Creative & Education Baltimore, MD Pop. 585,708

Social Worker Salary in Baltimore, Maryland

The median social worker salary in Baltimore, MD is $59,778 per year, which is 8.0% above the national median and 1.8% below the Maryland state average.

City Median
$59,778
vs State Avg
$-1,107
vs National
+$4,428
Cost of Living
108%

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

Baltimore offers a median social worker salary of $59,778, which is $1,107 below the Maryland state average of $60,885. Compared to the national median of $55,350, Baltimore pays above average for this role.

Baltimore's cost of living is 108% 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 Baltimore spans from $39,312 at the 10th percentile to $94,824 at the 90th percentile — a $55,512 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $41,040, while senior social workers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $88,560. As a major metro area with a population of 585,708, Baltimore typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Social Worker Salary in Baltimore by Experience

In Baltimore, an entry-level social worker earns around $41,040, while experienced professionals earn up to $88,560 per year. The local cost of living index is 108% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$41,040
+$3,040 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$60,480
+$4,480 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$88,560
+$6,560 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Baltimore, MD

Percentile Baltimore
10th Percentile $39,312
25th Percentile $47,736
Median (50th) $59,778
75th Percentile $76,032
90th Percentile $94,824

Social Worker Salary in Other Maryland Cities

Silver Spring, MD
$67,527
Pop. 81,015
Columbia, MD
$65,313
Pop. 104,681
Germantown, MD
$63,652
Pop. 90,676
Waldorf, MD
$58,118
Pop. 77,000

How to Become a Social Worker in Baltimore

Education

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

Find Social Worker Jobs in Baltimore

Browse open social worker positions in Baltimore, MD:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Social Worker Salary in Baltimore

How much does a Social Worker make in Baltimore, MD? ▼
The median social worker salary in Baltimore, Maryland is $59,778 per year, which is 8.0% above the national median of $55,350. Salaries range from $39,312 (10th percentile) to $94,824 (90th percentile).
How much does a Social Worker make per hour in Baltimore? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $59,778, a social worker in Baltimore earns approximately $29 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Baltimore compare to the Maryland state average for social worker pay? ▼
Baltimore's median social worker salary of $59,778 is 1.8% below the Maryland state average of $60,885. The local cost of living index is 108% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Baltimore, MD? ▼
Baltimore has a cost of living index of 108% compared to the national average. This means a social worker salary of $59,778 in Baltimore has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a social worker in Baltimore? ▼
Most social worker positions in Baltimore 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.