22. Salary Series: Forensic Social Worker Making $45-$95/hr

Welcome to the Salary Series! This is a mini-series where we’re getting into the real numbers behind what social workers make. In this episode, I’m talking with Erika Morris, MSW, a forensic social worker who went from making $44/hr straight out of grad school to making up to $95/hr as a contractor in Washington state. Erika breaks down what forensic social work actually is and how working on public defense teams can be both meaningful and financially sustainable. If you’ve ever wondered about what it’s like to work on a defense team or how to position yourself for work in legal and court-adjacent spaces, this is your episode.Takeaways From This Episode:What forensic social work really looks like in practiceHow Erika went from intern to earning $55/hr in one yearHow contract work offers flexibility and strong pay, especially for working parentsThe differences in public defense systems between statesWhy holistic defense is growing and how social workers fit into this modelHow to approach public defense agencies even if you don’t see job openingsCommon job titles to look for in forensic and legal-focused social workMentioned resources:Check out the affiliated blog post for the full list of resources mentioned in this episode and the unedited transcript.Connect with us!Social Work to Wealth Newsletter — a newsletter for the social worker wanting to level up their career and money.Find Social Work to Wealth on: TikTok, Instagram, & YouTube.Disclaimer: The information presented in this podcast & on any affiliated platforms is for educational, informational, & entertainment purposes only and should not be construed as legal, financial, or professional advice. Consuming this content does not create an attorney-client relationship. If you need legal advice pertaining to your particular situation, consult one-on-one with an attorney.