Social services wages, adjusted for inflation , rose between 1988 and 1998, as did the average wages for Central New York workers employed in all industries combined. Many private sector workers in this field eventually go to work for government social services. Average weekly wages are highest in individual and family services and lowest in child day care services. A breakdown of average weekly wages by type of employer in the Central New York social services field follows. Average Weekly Wages 1998 Job openings occur because of staff turnover as well as growth in the social services field.
Turnover is caused by retirements, promotions, moves, and so forth.
Growth comes from the increasing need for services to help people with problems related to substance abuse, teenage pregnancy, child and spousal abuse, and a host of other matters. This growing need for child care, residential care, and occupational retraining also boosts growth in this field. Years ago, people usually got support from their extended family during difficult times. Today, however, people live further from their extended families, and fewer family members stay at home, so this support is given by workers in the social services field. In the days ahead, welfare reform efforts at both the state and national levels may have a significant impact on employment in the various social services industries.