
May 11 - Feb 12, 2027
Plus 3 other start datesJul 13 - Apr 16 2027
Sep 14 - Jun 11 2027
Nov 9 - Aug 13 2027
Tuition
$11,580
Scholarships available
- featured
Online
May 11 - Jun 11, 2027
Plus 3 other start datesJul 13 - Aug 13 2027
Sep 14 - Oct 8 2027
Nov 9 - Dec 3 2027
Tuition
$14,550
Scholarships available
About
Social work is one of the most direct ways to build a career helping people navigate complex challenges—from mental health and addiction to housing, family conflict, and systemic inequality. Across Canada, demand remains strong, with labour shortages projected over the next decade and salaries typically ranging from ~$50,000 to $90,000+ depending on role and experience.
There are two main paths into the field. Social workers hold a Bachelor’s or Master’s in Social Work (BSW or MSW) and are regulated professionals who can provide counselling, clinical services, and case management. Social service workers typically complete a college diploma and focus on frontline support—helping clients access housing, income assistance, and community resources.
University social work programs combine academic training with field placements in settings like hospitals, schools, and community agencies. College diploma programs offer a faster, more direct route into the workforce, with a focus on practical, job-ready skills.
Whether you’re drawn to counselling, advocacy, or community-based work, both paths offer meaningful, in-demand careers supporting individuals and families across Canada.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What jobs can I get with a social work degree?
A social work degree opens the door to a wide range of careers across healthcare, community services, education, and government. The most common path is becoming a social worker, but graduates also go on to roles in counselling and mental health (including therapist roles with additional credentials), social and community services, education counselling, and more. Depending on your education and licensing, you can work in hospitals, schools, community agencies, government, or private practice.
What is the social work salary in Canada per month?
Social workers in Canada are often paid through annual salaries or hourly wages. The average monthly social work salary is roughly $5,710, though social worker degree-holders may make more or less depending on the career path they take.
How can social workers be therapists?
To practice psychotherapy as a Canadian social worker, you’ll need a relevant bachelor’s or master’s degree and to be registered with your provincial governing body, such as the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers or the British Columbia College of Social Workers. Social workers can perform psychotherapy in a variety of settings including hospitals, mental health clinics, or community health centres. However, social workers working as therapists can also launch their own private practice if they choose.
What are social service worker jobs?
The field of social service work is different from that of social work since it primarily focuses on supporting clients on the frontlines. Aside from a clear path toward a social service worker, college diploma-holders can work in a variety of roles such as addictions worker, Indigenous outreach worker, developmental service worker, community support worker, among others.
How much money does a social service worker make?
Social service workers typically make less than social workers in Canada at an average of $51,356 annually.
Certification
Becoming a social worker in Canada typically requires a Bachelor’s of Social Work (BSW) at minimum, along with supervised experience and registration with a provincial regulatory body. In many provinces, the title “social worker” or “registered social worker” is protected, meaning only qualified and registered professionals can use it. Some roles—particularly in clinical or therapeutic settings—may require a Master’s in Social Work (MSW).
Social services worker roles in Canada generally have more flexible entry paths. Most require a college diploma in social service work or a related field such as child and youth care or psychology, though some positions may accept relevant experience in place of formal education. Regulation varies by province, with some roles requiring registration or certification depending on the setting.
Prepare for a meaningful career supporting individuals, families, and communities with a Social Service Worker program that emphasizes relationship-building, emotional maturity, and social justice. Students develop practical skills in counselling, group work, and community development through hands-on learning, including role-playing, … Continue reading
This two-year Social Service Worker program prepares students for frontline roles in social agencies and welfare programs across public and private sectors. Learners gain a strong foundation in human behaviour, social challenges, and effective helping strategies while developing practical skills … Continue reading
Tuition
$7,048
Tuition
$7,048
The Social Service Worker program prepares students to support individuals, families, and communities by addressing social injustices and improving quality of life through direct services and advocacy. Graduates work across diverse settings alongside professionals such as social workers, addiction counsellors, … Continue reading
Tuition
$10,166
Scholarships available
Tuition
$10,166
Scholarships available
Humber Polytechnic’s two-year Social Service Worker diploma program equips students to support individuals, families, and communities through a strong foundation in anti-oppressive, anti-discriminatory, and strength-based approaches. With 600 hours of field placement, students gain hands-on experience in real-world settings, preparing … Continue reading
Social Service Workers (SSWs) support individuals facing social and personal challenges, often rooted in broader societal issues such as marginalization, oppression, stigma, colonization, and intergenerational trauma. Drawing on knowledge of human development and behaviour, SSWs use counselling and advocacy skills … Continue reading
Sep 1 - Sep 1, 2028
Tuition
$5,444
Scholarships available
Tuition
$5,444
Scholarships available
This Social Service Worker program emphasizes hands-on, experiential learning, including 600 hours of supervised field placement. Students build practical skills while advocating for social justice and connecting with like-minded peers and professionals in the field. Supportive faculty guide students through … Continue reading
Niagara College’s Social Service Worker program is designed for students who are passionate about social justice and making a meaningful impact in the lives of individuals, families, and communities. Grounded in an anti-oppressive approach, the program prepares students to deliver … Continue reading
