Creative & Education Lansing, MI Pop. 112,644

Social Worker Salary in Lansing, Michigan

The median social worker salary in Lansing, MI is $47,601 per year, which is 14% below the national median and 4.4% below the Michigan state average.

City Median
$47,601
vs State Avg
$-2,214
vs National
$-7,749
Cost of Living
86%

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

Lansing offers a median social worker salary of $47,601, which is $2,214 below the Michigan state average of $49,815. Compared to the national median of $55,350, Lansing pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Lansing's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 86% of the national average. This means the $47,601 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $55,350 in an average-cost city. This makes Lansing an attractive option for social workers seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for social workers in Lansing spans from $31,304 at the 10th percentile to $75,508 at the 90th percentile — a $44,204 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $32,680, while senior social workers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $70,520. With a population of 112,644, Lansing is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Social Worker Salary in Lansing by Experience

In Lansing, an entry-level social worker earns around $32,680, while experienced professionals earn up to $70,520 per year. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$32,680
$-5,320 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$48,160
$-7,840 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$70,520
$-11,480 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Lansing, MI

Percentile Lansing
10th Percentile $31,304
25th Percentile $38,012
Median (50th) $47,601
75th Percentile $60,544
90th Percentile $75,508

Social Worker Salary in Other Michigan Cities

Ann Arbor, MI
$58,118
Pop. 123,851
Grand Rapids, MI
$49,815
Pop. 198,917
Detroit, MI
$48,708
Pop. 639,111
Warren, MI
$48,708
Pop. 139,387

How to Become a Social Worker in Lansing

Education

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

Find Social Worker Jobs in Lansing

Browse open social worker positions in Lansing, MI:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Social Worker Salary in Lansing

How much does a Social Worker make in Lansing, MI? ▼
The median social worker salary in Lansing, Michigan is $47,601 per year, which is 14% below the national median of $55,350. Salaries range from $31,304 (10th percentile) to $75,508 (90th percentile).
How much does a Social Worker make per hour in Lansing? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $47,601, a social worker in Lansing earns approximately $23 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Lansing compare to the Michigan state average for social worker pay? ▼
Lansing's median social worker salary of $47,601 is 4.4% below the Michigan state average of $49,815. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Lansing, MI? ▼
Lansing has a cost of living index of 86% compared to the national average. This means a social worker salary of $47,601 in Lansing has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a social worker in Lansing? ▼
Most social worker positions in Lansing 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.