Creative & Education Memphis, TN Pop. 633,104

Social Worker Salary in Memphis, Tennessee

The median social worker salary in Memphis, TN is $47,601 per year, which is 14% below the national median and 3.4% below the Tennessee state average.

City Median
$47,601
vs State Avg
$-1,661
vs National
$-7,749
Cost of Living
86%

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

Memphis offers a median social worker salary of $47,601, which is $1,661 below the Tennessee state average of $49,262. Compared to the national median of $55,350, Memphis pays below the national benchmark for this role.

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

The salary range for social workers in Memphis 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. As a major metro area with a population of 633,104, Memphis typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Social Worker Salary in Memphis by Experience

In Memphis, 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

Salary Percentiles in Memphis, TN

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

Social Worker Salary in Other Tennessee Cities

Nashville, TN
$55,350
Pop. 689,447
Murfreesboro, TN
$50,922
Pop. 152,769
Knoxville, TN
$48,708
Pop. 190,740
Chattanooga, TN
$48,708
Pop. 181,099

How to Become a Social Worker in Memphis

Education

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

Find Social Worker Jobs in Memphis

Browse open social worker positions in Memphis, TN:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Social Worker Salary in Memphis

How much does a Social Worker make in Memphis, TN? ▼
The median social worker salary in Memphis, Tennessee 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 Memphis? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $47,601, a social worker in Memphis earns approximately $23 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Memphis compare to the Tennessee state average for social worker pay? ▼
Memphis's median social worker salary of $47,601 is 3.4% below the Tennessee state average of $49,262. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Memphis, TN? ▼
Memphis has a cost of living index of 86% compared to the national average. This means a social worker salary of $47,601 in Memphis has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a social worker in Memphis? ▼
Most social worker positions in Memphis 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.