This two-year Social Service Worker diploma program prepares students to support individuals, families, and communities facing life’s challenges through an anti-oppressive, trauma-informed lens. The evidence-based curriculum explores current social issues and systemic barriers such as colonialism, racism, and discrimination, while … Continue reading
Sault College’s two-year Social Service Worker program equips students with the skills to create real change through collaborative, culturally safe, and strengths-based relationships. Grounded in anti-oppressive and trauma-informed practice, the program explores key social issues such as family violence, addiction, … Continue reading
Sep 1 - Sep 1, 2028
Tuition
$5,296
Scholarships available
Tuition
$5,296
Scholarships available
Eastern College’s Child and Youth Care with Addictions Support Worker program prepares students for a meaningful career supporting children, adolescents, and families facing social, emotional, behavioral, and mental health challenges. Offered at the Moncton campus, the diploma combines hands-on learning … Continue reading
Aug 10 - Jan 28, 2028
Aug 24 - Feb 11 2028
Sep 7 - Feb 25 2028
Sep 21 - Mar 17 2028
Oct 5 - Mar 31 2028
Tuition
$22,035
Scholarships available
Tuition
$22,035
Scholarships available
Eastern College’s Child and Youth Care with Addictions Support Worker program prepares students for a meaningful career supporting children, adolescents, and families facing social, emotional, behavioral, and mental health challenges. Offered at the Moncton campus, the diploma combines hands-on learning … Continue reading
Aug 10 - Jan 28, 2028
Aug 24 - Feb 11 2028
Sep 7 - Feb 25 2028
Sep 21 - Mar 17 2028
Oct 5 - Mar 31 2028
Tuition
$22,035
Scholarships available
Tuition
$22,035
Scholarships available
The University of Lethbridge’s Addictions Counselling program is a one-of-a-kind program in Canada that offers students the knowledge, skills, and training required to guide others through the addiction recovery process. Learners will get practical skills and theoretical knowledge that is … Continue reading
Sep 1 - Sep 1, 2030
Tuition
$26,228
Scholarships available
Tuition
$26,228
Scholarships available
Durham College’s graduate certificate program in Addictions and Mental Health helps students develop the skillset required to support those facing two of the country’s leading issues. Thanks to a combination of theoretical teachings and practical, clinical skills development, graduates will … Continue reading
The Community Services Worker program at triOS College is designed to prepare learners for meaningful roles supporting individuals, families, and diverse communities. Through a comprehensive 38-week curriculum, students develop the skills needed to assist clients in navigating personal, social, and … Continue reading
May 11 - Feb 12, 2027
Jul 13 - Apr 16 2027
Sep 14 - Jun 11 2027
Nov 9 - Aug 13 2027
Tuition
$11,580
Scholarships available
Tuition
$11,580
Scholarships available
Durham College’s Honours Bachelor program in Community Mental Health is designed for graduates who already hold an Ontario College Diploma in Social Service Work. With a combination of theoretical research and applied courses, students will be prepared for a mandatory … Continue reading
This program prepares students with foundational knowledge and skills to support seniors through an anti-oppressive lens, focusing on aging, ethics, and core social service worker practices such as communication, case management, advocacy, and group intervention. Specialized courses cover dementia care, … Continue reading
Tuition
$4,930
Tuition
$4,930
This degree program offers learners a one-of-a kind experience in Canada, building on the University of Lethbridge’s Addictions Counselling program. Here, students will immerse themselves in addictions and mental health counselling techniques on the path to becoming abuse issues counsellors, … Continue reading
Sep 1 - Sep 1, 2030
Tuition
$26,228
Scholarships available
Tuition
$26,228
Scholarships available
Tuition & Completion Time
Domestic
CourseCompare’s real-time tuition insights are based on data from hundreds of programs and courses across Canada. These calculations focus on tuition alone, excluding ancillary fees such as those for on-campus services, textbooks, athletics, insurance, and more.
DEGREE $20,891 DIPLOMA $7,438 CERTIFICATE $2,686 NON-CERTIFICATE $400 DEGREE 3 years DIPLOMA 2 years CERTIFICATE 5 months NON-CERTIFICATE 4 weeksAVERAGE TUITION
AVERAGE LENGTH
Last updated: May 8, 2026
International
See below for the latest data on international student tuition across Canada, excluding housing costs and ancillary fees.
Source: Statistics Canada 2023
Careers
In 2023, 77,500 social workers and 155,600 social service workers were employed across Canada, according to the national Job Bank. At the same time, the federal government expects an increase in demand for social workers through 2033 due to new job openings that are a result of labour demands and replacement needs, as well as new job seekers who want to work in the field. Those with either a social work degree or social service work diploma are able to pursue several different career pathways, with varying salaries depending on what you choose.
Community Support Worker – $48,452
Typically requires a social service worker diploma and focuses on frontline support, helping clients access housing, income assistance, and community resources.
Social Service Worker – $51,356
Requires a social service worker diploma. These professionals coordinate cases, advocate for clients, and support programs in environments such as community agencies, shelters, and social service organizations.
School Counsellor – $71,755
Requires a social work degree, whether that’s a BSW or MSW, and additional credentials such as a teacher’s certificate in the province of employment. School counsellors support students’ mental health, academic success, and social development within elementary and secondary school systems.
Social Worker – $71,998
Requires a BSW or an MSW. Social workers work across sectors such as child welfare, health care, and community services, supporting individuals, couples, and families through assessment, case management, and advocacy.
Clinical Social Worker / Therapist – $82,594
This requires an MSW and registration with your province’s respective college. Clinical social workers and therapists deliver psychotherapy, conduct mental health assessments, and provide customized treatments—whether that’s in clinical settings or private practice.
Salaries & Compensation
The average salary for social workers in Canada ranges between $50,000 to $92,000 depending on the role and experience and based on data collected from Talent.com, Indeed, Glassdoor, and Canada’s Job Bank. But here is a closer look at salary based on seniority:
The average salary for social service workers in Canada ranges between $46,000 and $57,000 depending on role and experience and based on data collected from Indeed, Glassdoor, and Canada’s Job Bank.