Social workers and therapists both aim to improve mental and emotional health, but they have different approaches and training requirements. Therapists focus on mental health treatments, while social workers address social and socioeconomic circumstances. Social workers need a master‘s degree, while therapists require a master‘s degree and state license. The median annual salary for social workers is $51,760, while therapists earn an average of $71,859 per year. Employment for both professions is projected to grow in the coming years.