Creative & Education Owensboro, KY Pop. 60,183

Social Worker Salary in Owensboro, Kentucky

The median social worker salary in Owensboro, KY is $45,387 per year, which is 18% below the national median and 5.7% below the Kentucky state average.

City Median
$45,387
vs State Avg
$-2,768
vs National
$-9,963
Cost of Living
82%

Social Worker Pay in Owensboro: What to Expect (2026)

Owensboro offers a median social worker salary of $45,387, which is $2,768 below the Kentucky state average of $48,155. Compared to the national median of $55,350, Owensboro pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Owensboro's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 82% of the national average. This means the $45,387 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $55,350 in an average-cost city. This makes Owensboro an attractive option for social workers seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for social workers in Owensboro spans from $29,848 at the 10th percentile to $71,996 at the 90th percentile — a $42,148 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $31,160, while senior social workers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $67,240. Owensboro is a smaller market (pop. 60,183), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Social Worker Salary in Owensboro by Experience

In Owensboro, an entry-level social worker earns around $31,160, while experienced professionals earn up to $67,240 per year. The local cost of living index is 82% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$31,160
$-6,840 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$45,920
$-10,080 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$67,240
$-14,760 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Owensboro, KY

Percentile Owensboro
10th Percentile $29,848
25th Percentile $36,244
Median (50th) $45,387
75th Percentile $57,728
90th Percentile $71,996

Social Worker Salary in Other Kentucky Cities

Lexington, KY
$51,476
Pop. 322,570
Louisville, KY
$50,922
Pop. 633,045
Covington, KY
$48,708
Pop. 40,961
Bowling Green, KY
$46,494
Pop. 74,735

How to Become a Social Worker in Owensboro

Education

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

Find Social Worker Jobs in Owensboro

Browse open social worker positions in Owensboro, KY:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Social Worker Salary in Owensboro

How much does a Social Worker make in Owensboro, KY? ▼
The median social worker salary in Owensboro, Kentucky is $45,387 per year, which is 18% below the national median of $55,350. Salaries range from $29,848 (10th percentile) to $71,996 (90th percentile).
How much does a Social Worker make per hour in Owensboro? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $45,387, a social worker in Owensboro earns approximately $22 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Owensboro compare to the Kentucky state average for social worker pay? ▼
Owensboro's median social worker salary of $45,387 is 5.7% below the Kentucky state average of $48,155. The local cost of living index is 82% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Owensboro, KY? ▼
Owensboro has a cost of living index of 82% compared to the national average. This means a social worker salary of $45,387 in Owensboro has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a social worker in Owensboro? ▼
Most social worker positions in Owensboro 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.