Creative & Education Idaho (ID) Rank #26 of 50

Social Worker Salary in Idaho

The median social worker salary in Idaho is $52,029 per year, which is 6% below the national median of $55,350.

Median Salary
$52,029
vs National
$-3,321
State Rank
#26 of 50
Cost of Living
94%

Social Worker Salary Overview in Idaho (2026)

Idaho ranks #26 out of 50 states for social worker compensation. Social Worker salaries in Idaho are below the national median, though the lower cost of living can offset the difference. At $52,029 per year, social workers in Idaho earn $3,321 less than the national median of $55,350.

A key advantage of working in Idaho is its below-average cost of living (94% of the national index). This means the $52,029 salary has the purchasing power of roughly $55,350 in an average-cost area.

The salary spread in Idaho is significant: social workers at the 10th percentile earn $34,216, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $82,532 — a $48,316 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Idaho for this role is Boise, where the median reaches $55,350.

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 Idaho by Experience

In Idaho, an entry-level social worker earns around $35,720, while experienced professionals earn up to $77,080 per year. The cost of living index in Idaho is 94% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$35,720
$-2,280 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$52,640
$-3,360 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$77,080
$-4,920 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Idaho

Percentile ID Salary
10th Percentile $34,216
25th Percentile $41,548
Median (50th) $52,029
75th Percentile $66,176
90th Percentile $82,532

Social Worker Salary by City in Idaho

The largest employment areas for social workers in Idaho include Boise, Meridian, Nampa, and Idaho Falls. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Social Worker in Idaho

Education

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

Key Skills

Case ManagementCounselingCrisis InterventionCommunity ResourcesAdvocacyDocumentation

Job Outlook in Idaho

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

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Frequently Asked Questions: Social Worker Salary in Idaho

How much does a Social Worker make in Idaho? ▼
The median social worker salary in Idaho is $52,029 per year, which is 6% below the national median of $55,350. Salaries range from $34,216 (10th percentile) to $82,532 (90th percentile).
How much does a Social Worker make per hour in Idaho? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $52,029, a social worker in Idaho earns approximately $25 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Idaho a good state for social workers? ▼
Idaho ranks #26 out of 50 states for social worker pay. The cost of living index is 94% of the national average. Entry-level social workers earn $35,720, while senior professionals earn $77,080.
How does Idaho compare to other states for social worker salary? ▼
The highest paying state for social workers is Hawaii at $94,095. Idaho's median of $52,029 ranks #26 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Illinois ($52,583) and Montana ($52,583).
What is the entry-level social worker salary in Idaho? ▼
An entry-level social worker in Idaho earns approximately $35,720 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $52,640. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $77,080.
What city in Idaho pays social workers the most? ▼
Boise is the highest paying city in Idaho for social workers, with a median salary of $55,350. Other cities include Meridian and Nampa.