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Child, Family, and School Social Workers
SOC 21-1021 · Healthcare & Social Services · Behavioral health
jobs in Hamilton County, 2026
estimated openings each year
median pay in Hamilton County
projected job growth
Source: Lightcast Q1 2026 occupation snapshot, Hamilton County, IN.
What this job pays in the Indianapolis area
Half of workers earn more than the median, half earn less. The range below runs from the 10th to the 90th percentile.
| Point in the range | Per year | Per hour |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $40,290 | $19.37 |
| 25th percentile | $47,220 | $22.70 |
| Median (middle) | $50,470 | $24.27 |
| 75th percentile | $60,390 | $29.04 |
| 90th percentile | $75,020 | $36.07 |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 release, Indianapolis-Carmel-Greenwood MSA. Hamilton County employers often pay above the metro median for skilled roles. "Not published" means the federal source suppressed or top-coded that value.
What you need to get started
Most common education: A bachelor's degree (a 4-year college program).
How much preparation: A lot of preparation. Usually a four-year degree or several years of experience.
Source: O*NET database, U.S. Department of Labor (2021-2023 vintages).
Where this role can lead
Upward moves documented from real job changes in this region, with how pay typically changes.
| Occupation | Match score | Monthly postings | Typical pay change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Social and Community Service Managers | 94 of 100 | 10.8 | +$17,909 per year |
| Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers | 93 of 100 | 15.8 | +$12,452 per year |
| Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors | 85 of 100 | 54.2 | -$4,854 per year |
| Healthcare Social Workers | 85 of 100 | 12.5 | +$56,948 per year |
| Probation Officers and Correctional Treatment Specialists | 84 of 100 | 4.4 | +$3,739 per year |
| Therapists, All Other | 83 of 100 | 5.5 | +$14,918 per year |
| Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors | 81 of 100 | 68.8 | +$49,485 per year |
| Psychiatric Aides | 80 of 100 | 24.1 | -$4,884 per year |
Common paths into this role
Jobs people often hold before moving into Child, Family, and School Social Workers.
| Occupation | Match score | Monthly postings | Typical pay change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Social and Human Service Assistants | 94 of 100 | 8.8 | -$16,238 per year |
| Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors | 85 of 100 | 54.2 | -$4,854 per year |
| Probation Officers and Correctional Treatment Specialists | 84 of 100 | 4.4 | +$3,739 per year |
| Psychiatric Aides | 80 of 100 | 24.1 | -$4,884 per year |
| Community Health Workers | 77 of 100 | 8.1 | -$8,685 per year |
| Residential Advisors | 76 of 100 | 5.2 | -$13,823 per year |
| Rehabilitation Counselors | 74 of 100 | 1.5 | +$3,371 per year |
| Eligibility Interviewers, Government Programs | 74 of 100 | 33.8 | -$9,703 per year |
This role is a documented next step from
Source: Lightcast Career Pathways, Q1 2026, Indianapolis MSA (network built July 2026 from 64 exports).