Creative & Education Detroit, MI Pop. 639,111

Social Worker Salary in Detroit, Michigan

The median social worker salary in Detroit, MI is $48,708 per year, which is 12% below the national median and 2.2% below the Michigan state average.

City Median
$48,708
vs State Avg
$-1,107
vs National
$-6,642
Cost of Living
88%

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

Detroit offers a median social worker salary of $48,708, which is $1,107 below the Michigan state average of $49,815. Compared to the national median of $55,350, Detroit pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Detroit'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 Detroit an attractive option for social workers seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for social workers in Detroit 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. As a major metro area with a population of 639,111, Detroit typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Social Worker Salary in Detroit by Experience

In Detroit, 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 Detroit, MI

Percentile Detroit
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 Michigan Cities

Ann Arbor, MI
$58,118
Pop. 123,851
Grand Rapids, MI
$49,815
Pop. 198,917
Warren, MI
$48,708
Pop. 139,387
Lansing, MI
$47,601
Pop. 112,644

How to Become a Social Worker in Detroit

Education

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

Find Social Worker Jobs in Detroit

Browse open social worker positions in Detroit, MI:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Social Worker Salary in Detroit

How much does a Social Worker make in Detroit, MI? ▼
The median social worker salary in Detroit, Michigan 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 Detroit? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $48,708, a social worker in Detroit earns approximately $23 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Detroit compare to the Michigan state average for social worker pay? ▼
Detroit's median social worker salary of $48,708 is 2.2% below the Michigan state average of $49,815. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Detroit, MI? ▼
Detroit has a cost of living index of 88% compared to the national average. This means a social worker salary of $48,708 in Detroit has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a social worker in Detroit? ▼
Most social worker positions in Detroit 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.