Social workers' salaries depend on their field, education level, and location. Find out how much social workers make in your state.
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Lyss Welding is a writer for BestColleges' Data Center. They specialize in translating massive data sets and finding stats that matter to students. Lyss has worked in academic research, curriculum design, and program evaluation. They've presented on ...
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Cameren Boatner is a diversity, equity, and inclusion editor at BestColleges. She's a Society of Professional Journalists award winner for her coverage of race, minorities, and Title IX. You can find her work in South Florida Gay News, MSN Money, Deb...
Updated December 15, 2022
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- Social workers typically make from $35,000-$85,000 or more a year.
- Their pay depends on different factors, such as industry and geographical location.
- As a social worker, your level of education may influence your salary potential.
Social workers connect individuals to services. They help and guide them through major life transitions.
Their salaries can vary widely. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual salary for social workers is $51,760, as of May 2020.
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There are many different jobs for social workers. Their work environments and experience can influence their pay.
Keep reading to learn how social work salaries vary based on your job type and field.
What Is the Average Social Work Salary?
Your social worker salary may depend on your focus or specialty. Below are the median annual salaries, as of May 2020, for social workers across three categories listed in the BLS.
- Healthcare Social Workers: $57,630
- Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers: $48,720
- Child, Family, and School Social Workers: $48,430
Highest-Paying Social Work Jobs
Top-paying social work jobs may require advanced degrees, licenses, or other credentials. They include:
| Social Work Job | Average or Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Social Work Professor | $78,110 as of May 2020 |
| Executive Director of a Social Work Organization | $68,660 as of February 2022 |
| Behavior Analyst | $65,220 as of February 2022 |
| Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) | $59,770 as of February 2022 |
| School Counselor | $58,120 as of May 2020 |
Data from the BLS and Payscale
What Field of Social Work Pays the Most?
Social workers tend to earn the most working for the federal government. Federal social workers help guide research and develop social services, healthcare, and education policies. They earn median annual salaries of $82,490, as of May 2020, according to the BLS.
Other top-paying industries for social workers include:
- Hospitals
- Professional organizations and industry advocacy groups
- Outpatient healthcare services
- Insurance carriers
- Local government agencies
Popular Online Bachelor's in Social Work Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
How Much Social Workers Make in Your State
According to the National Association of Social Workers (NASW), Pacific region social workers tend to make higher salaries. Salaries for social workers in the South Central area of the U.S. tend to be lower. However, it's important to consider the type of social work.
Below, we listed salaries for four categories of social workers.
| State | Child, Family, and School Social Workers | Healthcare Social Workers | Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers | Other Social Workers |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $41,630 | $48,290 | $35,780 | $70,420 |
| Alaska | $57,540 | $64,910 | $51,120 | $80,990 |
| Arizona | $41,060 | $59,480 | $39,860 | $64,180 |
| Arkansas | $38,490 | $51,450 | $34,820 | $38,440 |
| California | $52,440 | $77,670 | $68,560 | $73,110 |
| Colorado | $49,690 | $56,470 | $46,710 | $54,870 |
| Connecticut | $69,830 | $70,880 | $66,180 | $65,200 |
| Delaware | $39,210 | $51,290 | $48,650 | No data |
| District of Columbia | $69,700 | $74,920 | $72,770 | No data |
| Florida | $40,370 | $53,510 | $39,610 | $43,660 |
| Georgia | $40,120 | $48,720 | $40,700 | $80,840 |
| Guam | No data | $50,870 | No data | $41,450 |
| Hawaii | $55,660 | $74,700 | $49,730 | $90,150 |
| Idaho | $48,980 | $55,080 | $45,610 | $74,850 |
| Illinois | $54,460 | $56,000 | $51,050 | $75,730 |
| Indiana | $41,310 | $54,690 | $42,360 | $71,000 |
| Iowa | $47,630 | $54,170 | $46,150 | $66,140 |
| Kansas | $44,060 | $57,080 | $44,050 | $73,870 |
| Kentucky | $40,730 | $52,400 | $42,890 | $64,020 |
| Louisiana | $45,600 | $53,700 | $41,750 | $64,680 |
| Maine | $56,670 | $56,760 | $55,760 | $53,080 |
| Maryland | $60,310 | $59,110 | $46,060 | $61,480 |
| Massachusetts | $47,220 | $59,280 | $44,960 | $86,920 |
| Michigan | $51,220 | $57,170 | $48,960 | $54,670 |
| Minnesota | $55,230 | $58,170 | $63,190 | $63,960 |
| Mississippi | $33,200 | $46,790 | $40,480 | $44,400 |
| Missouri | $36,730 | $47,410 | $39,420 | $71,130 |
| Montana | $39,670 | $51,310 | $37,000 | $39,210 |
| Nebraska | $39,780 | $49,600 | $32,070 | $64,290 |
