Creative & Education Los Angeles, CA Pop. 3,898,747

Social Worker Salary in Los Angeles, California

The median social worker salary in Los Angeles, CA is $80,811 per year, which is 46.0% above the national median and 5.8% above the California state average.

City Median
$80,811
vs State Avg
+$4,428
vs National
+$25,461
Cost of Living
146%

Social Worker Salary in Los Angeles by Experience

In Los Angeles, an entry-level social worker earns around $55,480, while experienced professionals earn up to $119,720 per year. The local cost of living index is 146% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$55,480
+$17,480 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$81,760
+$25,760 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$119,720
+$37,720 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Los Angeles, CA

Percentile Los Angeles
10th Percentile $53,144
25th Percentile $64,532
Median (50th) $80,811
75th Percentile $102,784
90th Percentile $128,188

Social Worker Salary in Other California Cities

San Francisco, CA
$100,737
Pop. 873,965
San Jose, CA
$92,988
Pop. 1,013,240
San Diego, CA
$78,597
Pop. 1,386,932
Sacramento, CA
$65,313
Pop. 524,943

How to Become a Social Worker in Los Angeles

Education

Most social worker positions require a bachelor's degree. Los Angeles and the surrounding California area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Case ManagementCounselingCrisis InterventionCommunity ResourcesAdvocacyDocumentation

Job Outlook

Nationally, social worker employment is projected to grow 7% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in Los Angeles may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Social Worker Jobs in Los Angeles

Browse open social worker positions in Los Angeles, CA:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Social Worker Salary in Los Angeles

How much does a Social Worker make in Los Angeles, CA? ▼
The median social worker salary in Los Angeles, California is $80,811 per year, which is 46.0% above the national median of $55,350. Salaries range from $53,144 (10th percentile) to $128,188 (90th percentile).
How much does a Social Worker make per hour in Los Angeles? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $80,811, a social worker in Los Angeles earns approximately $39 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Los Angeles compare to the California state average for social worker pay? ▼
Los Angeles's median social worker salary of $80,811 is 5.8% above the California state average of $76,383. The local cost of living index is 146% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Los Angeles, CA? ▼
Los Angeles has a cost of living index of 146% compared to the national average. This means a social worker salary of $80,811 in Los Angeles has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a social worker in Los Angeles? ▼
Most social worker positions in Los Angeles require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include Case Management, Counseling, Crisis Intervention, Community Resources. The job market is projected to grow 7% nationally over the next decade.