Objective: One of the major indicators in the recovery after a TBI is the ability of a survivor to return to work (RTW) after the injury. Marriage, friendship quantity, and having a best friend were examined. We also studied the impact of other social variables on RTW. Design: Longitudinal. This longitudinal data set was analyzed using SAS mixed model procedures. Injury severity and school attendance was part of the model. An interaction between the Glasgow Coma Scale score and number of reported friends was examined. Participants: We analyzed a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention-sponsored longitudinal data from the Colorado Department of Health on TBI survivors. The data set included 1591 survivors with as many as 3 interviews each over time. The dropout rate was consistent with other TBI longitudinal data sets. Main outcome measure: Hours of work after injury over time. Results: Having more social contacts, which included the ability to approach strangers, was associated with more work hours per week. Obtaining legal advice was linked with less work. Interaction between friends and GCS was found. Time after injury resulted in more hours of work. Conclusions: The role of friendships and marriage may be more significant for TBI recovery than previously thought.