Creative & Education Portland, OR Pop. 652,503

Social Worker Salary in Portland, Oregon

The median social worker salary in Portland, OR is $65,313 per year, which is 18.0% above the national median and 7.3% above the Oregon state average.

City Median
$65,313
vs State Avg
+$4,428
vs National
+$9,963
Cost of Living
118%

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

Portland offers a median social worker salary of $65,313, which is $4,428 above the Oregon state average of $60,885. Compared to the national median of $55,350, Portland pays above average for this role.

However, Portland's cost of living index is 118%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $65,313 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $55,350. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Portland should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for social workers in Portland spans from $42,952 at the 10th percentile to $103,604 at the 90th percentile — a $60,652 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $44,840, while senior social workers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $96,760. As a major metro area with a population of 652,503, Portland typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Social Worker Salary in Portland by Experience

In Portland, an entry-level social worker earns around $44,840, while experienced professionals earn up to $96,760 per year. The local cost of living index is 118% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$44,840
+$6,840 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$66,080
+$10,080 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$96,760
+$14,760 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Portland, OR

Percentile Portland
10th Percentile $42,952
25th Percentile $52,156
Median (50th) $65,313
75th Percentile $83,072
90th Percentile $103,604

Social Worker Salary in Other Oregon Cities

Hillsboro, OR
$61,992
Pop. 106,447
Gresham, OR
$59,778
Pop. 113,103
Eugene, OR
$58,118
Pop. 176,654
Salem, OR
$56,457
Pop. 175,535

How to Become a Social Worker in Portland

Education

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

Find Social Worker Jobs in Portland

Browse open social worker positions in Portland, OR:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Social Worker Salary in Portland

How much does a Social Worker make in Portland, OR? ▼
The median social worker salary in Portland, Oregon is $65,313 per year, which is 18.0% above the national median of $55,350. Salaries range from $42,952 (10th percentile) to $103,604 (90th percentile).
How much does a Social Worker make per hour in Portland? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $65,313, a social worker in Portland earns approximately $31 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Portland compare to the Oregon state average for social worker pay? ▼
Portland's median social worker salary of $65,313 is 7.3% above the Oregon state average of $60,885. The local cost of living index is 118% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Portland, OR? ▼
Portland has a cost of living index of 118% compared to the national average. This means a social worker salary of $65,313 in Portland has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a social worker in Portland? ▼
Most social worker positions in Portland 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.