Creative & Education Utah (UT) Rank #22 of 50

Social Worker Salary in Utah

The median social worker salary in Utah is $53,690 per year, which is 3% below the national median of $55,350.

Median Salary
$53,690
vs National
$-1,660
State Rank
#22 of 50
Cost of Living
97%

Social Worker Salary Overview in Utah (2026)

Utah ranks #22 out of 50 states for social worker compensation. Utah falls in the middle of the pack for social worker pay, offering salaries near the national average. At $53,690 per year, social workers in Utah earn $1,660 less than the national median of $55,350.

Utah's cost of living is near the national average at 97%, meaning social worker salaries here translate closely to their face value in purchasing power.

The salary spread in Utah is significant: social workers at the 10th percentile earn $35,308, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $85,166 — a $49,858 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Utah for this role is Salt Lake City, where the median reaches $56,457.

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 Utah by Experience

In Utah, an entry-level social worker earns around $36,860, while experienced professionals earn up to $79,540 per year. The cost of living index in Utah is 97% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$36,860
$-1,140 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$54,320
$-1,680 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$79,540
$-2,460 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Utah

Percentile UT Salary
10th Percentile $35,308
25th Percentile $42,874
Median (50th) $53,690
75th Percentile $68,288
90th Percentile $85,166

Social Worker Salary by City in Utah

The largest employment areas for social workers in Utah include Salt Lake City, West Valley City, Provo, and West Jordan. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Social Worker in Utah

Education

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

Key Skills

Case ManagementCounselingCrisis InterventionCommunity ResourcesAdvocacyDocumentation

Job Outlook in Utah

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

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Frequently Asked Questions: Social Worker Salary in Utah

How much does a Social Worker make in Utah? ▼
The median social worker salary in Utah is $53,690 per year, which is 3% below the national median of $55,350. Salaries range from $35,308 (10th percentile) to $85,166 (90th percentile).
How much does a Social Worker make per hour in Utah? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $53,690, a social worker in Utah earns approximately $26 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Utah a good state for social workers? ▼
Utah ranks #22 out of 50 states for social worker pay. The cost of living index is 97% of the national average. Entry-level social workers earn $36,860, while senior professionals earn $79,540.
How does Utah compare to other states for social worker salary? ▼
The highest paying state for social workers is Hawaii at $94,095. Utah's median of $53,690 ranks #22 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Minnesota ($53,690) and Nevada ($53,690).
What is the entry-level social worker salary in Utah? ▼
An entry-level social worker in Utah earns approximately $36,860 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $54,320. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $79,540.
What city in Utah pays social workers the most? ▼
Salt Lake City is the highest paying city in Utah for social workers, with a median salary of $56,457. Other cities include West Valley City and Provo.