Creative & Education Elizabeth, NJ Pop. 137,298

Social Worker Salary in Elizabeth, New Jersey

The median social worker salary in Elizabeth, NJ is $59,778 per year, which is 8.0% above the national median and 6.1% below the New Jersey state average.

City Median
$59,778
vs State Avg
$-3,874
vs National
+$4,428
Cost of Living
108%

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

Elizabeth offers a median social worker salary of $59,778, which is $3,874 below the New Jersey state average of $63,652. Compared to the national median of $55,350, Elizabeth pays above average for this role.

Elizabeth's cost of living is 108% 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 Elizabeth spans from $39,312 at the 10th percentile to $94,824 at the 90th percentile — a $55,512 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $41,040, while senior social workers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $88,560. With a population of 137,298, Elizabeth is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Social Worker Salary in Elizabeth by Experience

In Elizabeth, an entry-level social worker earns around $41,040, while experienced professionals earn up to $88,560 per year. The local cost of living index is 108% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$41,040
+$3,040 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$60,480
+$4,480 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$88,560
+$6,560 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Elizabeth, NJ

Percentile Elizabeth
10th Percentile $39,312
25th Percentile $47,736
Median (50th) $59,778
75th Percentile $76,032
90th Percentile $94,824

Social Worker Salary in Other New Jersey Cities

How to Become a Social Worker in Elizabeth

Education

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

Find Social Worker Jobs in Elizabeth

Browse open social worker positions in Elizabeth, NJ:

Frequently Asked Questions: Social Worker Salary in Elizabeth

How much does a Social Worker make in Elizabeth, NJ? ▼
The median social worker salary in Elizabeth, New Jersey is $59,778 per year, which is 8.0% above the national median of $55,350. Salaries range from $39,312 (10th percentile) to $94,824 (90th percentile).
How much does a Social Worker make per hour in Elizabeth? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $59,778, a social worker in Elizabeth earns approximately $29 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Elizabeth compare to the New Jersey state average for social worker pay? ▼
Elizabeth's median social worker salary of $59,778 is 6.1% below the New Jersey state average of $63,652. The local cost of living index is 108% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Elizabeth, NJ? ▼
Elizabeth has a cost of living index of 108% compared to the national average. This means a social worker salary of $59,778 in Elizabeth has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a social worker in Elizabeth? ▼
Most social worker positions in Elizabeth 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.