Creative & Education Virginia Beach, VA Pop. 449,974

Social Worker Salary in Virginia Beach, Virginia

The median social worker salary in Virginia Beach, VA is $56,457 per year, which is 2.0% above the national median and 1.9% below the Virginia state average.

City Median
$56,457
vs State Avg
$-1,107
vs National
+$1,107
Cost of Living
102%

Social Worker Pay in Virginia Beach: What to Expect (2026)

Virginia Beach offers a median social worker salary of $56,457, which is $1,107 below the Virginia state average of $57,564. Compared to the national median of $55,350, Virginia Beach pays above average for this role.

Virginia Beach's cost of living is 102% of the national average, meaning salary figures here closely reflect actual purchasing power. This makes direct comparisons to other cities straightforward.

The salary range for social workers in Virginia Beach spans from $37,128 at the 10th percentile to $89,556 at the 90th percentile — a $52,428 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $38,760, while senior social workers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $83,640. With a population of 449,974, Virginia Beach is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Social Worker Salary in Virginia Beach by Experience

In Virginia Beach, an entry-level social worker earns around $38,760, while experienced professionals earn up to $83,640 per year. The local cost of living index is 102% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$38,760
+$760 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$57,120
+$1,120 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$83,640
+$1,640 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Virginia Beach, VA

Percentile Virginia Beach
10th Percentile $37,128
25th Percentile $45,084
Median (50th) $56,457
75th Percentile $71,808
90th Percentile $89,556

Social Worker Salary in Other Virginia Cities

Arlington, VA
$73,062
Pop. 238,643
Richmond, VA
$55,350
Pop. 226,610
Chesapeake, VA
$54,243
Pop. 249,422
Norfolk, VA
$53,136
Pop. 238,005

How to Become a Social Worker in Virginia Beach

Education

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

Find Social Worker Jobs in Virginia Beach

Browse open social worker positions in Virginia Beach, VA:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Social Worker Salary in Virginia Beach

How much does a Social Worker make in Virginia Beach, VA? ▼
The median social worker salary in Virginia Beach, Virginia is $56,457 per year, which is 2.0% above the national median of $55,350. Salaries range from $37,128 (10th percentile) to $89,556 (90th percentile).
How much does a Social Worker make per hour in Virginia Beach? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $56,457, a social worker in Virginia Beach earns approximately $27 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Virginia Beach compare to the Virginia state average for social worker pay? ▼
Virginia Beach's median social worker salary of $56,457 is 1.9% below the Virginia state average of $57,564. The local cost of living index is 102% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Virginia Beach, VA? ▼
Virginia Beach has a cost of living index of 102% compared to the national average. This means a social worker salary of $56,457 in Virginia Beach has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a social worker in Virginia Beach? ▼
Most social worker positions in Virginia Beach 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.