Creative & Education Seattle, WA Pop. 737,015

Social Worker Salary in Seattle, Washington

The median social worker salary in Seattle, WA is $81,918 per year, which is 48.0% above the national median and 28.7% above the Washington state average.

City Median
$81,918
vs State Avg
+$18,266
vs National
+$26,568
Cost of Living
148%

Social Worker Salary in Seattle by Experience

In Seattle, an entry-level social worker earns around $56,240, while experienced professionals earn up to $121,360 per year. The local cost of living index is 148% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$56,240
+$18,240 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$82,880
+$26,880 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$121,360
+$39,360 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Seattle, WA

Percentile Seattle
10th Percentile $53,872
25th Percentile $65,416
Median (50th) $81,918
75th Percentile $104,192
90th Percentile $129,944

Social Worker Salary in Other Washington Cities

Bellevue, WA
$84,132
Pop. 151,854
Tacoma, WA
$60,885
Pop. 219,346
Vancouver, WA
$56,457
Pop. 190,915
Spokane, WA
$50,922
Pop. 228,989

How to Become a Social Worker in Seattle

Education

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

Find Social Worker Jobs in Seattle

Browse open social worker positions in Seattle, WA:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Social Worker Salary in Seattle

How much does a Social Worker make in Seattle, WA? ▼
The median social worker salary in Seattle, Washington is $81,918 per year, which is 48.0% above the national median of $55,350. Salaries range from $53,872 (10th percentile) to $129,944 (90th percentile).
How much does a Social Worker make per hour in Seattle? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $81,918, a social worker in Seattle earns approximately $39 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Seattle compare to the Washington state average for social worker pay? ▼
Seattle's median social worker salary of $81,918 is 28.7% above the Washington state average of $63,652. The local cost of living index is 148% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Seattle, WA? ▼
Seattle has a cost of living index of 148% compared to the national average. This means a social worker salary of $81,918 in Seattle has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a social worker in Seattle? ▼
Most social worker positions in Seattle 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.