Creative & Education Kentucky (KY) Rank #46 of 50

Social Worker Salary in Kentucky

The median social worker salary in Kentucky 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
#46 of 50
Cost of Living
87%

Social Worker Salary in Kentucky by Experience

In Kentucky, 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 Kentucky 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

Salary Percentiles in Kentucky

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

Major Cities for Social Workers in Kentucky

The largest employment areas for social workers in Kentucky include Louisville, Lexington, Bowling Green, and Owensboro. Salaries in major metro areas may be higher due to increased demand and cost of living.

Louisville, KY
Metro area for social worker employment
Lexington, KY
Metro area for social worker employment
Bowling Green, KY
Metro area for social worker employment
Owensboro, KY
Metro area for social worker employment
Covington, KY
Metro area for social worker employment

How to Become a Social Worker in Kentucky

Education

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

Key Skills

Case ManagementCounselingCrisis InterventionCommunity ResourcesAdvocacyDocumentation

Job Outlook in Kentucky

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