Creative & Education Dover, DE Pop. 39,403

Social Worker Salary in Dover, Delaware

The median social worker salary in Dover, DE is $53,136 per year, which is 4% below the national median and 5% below the Delaware state average.

City Median
$53,136
vs State Avg
$-2,768
vs National
$-2,214
Cost of Living
96%

Social Worker Pay in Dover: What to Expect (2026)

Dover offers a median social worker salary of $53,136, which is $2,768 below the Delaware state average of $55,904. Compared to the national median of $55,350, Dover pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Dover's cost of living is 96% of the national average, meaning salary figures here closely reflect actual purchasing power. This makes direct comparisons to other cities straightforward.

The salary range for social workers in Dover spans from $34,944 at the 10th percentile to $84,288 at the 90th percentile — a $49,344 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $36,480, while senior social workers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $78,720. Dover is a smaller market (pop. 39,403), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Social Worker Salary in Dover by Experience

In Dover, an entry-level social worker earns around $36,480, while experienced professionals earn up to $78,720 per year. The local cost of living index is 96% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$36,480
$-1,520 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$53,760
$-2,240 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$78,720
$-3,280 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Dover, DE

Percentile Dover
10th Percentile $34,944
25th Percentile $42,432
Median (50th) $53,136
75th Percentile $67,584
90th Percentile $84,288

Social Worker Salary in Other Delaware Cities

Wilmington, DE
$58,118
Pop. 70,898
Newark, DE
$56,457
Pop. 33,398
Bear, DE
$54,797
Pop. 21,000
Middletown, DE
$54,243
Pop. 22,350

How to Become a Social Worker in Dover

Education

Most social worker positions require a bachelor's degree. Dover and the surrounding Delaware 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 Dover may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Social Worker Jobs in Dover

Browse open social worker positions in Dover, DE:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Social Worker Salary in Dover

How much does a Social Worker make in Dover, DE? ▼
The median social worker salary in Dover, Delaware is $53,136 per year, which is 4% below the national median of $55,350. Salaries range from $34,944 (10th percentile) to $84,288 (90th percentile).
How much does a Social Worker make per hour in Dover? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $53,136, a social worker in Dover earns approximately $26 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Dover compare to the Delaware state average for social worker pay? ▼
Dover's median social worker salary of $53,136 is 5% below the Delaware state average of $55,904. The local cost of living index is 96% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Dover, DE? ▼
Dover has a cost of living index of 96% compared to the national average. This means a social worker salary of $53,136 in Dover has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a social worker in Dover? ▼
Most social worker positions in Dover 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.