Creative & Education

Social Worker Salary

Social workers help individuals and families cope with challenges such as illness, disability, addiction, and poverty. They connect clients with community resources and support services.

Median Salary
$55,350
Mean Salary
$59,300
Total Employed
708,100
Job Growth
+7%

Social Worker Salary by Experience Level

Entry-level social workers earn around $38,000 per year, while mid-career professionals earn $56,000. Senior-level social workers can earn $82,000 or more.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$38,000
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$56,000
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$82,000

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Salary Percentile Breakdown

The salary range for social workers varies significantly. The bottom 10% earn $36,400, while the top 10% earn $87,800.

Percentile Annual Salary
10th Percentile $36,400
25th Percentile $44,200
50th Percentile (Median) $55,350
75th Percentile $70,400
90th Percentile $87,800

Social Worker Salary by State

Social Worker salaries vary significantly by state due to cost of living, demand, and industry concentration. The highest paying state is Hawaii at $94,095, while Mississippi offers the lowest at $45,941.

State Median
#1 Hawaii $94,095 Details →
#2 California $76,383 Details →
#3 Massachusetts $74,723 Details →
#4 Alaska $68,634 Details →
#5 New York $67,527 Details →
#6 New Jersey $63,652 Details →
#7 Washington $63,652 Details →
#8 Connecticut $61,992 Details →
#9 Maryland $60,885 Details →
#10 Oregon $60,885 Details →
#11 Colorado $58,118 Details →
#12 New Hampshire $58,118 Details →
#13 Rhode Island $58,118 Details →
#14 Virginia $57,564 Details →
#15 Delaware $55,904 Details →
#16 Vermont $55,904 Details →
#17 Florida $54,243 Details →
#18 Maine $54,243 Details →
#19 Arizona $53,690 Details →
#20 Minnesota $53,690 Details →
#21 Nevada $53,690 Details →
#22 Utah $53,690 Details →
#23 Pennsylvania $53,136 Details →
#24 Illinois $52,583 Details →
#25 Montana $52,583 Details →
#26 Idaho $52,029 Details →
#27 Georgia $51,476 Details →
#28 New Mexico $51,476 Details →
#29 North Carolina $50,922 Details →
#30 Texas $50,922 Details →
#31 Wisconsin $50,922 Details →
#32 Wyoming $50,922 Details →
#33 Louisiana $50,369 Details →
#34 Indiana $49,815 Details →
#35 Michigan $49,815 Details →
#36 Nebraska $49,815 Details →
#37 North Dakota $49,815 Details →
#38 Ohio $49,815 Details →
#39 Iowa $49,262 Details →
#40 South Carolina $49,262 Details →
#41 Tennessee $49,262 Details →
#42 Missouri $48,708 Details →
#43 South Dakota $48,708 Details →
#44 Alabama $48,155 Details →
#45 Kansas $48,155 Details →
#46 Kentucky $48,155 Details →
#47 Oklahoma $47,601 Details →
#48 Arkansas $46,494 Details →
#49 West Virginia $46,494 Details →
#50 Mississippi $45,941 Details →

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Key Responsibilities

  • ● Assess clients' needs and develop service plans
  • ● Connect clients with community resources and support services
  • ● Provide counseling and crisis intervention
  • ● Advocate for clients' rights and well-being
  • ● Maintain case files and document progress

Top Skills

Case Management Counseling Crisis Intervention Community Resources Advocacy Documentation

Education Required

Bachelor's degree

Job Outlook

Faster than average — projected 7% growth over the next decade

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Frequently Asked Questions About Social Worker Salaries

How much does a Social Worker make per year? ▼
The median social worker salary in the United States is $55,350 per year. Entry-level positions start around $38,000, while senior-level professionals earn up to $82,000 annually. The mean (average) salary is $59,300.
How much does a Social Worker make per hour? ▼
Based on the national median salary of $55,350 per year, a social worker earns approximately $27 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year. Hourly rates vary by experience, location, and employer.
What is the highest paying state for social workers? ▼
Hawaii is the highest paying state for social workers, with a median salary of $94,095. Other top-paying states include California ($76,383) and Massachusetts ($74,723).
What education do you need to become a social worker? ▼
Most social worker positions require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include Case Management, Counseling, Crisis Intervention, Community Resources. Relevant certifications and hands-on experience can also strengthen your qualifications.
What is the job outlook for social workers? ▼
Employment for social workers is projected to grow 7% over the next decade, which is faster than average. There are currently 708,100 social workers employed in the United States.
How much does an entry-level social worker make? ▼
An entry-level social worker with 0-2 years of experience earns around $38,000 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to approximately $56,000. The bottom 10% of earners make $36,400, while the top 10% earn $87,800.