Creative & Education Kansas (KS) Rank #45 of 50

Social Worker Salary in Kansas

The median social worker salary in Kansas is $48,155 per year, which is 13% below the national median of $55,350.

Median Salary
$48,155
vs National
$-7,195
State Rank
#45 of 50
Cost of Living
87%

Social Worker Salary Overview in Kansas (2026)

Kansas ranks #45 out of 50 states for social worker compensation. Social Worker salaries in Kansas are below the national median, though the lower cost of living can offset the difference. At $48,155 per year, social workers in Kansas earn $7,195 less than the national median of $55,350.

A key advantage of working in Kansas is its below-average cost of living (87% of the national index). This means the $48,155 salary has the purchasing power of roughly $55,351 in an average-cost area.

The salary spread in Kansas is significant: social workers at the 10th percentile earn $31,668, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $76,386 — a $44,718 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Kansas for this role is Overland Park, where the median reaches $53,136.

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 Kansas by Experience

In Kansas, an entry-level social worker earns around $33,060, while experienced professionals earn up to $71,340 per year. The cost of living index in Kansas is 87% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$33,060
$-4,940 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$48,720
$-7,280 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$71,340
$-10,660 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Kansas

Percentile KS Salary
10th Percentile $31,668
25th Percentile $38,454
Median (50th) $48,155
75th Percentile $61,248
90th Percentile $76,386

Social Worker Salary by City in Kansas

The largest employment areas for social workers in Kansas include Wichita, Overland Park, Kansas City, and Topeka. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Social Worker in Kansas

Education

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

Key Skills

Case ManagementCounselingCrisis InterventionCommunity ResourcesAdvocacyDocumentation

Job Outlook in Kansas

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

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Frequently Asked Questions: Social Worker Salary in Kansas

How much does a Social Worker make in Kansas? ▼
The median social worker salary in Kansas is $48,155 per year, which is 13% below the national median of $55,350. Salaries range from $31,668 (10th percentile) to $76,386 (90th percentile).
How much does a Social Worker make per hour in Kansas? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $48,155, a social worker in Kansas earns approximately $23 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Kansas a good state for social workers? ▼
Kansas ranks #45 out of 50 states for social worker pay. The cost of living index is 87% of the national average. Entry-level social workers earn $33,060, while senior professionals earn $71,340.
How does Kansas compare to other states for social worker salary? ▼
The highest paying state for social workers is Hawaii at $94,095. Kansas's median of $48,155 ranks #45 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include South Dakota ($48,708) and Alabama ($48,155).
What is the entry-level social worker salary in Kansas? ▼
An entry-level social worker in Kansas earns approximately $33,060 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $48,720. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $71,340.
What city in Kansas pays social workers the most? ▼
Overland Park is the highest paying city in Kansas for social workers, with a median salary of $53,136. Other cities include Wichita and Kansas City.