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 Pay in San Diego: What to Expect (2026)

San Diego offers a median social worker salary of $78,597, which is $2,214 above the California state average of $76,383. Compared to the national median of $55,350, San Diego pays above average for this role.

However, San Diego's cost of living index is 142%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $78,597 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $55,350. Housing, transportation, and food costs in San Diego should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for social workers in San Diego spans from $51,688 at the 10th percentile to $124,676 at the 90th percentile — a $72,988 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $53,960, while senior social workers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $116,440. As a major metro area with a population of 1,386,932, San Diego typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

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

San Francisco, CA
$100,737
Pop. 873,965
San Jose, CA
$92,988
Pop. 1,013,240
Los Angeles, CA
$80,811
Pop. 3,898,747
Sacramento, CA
$65,313
Pop. 524,943

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.

Find Social Worker Jobs in San Diego

Browse open social worker positions in San Diego, CA:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Social Worker Salary in San Diego

How much does a Social Worker make in San Diego, CA? ▼
The median social worker salary in San Diego, California is $78,597 per year, which is 42.0% above the national median of $55,350. Salaries range from $51,688 (10th percentile) to $124,676 (90th percentile).
How much does a Social Worker make per hour in San Diego? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $78,597, a social worker in San Diego earns approximately $38 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does San Diego compare to the California state average for social worker pay? ▼
San Diego's median social worker salary of $78,597 is 2.9% above the California state average of $76,383. The local cost of living index is 142% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in San Diego, CA? ▼
San Diego has a cost of living index of 142% compared to the national average. This means a social worker salary of $78,597 in San Diego has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a social worker in San Diego? ▼
Most social worker positions in San Diego 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.