Social Work Technician in Quebec: DEC, Role and Salary

The social work technician in Quebec's public health network earns $28.43 to $40.92 an hour as of April 1, 2026. Job title 2586 requires a DEC (college diploma) in social work techniques. This text applies to women and men. It explains the job, the cégep program and the difference from the social worker.

To work out a salary at a given step, use the site's salary calculator. It covers all social intervention job titles.

What a social work technician does

The CPNSSS job title nomenclature, in its September 15, 2026 version, describes title 2586 in one sentence. The person carries out social activities using the techniques specific to the profession.

The Québec.ca profile of social work technicians is more specific. They meet with people to identify their needs and resources. They help resolve conflicts. They plan and run intervention programs with social workers. They defend individual and collective rights, refer people to other services and follow up on their progress.

Where a social work technician works

Québec.ca names hospital centres, rehabilitation centres, CHSLDs, community and social action organizations, youth and detention centres, educational institutions and governments. Inforoute FPT adds social economy organizations. The work is done in a multidisciplinary team.

Salary in the public network

Title 2586 has 12 steps. The work week is 32.5, 35 or 37.5 hours.

Source: CPNSSS, job title nomenclature, September 15, 2026. Hourly rates before premiums.

Technician or social worker

The two titles are separate in the nomenclature.

The Ordre des travailleurs sociaux has its own page on this site.

The DEC in social work techniques

Program 388.A1 replaces 388.A0 since its approval in 2022. According to Inforoute FPT, it has 91 1/3 units and 2,670 hours of instruction. The approximate length is 36 months. Admission requirements are the general requirements of the Règlement sur le régime des études collégiales. No special requirement is added.

The nomenclature also accepts holders of a college certificate in social work techniques or in social assistance techniques.

Frequently asked questions

What is a social work technician's salary?

In the public health network, it runs from $28.43 to $40.92 an hour as of April 1, 2026. On April 1, 2027, the scale will run from $29.43 to $42.35.

What training do you need to be a social work technician?

You need a DEC in social work techniques from a school recognized by the ministry. The nomenclature also accepts a college certificate in social work techniques or in social assistance techniques.

What is the difference between a technician and a social worker?

The social worker holds a bachelor's degree and belongs to the OTSTCFQ. The technician holds a DEC. The social worker's pay scale starts at $31.06 an hour and the technician's at $28.43.

How long does the social work technique program take?

The approximate length is 36 months according to Inforoute FPT. Program 388.A1 has 2,670 hours in total.

What are the admission requirements for the social work technique program?

They are the general requirements of the Règlement sur le régime des études collégiales. Inforoute FPT states no special requirement for this program.

Where does a social work technician work?

They work in hospitals, rehabilitation centres, CHSLDs, community organizations, youth centres, schools and governments. They are part of a multidisciplinary team.

Does a social work technician have to belong to a professional order?

The CPNSSS nomenclature requires no order membership for title 2586. Québec.ca notes that membership in a regulatory body may be required in some jobs of the group. Check the requirement in the job posting.

Sources

• Nomenclature des titres d'emploi, des libellés, des taux et des échelles de salaire, CPNSSS, version of September 15, 2026
• Social Service Workers, Québec.ca, accessed November 2, 2026
• Techniques de travail social (388.A1), Inforoute FPT, accessed November 2, 2026