Creative & Education Saint Louis, MO Pop. 301,578

Social Worker Salary in Saint Louis, Missouri

The median social worker salary in Saint Louis, MO is $49,815 per year, which is 10% below the national median and 2.3% above the Missouri state average.

City Median
$49,815
vs State Avg
+$1,107
vs National
$-5,535
Cost of Living
90%

Social Worker Pay in Saint Louis: What to Expect (2026)

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

Saint Louis's cost of living is 90% 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 Saint Louis spans from $32,760 at the 10th percentile to $79,020 at the 90th percentile — a $46,260 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $34,200, while senior social workers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $73,800. With a population of 301,578, Saint Louis is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Social Worker Salary in Saint Louis by Experience

In Saint Louis, an entry-level social worker earns around $34,200, while experienced professionals earn up to $73,800 per year. The local cost of living index is 90% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$34,200
$-3,800 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$50,400
$-5,600 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$73,800
$-8,200 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Saint Louis, MO

Percentile Saint Louis
10th Percentile $32,760
25th Percentile $39,780
Median (50th) $49,815
75th Percentile $63,360
90th Percentile $79,020

Social Worker Salary in Other Missouri Cities

Kansas City, MO
$50,922
Pop. 508,090
Columbia, MO
$48,708
Pop. 126,254
Independence, MO
$47,048
Pop. 123,011
Springfield, MO
$45,387
Pop. 169,176

How to Become a Social Worker in Saint Louis

Education

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

Find Social Worker Jobs in Saint Louis

Browse open social worker positions in Saint Louis, MO:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Social Worker Salary in Saint Louis

How much does a Social Worker make in Saint Louis, MO? ▼
The median social worker salary in Saint Louis, Missouri is $49,815 per year, which is 10% below the national median of $55,350. Salaries range from $32,760 (10th percentile) to $79,020 (90th percentile).
How much does a Social Worker make per hour in Saint Louis? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $49,815, a social worker in Saint Louis earns approximately $24 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Saint Louis compare to the Missouri state average for social worker pay? ▼
Saint Louis's median social worker salary of $49,815 is 2.3% above the Missouri state average of $48,708. The local cost of living index is 90% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Saint Louis, MO? ▼
Saint Louis has a cost of living index of 90% compared to the national average. This means a social worker salary of $49,815 in Saint Louis has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a social worker in Saint Louis? ▼
Most social worker positions in Saint Louis 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.