Social workers

Newfoundland and Labrador

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 occupationsPart-time workers: 5% compared to 17% for all occupations80% 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

Prince Edward Island

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 occupationsPart-time workers: 13% compared to 16% for all occupations75% 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

Nova Scotia

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 occupationsPart-time workers: 7% compared to 18% for all occupations81% 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