Creative & Education Mississippi (MS) Rank #50 of 50

Social Worker Salary in Mississippi

The median social worker salary in Mississippi is $45,941 per year, which is 17% below the national median of $55,350.

Median Salary
$45,941
vs National
$-9,409
State Rank
#50 of 50
Cost of Living
83%

Social Worker Salary Overview in Mississippi (2026)

Mississippi ranks #50 out of 50 states for social worker compensation. Social Worker salaries in Mississippi are below the national median, though the lower cost of living can offset the difference. At $45,941 per year, social workers in Mississippi earn $9,409 less than the national median of $55,350.

A key advantage of working in Mississippi is its below-average cost of living (83% of the national index). This means the $45,941 salary has the purchasing power of roughly $55,351 in an average-cost area.

The salary spread in Mississippi is significant: social workers at the 10th percentile earn $30,212, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $72,874 — a $42,662 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Mississippi for this role is Jackson, where the median reaches $47,048.

Nationally, social worker employment is projected to grow 7% over the next decade (faster than average). This steady growth indicates stable demand for social workers across the country.

Social Worker Salary in Mississippi by Experience

In Mississippi, an entry-level social worker earns around $31,540, while experienced professionals earn up to $68,060 per year. The cost of living index in Mississippi is 83% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$31,540
$-6,460 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$46,480
$-9,520 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$68,060
$-13,940 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Mississippi

Percentile MS Salary
10th Percentile $30,212
25th Percentile $36,686
Median (50th) $45,941
75th Percentile $58,432
90th Percentile $72,874

Social Worker Salary by City in Mississippi

The largest employment areas for social workers in Mississippi include Jackson, Gulfport, Southaven, and Hattiesburg. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Social Worker in Mississippi

Education

Most social worker positions require a bachelor's degree. Mississippi has several accredited institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Case ManagementCounselingCrisis InterventionCommunity ResourcesAdvocacyDocumentation

Job Outlook in Mississippi

Nationally, social worker employment is projected to grow 7% over the next decade (faster than average). Mississippi's demand may vary based on local industry trends.

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Frequently Asked Questions: Social Worker Salary in Mississippi

How much does a Social Worker make in Mississippi? ▼
The median social worker salary in Mississippi is $45,941 per year, which is 17% below the national median of $55,350. Salaries range from $30,212 (10th percentile) to $72,874 (90th percentile).
How much does a Social Worker make per hour in Mississippi? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $45,941, a social worker in Mississippi earns approximately $22 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Mississippi a good state for social workers? ▼
Mississippi ranks #50 out of 50 states for social worker pay. The cost of living index is 83% of the national average. Entry-level social workers earn $31,540, while senior professionals earn $68,060.
How does Mississippi compare to other states for social worker salary? ▼
The highest paying state for social workers is Hawaii at $94,095. Mississippi's median of $45,941 ranks #50 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Arkansas ($46,494) and West Virginia ($46,494).
What is the entry-level social worker salary in Mississippi? ▼
An entry-level social worker in Mississippi earns approximately $31,540 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $46,480. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $68,060.
What city in Mississippi pays social workers the most? ▼
Jackson is the highest paying city in Mississippi for social workers, with a median salary of $47,048. Other cities include Gulfport and Southaven.