Social Worker Salary in Winston-Salem, NC: $47,601 (2026)

Social Worker Pay in Winston-Salem: What to Expect (2026)

Winston-Salem offers a median social worker salary of $47,601, which is $3,321 below the North Carolina state average of $50,922. Compared to the national median of $55,350, Winston-Salem pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Winston-Salem'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 Winston-Salem an attractive option for social workers seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for social workers in Winston-Salem 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 249,545, Winston-Salem is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Social Worker Salary in Winston-Salem by Experience

In Winston-Salem, 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

Percentile	Winston-Salem	NC State	National
10th Percentile	$31,304	$33,488	$36,400
25th Percentile	$38,012	$40,664	$44,200
Median (50th)	$47,601	$50,922	$55,350
75th Percentile	$60,544	$64,768	$70,400
90th Percentile	$75,508	$80,776	$87,800

Percentile

Winston-Salem

10th Percentile

$31,304

25th Percentile

$38,012

Median (50th)

$47,601

75th Percentile

$60,544

90th Percentile

$75,508

How to Become a Social Worker in Winston-Salem

Education

Most social worker positions require a bachelor's degree. Winston-Salem and the surrounding North Carolina 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 Winston-Salem may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Frequently Asked Questions: Social Worker Salary in Winston-Salem

How much does a Social Worker make in Winston-Salem, NC? ▼

The median social worker salary in Winston-Salem, North Carolina 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 Winston-Salem? ▼

Based on the median annual salary of $47,601, a social worker in Winston-Salem earns approximately $23 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

How does Winston-Salem compare to the North Carolina state average for social worker pay? ▼

Winston-Salem's median social worker salary of $47,601 is 6.5% below the North Carolina state average of $50,922. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.

What is the cost of living in Winston-Salem, NC? ▼

Winston-Salem has a cost of living index of 86% compared to the national average. This means a social worker salary of $47,601 in Winston-Salem has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.

What qualifications do I need to become a social worker in Winston-Salem? ▼

Most social worker positions in Winston-Salem 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.

Social Worker Salary in Winston-Salem, North Carolina