Social Work License Requirements in Wisconsin
Want to get a Wisconsin social work license but are unsure about the process? Explore Wisconsin social work license requirements and career opportunities.
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Becoming a social worker in Wisconsin allows you to make a positive impact on individuals and communities. The Badger State offers various licensing options for those who want to help meet the demand for practitioners. This guide simplifies the process for social work licensure in Wisconsin.
Wisconsin Social Work Licensure Requirements
The Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS) oversees social work licensing in Wisconsin. Choosing the right license depends on your education and career aspirations. Wisconsin’s four levels of licensure address the needs of those starting out with a bachelor’s in social work (BSW) and advanced practitioners with a master’s in social work (MSW). Begin your journey toward a rewarding social work career in Wisconsin.
How Long Does it Take to Become a Social Worker in Wisconsin?
It typically takes four years to earn a BSW, the entry-level degree for social work licensure in Wisconsin. If you plan to pursue credentialing as an APSW, ISW, or LCSW, you’ll need an MSW. The entire process for advanced practitioner training can take about six years for full-time students.
Out-of-State Licensing Reciprocity in Wisconsin
Wisconsin offers reciprocity to social workers who hold a current and active social work license in another state. The DSPS reviews each candidate’s application to ensure their state’s licensing standards match the equivalent in Wisconsin.
Candidates will need to complete an application, verify their credentials, and pass a Wisconsin statutes and rules exam. Those who do not qualify for reciprocity can pursue licensure by exam. Review the Board’s list of state social worker credentials that do not qualify for reciprocity.
How to Renew a Social Work License in Wisconsin
Wisconsin’s social workers must renew their licenses every two years. To qualify for renewal, social workers complete 30 hours of continuing education during that period, including four hours of ethics and boundaries training.
Social workers must submit their renewal applications and fees to the DSPS. Note that Wisconsin is a member of the multistate Social Work Licensure Compact. Once enacted, the compact will allow social workers portability with multistate licenses.
Salary Expectations for Social Workers in Wisconsin
Wisconsin’s projected social worker job growth and average earnings match national trends, according to Projections Central. The state’s social workers earn $60,000-$67,000 a year, with the healthcare specialty earning the most, reports the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Earnings will also depend on factors such as your level of experience and location.
The cost of living in Wisconsin is lower than the national average. Residents also benefit from a stable economy with a 3.2% unemployment rate as of March 2025, according to the BLS.
| Occupation | Average Hourly Salary | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Child, Family, and School Social Workers | $29.31 | $60,960 |
| Healthcare Social Workers | $32.39 | $67,370 |
| Mental Health and Substance Use Social Workers | $28.92 | $60,150 |
| Social Workers, All Other | $31.89 | $66,330 |
Professional Organizations for Social Workers in Wisconsin
- National Association of Social Workers: ~ NASW is the world’s largest professional organization for social workers, with chapters in all 50 states. Member benefits include access to continuing education, publications, a jobs website, community and peer support, and advocacy.
- Association of Oncology Social Work (AOSW): AOSW’s members provide psychosocial services to cancer patients, their caregivers, and families. The international organization’s members have access to continuing education, publications, events, peer support, and a career center.
- Wisconsin School Social Work Association: WSSWA advances the profession through support and advocacy for practicing school social workers, social work students, and retirees. Member benefits include continuing education, discounts on professional development, a monthly e-newsletter, and networking opportunities.
Frequently Asked Questions About Social Work Licensure
Wisconsin offers four levels of social work licensure: certified social worker, advanced practice social worker, independent social worker, and licensed clinical social worker.
