Creative & Education Cedar Rapids, IA Pop. 137,710

Social Worker Salary in Cedar Rapids, Iowa

The median social worker salary in Cedar Rapids, IA is $48,708 per year, which is 12% below the national median and 1.1% below the Iowa state average.

City Median
$48,708
vs State Avg
$-554
vs National
$-6,642
Cost of Living
88%

Social Worker Pay in Cedar Rapids: What to Expect (2026)

Cedar Rapids offers a median social worker salary of $48,708, which is $554 below the Iowa state average of $49,262. Compared to the national median of $55,350, Cedar Rapids pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Cedar Rapids's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 88% of the national average. This means the $48,708 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $55,350 in an average-cost city. This makes Cedar Rapids an attractive option for social workers seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for social workers in Cedar Rapids spans from $32,032 at the 10th percentile to $77,264 at the 90th percentile — a $45,232 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $33,440, while senior social workers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $72,160. With a population of 137,710, Cedar Rapids is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Social Worker Salary in Cedar Rapids by Experience

In Cedar Rapids, an entry-level social worker earns around $33,440, while experienced professionals earn up to $72,160 per year. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$33,440
$-4,560 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$49,280
$-6,720 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$72,160
$-9,840 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Cedar Rapids, IA

Percentile Cedar Rapids
10th Percentile $32,032
25th Percentile $38,896
Median (50th) $48,708
75th Percentile $61,952
90th Percentile $77,264

Social Worker Salary in Other Iowa Cities

Iowa City, IA
$52,583
Pop. 74,828
Des Moines, IA
$50,922
Pop. 214,133
Davenport, IA
$47,601
Pop. 101,724
Sioux City, IA
$46,494
Pop. 85,797

How to Become a Social Worker in Cedar Rapids

Education

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

Find Social Worker Jobs in Cedar Rapids

Browse open social worker positions in Cedar Rapids, IA:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Social Worker Salary in Cedar Rapids

How much does a Social Worker make in Cedar Rapids, IA? ▼
The median social worker salary in Cedar Rapids, Iowa is $48,708 per year, which is 12% below the national median of $55,350. Salaries range from $32,032 (10th percentile) to $77,264 (90th percentile).
How much does a Social Worker make per hour in Cedar Rapids? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $48,708, a social worker in Cedar Rapids earns approximately $23 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Cedar Rapids compare to the Iowa state average for social worker pay? ▼
Cedar Rapids's median social worker salary of $48,708 is 1.1% below the Iowa state average of $49,262. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Cedar Rapids, IA? ▼
Cedar Rapids has a cost of living index of 88% compared to the national average. This means a social worker salary of $48,708 in Cedar Rapids has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a social worker in Cedar Rapids? ▼
Most social worker positions in Cedar Rapids 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.