Creative & Education Springfield, MO Pop. 169,176

Social Worker Salary in Springfield, Missouri

The median social worker salary in Springfield, MO is $45,387 per year, which is 18% below the national median and 6.8% below the Missouri state average.

City Median
$45,387
vs State Avg
$-3,321
vs National
$-9,963
Cost of Living
82%

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

Springfield offers a median social worker salary of $45,387, which is $3,321 below the Missouri state average of $48,708. Compared to the national median of $55,350, Springfield pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Springfield's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 82% of the national average. This means the $45,387 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $55,350 in an average-cost city. This makes Springfield an attractive option for social workers seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for social workers in Springfield spans from $29,848 at the 10th percentile to $71,996 at the 90th percentile — a $42,148 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $31,160, while senior social workers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $67,240. With a population of 169,176, Springfield is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Social Worker Salary in Springfield by Experience

In Springfield, an entry-level social worker earns around $31,160, while experienced professionals earn up to $67,240 per year. The local cost of living index is 82% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$31,160
$-6,840 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$45,920
$-10,080 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$67,240
$-14,760 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Springfield, MO

Percentile Springfield
10th Percentile $29,848
25th Percentile $36,244
Median (50th) $45,387
75th Percentile $57,728
90th Percentile $71,996

Social Worker Salary in Other Missouri Cities

Kansas City, MO
$50,922
Pop. 508,090
Saint Louis, MO
$49,815
Pop. 301,578
Columbia, MO
$48,708
Pop. 126,254
Independence, MO
$47,048
Pop. 123,011

How to Become a Social Worker in Springfield

Education

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

Find Social Worker Jobs in Springfield

Browse open social worker positions in Springfield, MO:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Social Worker Salary in Springfield

How much does a Social Worker make in Springfield, MO? ▼
The median social worker salary in Springfield, Missouri is $45,387 per year, which is 18% below the national median of $55,350. Salaries range from $29,848 (10th percentile) to $71,996 (90th percentile).
How much does a Social Worker make per hour in Springfield? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $45,387, a social worker in Springfield earns approximately $22 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Springfield compare to the Missouri state average for social worker pay? ▼
Springfield's median social worker salary of $45,387 is 6.8% below the Missouri state average of $48,708. The local cost of living index is 82% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Springfield, MO? ▼
Springfield has a cost of living index of 82% compared to the national average. This means a social worker salary of $45,387 in Springfield has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a social worker in Springfield? ▼
Most social worker positions in Springfield 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.