Social Work License Requirements in Missouri
Looking for information on social work licensure in Missouri? Learn how to get licensed, how much you can earn once you enter the field, and more.
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The growing need for healthcare and supportive social services in Missouri means expanding employment opportunities for social workers. Becoming a licensed social worker in Missouri is a multistep process with specific education, experience, and examination requirements. Check out this guide for information about social work licensure, professional organizations, and salary prospects in Missouri.
Missouri Social Work Licensure Requirements
The Missouri Division of Professional Registration administers social work licenses. You need a state-issued license to legally use the title “social worker.” You can become a licensed social worker with a bachelor of social work (BSW) degree, but more advanced licenses require a master of social work (MSW).
Missouri issues licensure at four levels: licensed baccalaureate social worker (LBSW), licensed master social worker (LMSW), licensed clinical social worker (LCSW), and licensed advanced macro social worker (LAMSW).
How Long Does it Take to Become a Social Worker in Missouri?
The timeline to become a social worker in Missouri takes 4-10 years, depending on the education you complete, type of license you pursue, and length of experience requirements you must fulfill.
Completing a bachelor’s degree, which you need for an LBSW license, usually takes four years of full-time study. A master’s degree — which you need for all licenses — usually takes another two years of full-time study, for a total of six years of schooling.
For LCSW and LAMSW licenses, in addition to six years of education, you must complete 2-4 years of supervised experience. Earning a social work doctorate can significantly extend this timeline.
Out-of-State Licensing Reciprocity in Missouri
Out-of-state social workers with a valid social work license can apply for licensure by reciprocity if their current license meets the requirements for one of the Missouri license levels.
These professionals must complete an application, submit ASWB scores for the license level they are seeking, provide proof of valid licensure, and, if necessary, accrue additional supervised experience hours.
Missouri has passed legislation to join the Social Work Licensure Compact, which allows social workers in member states to practice in other participating jurisdictions. However, as of 2025, the process for acquiring a multistate social worker license has not yet been implemented.
How to Renew a Social Work License in Missouri
To maintain your social work license in Missouri, you must renew every two years. All licensees are required to complete 30 hours of approved continuing education (CE) within each renewal period. These 30 CE hours must include three hours in ethics; two hours in suicide assessment, referral, treatment, and management training; and three hours in diversity, inclusion, or cultural awareness/competency.
Missouri allows social workers to fulfill their CE requirements through a combination of live courses and programs, published research, webinars, correspondence courses, and other activities with approval from the state committee for social workers.
Salary Expectations for Social Workers in Missouri
Salaries for social workers in Missouri generally fall below national averages. However, earnings vary considerably within the state based on factors such as specialization, location, and experience. According to World Population Review, Missouri’s cost of living is the sixth lowest in the country, which can balance the lower-than-average wages for social work professionals.
| Occupation | Average Hourly Salary | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Child, Family, and School Social Workers | $23.39 | $48,660 |
| Healthcare Social Workers | $27.72 | $57,660 |
| Mental Health and Substance Use Social Workers | $23.33 | $48,520 |
| Social Workers, All Other | $33.20 | $69,060 |
Professional Organizations for Social Workers in Missouri
- National Association of Social Workers: NASW, established in 1955, is the world’s largest membership organization of social workers and has state-specific chapters, including one for Missouri. The association advocates for policies and legislation on behalf of practitioners, sets professional standards of conduct and ethical guidelines, and provides professional development and licensure support.
- Committee for Social Workers: As part of the Missouri Division of Professional Registration, this regulatory committee is responsible for establishing and maintaining professional standards for social work in the state. The committee issues social work licenses and oversees social work professionals to ensure they meet the required qualifications to practice.
- Missouri Society for Clinical Social Work: An affiliate of the Clinical Social Work Association, MSCSW supports the clinical social work profession across the state. Membership benefits include professional development training and continuing education credits.
- School Social Workers Association of Missouri: SSWAM is the only professional organization in Missouri that promotes the recognition of school social work professionals. The association sponsors continuing education activities, conferences, and networking events.
Frequently Asked Questions About Social Work Licensure
To qualify for licensure, you must earn a bachelor’s in social work for the LBSW license. Advanced levels of licensure require at least an MSW. In addition, the Missouri Division of Professional Regulation requires you to complete supervised experience requirements and pass the ASWB exam for your license level.
