Creative & Education Baton Rouge, LA Pop. 227,470

Social Worker Salary in Baton Rouge, Louisiana

The median social worker salary in Baton Rouge, LA is $50,922 per year, which is 8% below the national median and 1.1% above the Louisiana state average.

City Median
$50,922
vs State Avg
+$553
vs National
$-4,428
Cost of Living
92%

Social Worker Pay in Baton Rouge: What to Expect (2026)

Baton Rouge offers a median social worker salary of $50,922, which is $553 above the Louisiana state average of $50,369. Compared to the national median of $55,350, Baton Rouge pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Baton Rouge's cost of living is 92% of the national average, meaning salary figures here closely reflect actual purchasing power. This makes direct comparisons to other cities straightforward.

The salary range for social workers in Baton Rouge spans from $33,488 at the 10th percentile to $80,776 at the 90th percentile — a $47,288 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $34,960, while senior social workers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $75,440. With a population of 227,470, Baton Rouge is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Social Worker Salary in Baton Rouge by Experience

In Baton Rouge, an entry-level social worker earns around $34,960, while experienced professionals earn up to $75,440 per year. The local cost of living index is 92% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$34,960
$-3,040 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$51,520
$-4,480 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$75,440
$-6,560 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Baton Rouge, LA

Percentile Baton Rouge
10th Percentile $33,488
25th Percentile $40,664
Median (50th) $50,922
75th Percentile $64,768
90th Percentile $80,776

Social Worker Salary in Other Louisiana Cities

New Orleans, LA
$54,243
Pop. 383,997
Lafayette, LA
$48,708
Pop. 121,374
Lake Charles, LA
$47,601
Pop. 80,000
Shreveport, LA
$47,048
Pop. 187,593

How to Become a Social Worker in Baton Rouge

Education

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

Find Social Worker Jobs in Baton Rouge

Browse open social worker positions in Baton Rouge, LA:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Social Worker Salary in Baton Rouge

How much does a Social Worker make in Baton Rouge, LA? ▼
The median social worker salary in Baton Rouge, Louisiana is $50,922 per year, which is 8% below the national median of $55,350. Salaries range from $33,488 (10th percentile) to $80,776 (90th percentile).
How much does a Social Worker make per hour in Baton Rouge? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $50,922, a social worker in Baton Rouge earns approximately $24 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Baton Rouge compare to the Louisiana state average for social worker pay? ▼
Baton Rouge's median social worker salary of $50,922 is 1.1% above the Louisiana state average of $50,369. The local cost of living index is 92% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Baton Rouge, LA? ▼
Baton Rouge has a cost of living index of 92% compared to the national average. This means a social worker salary of $50,922 in Baton Rouge has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a social worker in Baton Rouge? ▼
Most social worker positions in Baton Rouge 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.