Creative & Education Tennessee (TN) Rank #41 of 50

Social Worker Salary in Tennessee

The median social worker salary in Tennessee is $49,262 per year, which is 11% below the national median of $55,350.

Median Salary
$49,262
vs National
$-6,088
State Rank
#41 of 50
Cost of Living
89%

Social Worker Salary in Tennessee by Experience

In Tennessee, an entry-level social worker earns around $33,820, while experienced professionals earn up to $72,980 per year. The cost of living index in Tennessee is 89% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$33,820
$-4,180 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$49,840
$-6,160 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$72,980
$-9,020 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Tennessee

Percentile TN Salary
10th Percentile $32,396
25th Percentile $39,338
Median (50th) $49,262
75th Percentile $62,656
90th Percentile $78,142

Major Cities for Social Workers in Tennessee

The largest employment areas for social workers in Tennessee include Nashville, Memphis, Knoxville, and Chattanooga. Salaries in major metro areas may be higher due to increased demand and cost of living.

Nashville, TN
Metro area for social worker employment
Memphis, TN
Metro area for social worker employment
Knoxville, TN
Metro area for social worker employment
Chattanooga, TN
Metro area for social worker employment
Murfreesboro, TN
Metro area for social worker employment

How to Become a Social Worker in Tennessee

Education

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

Key Skills

Case ManagementCounselingCrisis InterventionCommunity ResourcesAdvocacyDocumentation

Job Outlook in Tennessee

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