Creative & Education Oklahoma (OK) Rank #47 of 50

Social Worker Salary in Oklahoma

The median social worker salary in Oklahoma is $47,601 per year, which is 14% below the national median of $55,350.

Median Salary
$47,601
vs National
$-7,749
State Rank
#47 of 50
Cost of Living
86%

Social Worker Salary Overview in Oklahoma (2026)

Oklahoma ranks #47 out of 50 states for social worker compensation. Social Worker salaries in Oklahoma are below the national median, though the lower cost of living can offset the difference. At $47,601 per year, social workers in Oklahoma earn $7,749 less than the national median of $55,350.

A key advantage of working in Oklahoma is its below-average cost of living (86% of the national index). This means the $47,601 salary has the purchasing power of roughly $55,350 in an average-cost area.

The salary spread in Oklahoma is significant: social workers at the 10th percentile earn $31,304, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $75,508 — a $44,204 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Oklahoma for this role is Edmond, where the median reaches $50,922.

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 Oklahoma by Experience

In Oklahoma, an entry-level social worker earns around $32,680, while experienced professionals earn up to $70,520 per year. The cost of living index in Oklahoma 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

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Salary Percentiles in Oklahoma

Percentile OK Salary
10th Percentile $31,304
25th Percentile $38,012
Median (50th) $47,601
75th Percentile $60,544
90th Percentile $75,508

Social Worker Salary by City in Oklahoma

The largest employment areas for social workers in Oklahoma include Oklahoma City, Tulsa, Norman, and Broken Arrow. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Social Worker in Oklahoma

Education

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

Key Skills

Case ManagementCounselingCrisis InterventionCommunity ResourcesAdvocacyDocumentation

Job Outlook in Oklahoma

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

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Frequently Asked Questions: Social Worker Salary in Oklahoma

How much does a Social Worker make in Oklahoma? ▼
The median social worker salary in Oklahoma 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 Oklahoma? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $47,601, a social worker in Oklahoma earns approximately $23 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Oklahoma a good state for social workers? ▼
Oklahoma ranks #47 out of 50 states for social worker pay. The cost of living index is 86% of the national average. Entry-level social workers earn $32,680, while senior professionals earn $70,520.
How does Oklahoma compare to other states for social worker salary? ▼
The highest paying state for social workers is Hawaii at $94,095. Oklahoma's median of $47,601 ranks #47 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Kansas ($48,155) and Kentucky ($48,155).
What is the entry-level social worker salary in Oklahoma? ▼
An entry-level social worker in Oklahoma earns approximately $32,680 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $48,160. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $70,520.
What city in Oklahoma pays social workers the most? ▼
Edmond is the highest paying city in Oklahoma for social workers, with a median salary of $50,922. Other cities include Oklahoma City and Tulsa.