Creative & Education Sioux City, IA Pop. 85,797

Social Worker Salary in Sioux City, Iowa

The median social worker salary in Sioux City, IA is $46,494 per year, which is 16% below the national median and 5.6% below the Iowa state average.

City Median
$46,494
vs State Avg
$-2,768
vs National
$-8,856
Cost of Living
84%

Social Worker Pay in Sioux City: What to Expect (2026)

Sioux City offers a median social worker salary of $46,494, which is $2,768 below the Iowa state average of $49,262. Compared to the national median of $55,350, Sioux City pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Sioux City's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 84% of the national average. This means the $46,494 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $55,350 in an average-cost city. This makes Sioux City an attractive option for social workers seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for social workers in Sioux City spans from $30,576 at the 10th percentile to $73,752 at the 90th percentile — a $43,176 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $31,920, while senior social workers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $68,880. Sioux City is a smaller market (pop. 85,797), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Social Worker Salary in Sioux City by Experience

In Sioux City, an entry-level social worker earns around $31,920, while experienced professionals earn up to $68,880 per year. The local cost of living index is 84% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$31,920
$-6,080 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$47,040
$-8,960 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$68,880
$-13,120 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Sioux City, IA

Percentile Sioux City
10th Percentile $30,576
25th Percentile $37,128
Median (50th) $46,494
75th Percentile $59,136
90th Percentile $73,752

Social Worker Salary in Other Iowa Cities

Iowa City, IA
$52,583
Pop. 74,828
Des Moines, IA
$50,922
Pop. 214,133
Cedar Rapids, IA
$48,708
Pop. 137,710
Davenport, IA
$47,601
Pop. 101,724

How to Become a Social Worker in Sioux City

Education

Most social worker positions require a bachelor's degree. Sioux City 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 Sioux City may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Social Worker Jobs in Sioux City

Browse open social worker positions in Sioux City, IA:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Social Worker Salary in Sioux City

How much does a Social Worker make in Sioux City, IA? ▼
The median social worker salary in Sioux City, Iowa is $46,494 per year, which is 16% below the national median of $55,350. Salaries range from $30,576 (10th percentile) to $73,752 (90th percentile).
How much does a Social Worker make per hour in Sioux City? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $46,494, a social worker in Sioux City earns approximately $22 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Sioux City compare to the Iowa state average for social worker pay? ▼
Sioux City's median social worker salary of $46,494 is 5.6% below the Iowa state average of $49,262. The local cost of living index is 84% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Sioux City, IA? ▼
Sioux City has a cost of living index of 84% compared to the national average. This means a social worker salary of $46,494 in Sioux City has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a social worker in Sioux City? ▼
Most social worker positions in Sioux City 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.