Creative & Education Georgia (GA) Rank #27 of 50

Social Worker Salary in Georgia

The median social worker salary in Georgia is $51,476 per year, which is 7% below the national median of $55,350.

Median Salary
$51,476
vs National
$-3,874
State Rank
#27 of 50
Cost of Living
93%

Social Worker Salary Overview in Georgia (2026)

Georgia ranks #27 out of 50 states for social worker compensation. Social Worker salaries in Georgia are below the national median, though the lower cost of living can offset the difference. At $51,476 per year, social workers in Georgia earn $3,874 less than the national median of $55,350.

A key advantage of working in Georgia is its below-average cost of living (93% of the national index). This means the $51,476 salary has the purchasing power of roughly $55,351 in an average-cost area.

The salary spread in Georgia is significant: social workers at the 10th percentile earn $33,852, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $81,654 — a $47,802 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Georgia for this role is Atlanta, where the median reaches $56,457.

Nationally, social worker employment is projected to grow 7% over the next decade (faster than average). This steady growth indicates stable demand for social workers across the country.

Social Worker Salary in Georgia by Experience

In Georgia, an entry-level social worker earns around $35,340, while experienced professionals earn up to $76,260 per year. The cost of living index in Georgia is 93% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$35,340
$-2,660 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$52,080
$-3,920 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$76,260
$-5,740 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Georgia

Percentile GA Salary
10th Percentile $33,852
25th Percentile $41,106
Median (50th) $51,476
75th Percentile $65,472
90th Percentile $81,654

Social Worker Salary by City in Georgia

The largest employment areas for social workers in Georgia include Atlanta, Augusta, Savannah, and Columbus. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Social Worker in Georgia

Education

Most social worker positions require a bachelor's degree. Georgia has several accredited institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Case ManagementCounselingCrisis InterventionCommunity ResourcesAdvocacyDocumentation

Job Outlook in Georgia

Nationally, social worker employment is projected to grow 7% over the next decade (faster than average). Georgia's demand may vary based on local industry trends.

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Frequently Asked Questions: Social Worker Salary in Georgia

How much does a Social Worker make in Georgia? ▼
The median social worker salary in Georgia is $51,476 per year, which is 7% below the national median of $55,350. Salaries range from $33,852 (10th percentile) to $81,654 (90th percentile).
How much does a Social Worker make per hour in Georgia? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $51,476, a social worker in Georgia earns approximately $25 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Georgia a good state for social workers? ▼
Georgia ranks #27 out of 50 states for social worker pay. The cost of living index is 93% of the national average. Entry-level social workers earn $35,340, while senior professionals earn $76,260.
How does Georgia compare to other states for social worker salary? ▼
The highest paying state for social workers is Hawaii at $94,095. Georgia's median of $51,476 ranks #27 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Montana ($52,583) and Idaho ($52,029).
What is the entry-level social worker salary in Georgia? ▼
An entry-level social worker in Georgia earns approximately $35,340 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $52,080. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $76,260.
What city in Georgia pays social workers the most? ▼
Atlanta is the highest paying city in Georgia for social workers, with a median salary of $56,457. Other cities include Augusta and Savannah.