Do Social Workers Make More Than Cybersecurity Professionals?

Published: 22 Jun 2025

In a world increasingly shaped by digital threats and social challenges, both cybersecurity professionals and social workers play vital roles.

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But when it comes to compensation, how do these careers stack up?

Table of Content

Overview of Both Professions
1. Social Workers
2. Cybersecurity Professionals
Salary Comparison: A Global and Local Perspective
1. United States
2. Pakistan
Education and Entry Barriers
Career Growth and Demand
Job Satisfaction and Societal Impact
Conclusion: Which Pays More?

This article explores the salary dynamics, educational pathways, and long-term earning potential of each profession to help you make an informed decision.

1. Overview of Both Professions

Social workers help individuals, families, and communities cope with challenges such as poverty, abuse, addiction, and mental health issues. They work in schools, hospitals, government agencies, and private practices.

Cybersecurity Professionals

Cybersecurity experts protect digital systems from cyber threats. Their roles include ethical hacking, incident response, risk analysis, and security architecture. They work in sectors like finance, healthcare, defense, and tech.

2. Salary Comparison: A Global and Local Perspective

United States

Role	Average Annual Salary
Social Worker (All Specialties)	$58,380 – $76,266
Cybersecurity Analyst	$107,346
Cybersecurity Engineer	$131,768
Chief Information Security Officer (CISO)	$150,000 – $250,000+

Pakistan

Role	Average Monthly Salary
Social Worker	PKR 42,100 (≈ $150/month)
Cybersecurity Professional	PKR 150,000 – PKR 400,000+ (≈ $500–$1,300/month) depending on role and experience

Verdict: Cybersecurity professionals consistently earn more than social workers, both globally and in Pakistan.

3. Education and Entry Barriers

Profession	Minimum Education	Time to Enter Field	Cost of Education
Social Work	Bachelor’s (BSW), Master’s (MSW) for clinical roles	4–6 years	Moderate
Cybersecurity	Bachelor’s in CS/IT or certifications (e.g., CompTIA, CISSP)	2–4 years	Varies (can be low with bootcamps or online certs)

Cybersecurity offers faster and more flexible entry points, especially through certifications and apprenticeships.

4. Career Growth and Demand

Social Work: Projected growth of 7% by 2033, with higher demand in healthcare and mental health sectors.
Cybersecurity: Projected growth of 32% by 2032, driven by rising cyber threats and digital transformation.

Cybersecurity not only pays more but also offers faster growth and broader global demand.

5. Job Satisfaction and Societal Impact

Social Workers often report high emotional fulfillment, especially in roles that directly improve lives.
Cybersecurity Professionals enjoy intellectual challenges, autonomy, and the satisfaction of protecting critical infrastructure.

While social work may offer deeper emotional rewards, cybersecurity provides financial stability and strategic influence.

6. Conclusion: Which Pays More?

Cybersecurity professionals clearly earn more than social workers across nearly all regions and experience levels. However, the choice between the two should also consider personal values, desired impact, and work-life balance.