Creative & Education San Diego, CA
Pop. 1,386,932
Social Worker Salary in San Diego, California
The median social worker salary in San Diego, CA is $78,597 per year, which is 42.0% above the national median and 2.9% above the California state average.
City Median
$78,597
vs State Avg
+$2,214
vs National
+$23,247
Cost of Living
142%
Social Worker Salary in San Diego by Experience
In San Diego, an entry-level social worker earns around $53,960, while experienced professionals earn up to $116,440 per year. The local cost of living index is 142% of the national average.
Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$53,960
+$15,960 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$79,520
+$23,520 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$116,440
+$34,440 vs national
Salary Percentiles in San Diego, CA
| Percentile | San Diego |
|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $51,688 |
| 25th Percentile | $62,764 |
| Median (50th) | $78,597 |
| 75th Percentile | $99,968 |
| 90th Percentile | $124,676 |
Social Worker Salary in Other California Cities
How to Become a Social Worker in San Diego
Education
Most social worker positions require a bachelor's degree. San Diego 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 San Diego may vary based on local industry and population growth.