Creative & Education Lafayette, LA Pop. 121,374

Social Worker Salary in Lafayette, Louisiana

The median social worker salary in Lafayette, LA is $48,708 per year, which is 12% below the national median and 3.3% below the Louisiana state average.

City Median
$48,708
vs State Avg
$-1,661
vs National
$-6,642
Cost of Living
88%

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

Lafayette offers a median social worker salary of $48,708, which is $1,661 below the Louisiana state average of $50,369. Compared to the national median of $55,350, Lafayette pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Lafayette's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 88% of the national average. This means the $48,708 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $55,350 in an average-cost city. This makes Lafayette an attractive option for social workers seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for social workers in Lafayette spans from $32,032 at the 10th percentile to $77,264 at the 90th percentile — a $45,232 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $33,440, while senior social workers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $72,160. With a population of 121,374, Lafayette is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Social Worker Salary in Lafayette by Experience

In Lafayette, an entry-level social worker earns around $33,440, while experienced professionals earn up to $72,160 per year. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$33,440
$-4,560 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$49,280
$-6,720 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$72,160
$-9,840 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Lafayette, LA

Percentile Lafayette
10th Percentile $32,032
25th Percentile $38,896
Median (50th) $48,708
75th Percentile $61,952
90th Percentile $77,264

Social Worker Salary in Other Louisiana Cities

New Orleans, LA
$54,243
Pop. 383,997
Baton Rouge, LA
$50,922
Pop. 227,470
Lake Charles, LA
$47,601
Pop. 80,000
Shreveport, LA
$47,048
Pop. 187,593

How to Become a Social Worker in Lafayette

Education

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

Find Social Worker Jobs in Lafayette

Browse open social worker positions in Lafayette, LA:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Social Worker Salary in Lafayette

How much does a Social Worker make in Lafayette, LA? ▼
The median social worker salary in Lafayette, Louisiana is $48,708 per year, which is 12% below the national median of $55,350. Salaries range from $32,032 (10th percentile) to $77,264 (90th percentile).
How much does a Social Worker make per hour in Lafayette? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $48,708, a social worker in Lafayette earns approximately $23 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Lafayette compare to the Louisiana state average for social worker pay? ▼
Lafayette's median social worker salary of $48,708 is 3.3% below the Louisiana state average of $50,369. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Lafayette, LA? ▼
Lafayette has a cost of living index of 88% compared to the national average. This means a social worker salary of $48,708 in Lafayette has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a social worker in Lafayette? ▼
Most social worker positions in Lafayette 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.