| Nevada | $51,620 | $64,150 | $57,040 | $85,640 |
| New Hampshire | $50,390 | $65,180 | $58,940 | $73,640 |
| New Jersey | $68,740 | $62,470 | $78,500 | $69,270 |
| New Mexico | $43,340 | $56,280 | $51,140 | No data |
| New York | $58,770 | $58,050 | $61,660 | $72,990 |
| North Carolina | $47,470 | $56,800 | $54,220 | $66,140 |
| North Dakota | $56,900 | $54,570 | $51,790 | $72,530 |
| Ohio | $46,590 | $57,360 | $44,380 | $55,070 |
| Oklahoma | $38,740 | $50,580 | $36,680 | $68,280 |
| Oregon | $51,020 | $75,380 | $44,790 | $53,170 |
| Pennsylvania | $42,940 | $55,890 | $37,760 | $65,230 |
| Puerto Rico | $30,070 | $31,200 | $24,940 | $33,050 |
| Rhode Island | $66,110 | $69,610 | $70,070 | $83,150 |
| South Carolina | $40,930 | $56,720 | $35,800 | $44,350 |
| South Dakota | $41,330 | $42,940 | $41,230 | $78,950 |
| Tennessee | $43,850 | $47,960 | $39,660 | $51,420 |
| Texas | $51,100 | $58,380 | $42,070 | $64,110 |
| Utah | $45,340 | $64,630 | $47,380 | $44,280 |
| Vermont | $54,520 | $56,160 | $44,890 | $68,270 |
| Virginia | $51,150 | $55,280 | $48,370 | $79,360 |
| Washington | $58,530 | $67,020 | $55,760 | $81,790 |
| West Virginia | $36,690 | $51,030 | $38,240 | $72,030 |
| Wisconsin | $45,620 | $55,460 | $48,150 | $53,960 |
| Wyoming | $46,710 | $61,210 | $45,690 | $55,040 |
Data sourced from the BLS
| Child, Family, and School Social Workers | Healthcare Social Workers | Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers | Other Social Workers |
|---|---|---|---|
| #1 Connecticut #2 Washington D.C. #3 New Jersey | #1 California #2 Oregon #3 Washington D.C. | #1 New Jersey #2 Washington, D.C. #3 Rhode Island | #1 Hawaii #2 Massachusetts #3 Nevada |
Data sourced from the BLS
Job Growth for Social Workers
The BLS projects that social worker employment will grow 12% from 2020-2030. That's faster than the projected growth rate (of 8%) for all U.S. occupations.
Mental health and substance abuse social workers are projected to see an even steeper increase at 15%. The BLS attributes this growth to more people seeking mental health services and policies directing drug offenders to treatment instead of jail.
More Education Leads to a Higher Social Work Salary
Bachelor's in Social Work Salary
Students in bachelor's in social work (BSW) programs learn the foundations of social work. They may complete internships assisting licensed social workers. When they graduate, they can start a master's degree program or enter the workforce.
BSW graduates are not legally qualified to provide clinical services, such as talk therapy. However, they can get hired for some social work jobs with a BSW. These are entry-level positions in direct service:
Social and Community Service Managers
Median Salary: $69,600, per the BLS (May 2020)
These professionals coordinate programs and manage staff at social service organizations. They might hire people, create budgets, and use data to improve their organization's offerings. They typically have a bachelor's degree in social work or a related field.
Community Outreach Workers
Average Salary: $44,110, per Payscale (February 2022)
Community outreach workers may work for social service organizations to spread the word about their agency's services. They may also recruit or enroll people who may need help. These professionals typically complete extensive on-the-job training.
Housing Case Managers
Average Salary: $42,440 (February 2022)
Case managers support individuals through major life transitions. They advocate for people and connect them to needed services. Housing case managers work with people experiencing homelessness. They help people apply for housing and stay in housing for the long term.
Master's in Social Work (MSW) Salary
A master's in social work prepares graduates for clinical social work, healthcare, and administration careers. You need a master's degree to become a licensed social worker.
Most social workers have master's degrees, according to O*NET OnLine, including:
- 77% of mental health and substance abuse social workers
- 70% of healthcare social workers
- 69% of child, family, and school social workers
Social workers may increase their earning potential by earning an MSW. Check out some of the jobs and salaries for MSW graduates below:
Medical Social Worker
Median Salary: $57,630 (May 2020)
Medical social workers primarily work with patients and their families in hospitals or outpatient clinics. These professionals advocate for patients and help them cope through treatment. They may provide families with emotional support and connect them to support groups or financial resources.
Geriatric Social Worker
Average Salary: $53,410 (February 2022)
Geriatric or gerontological social workers work with older individuals and their families. They may specialize in:
- Transitioning to long-term care
- Investigating elder abuse
- Coping with age-related disease or other aspects of aging
School Social Worker
Median Salary: $52,370 (May 2020)
School social workers try to understand students' lives outside of school to help students do their best. These professionals connect students and families to services when needed. They may also influence school policies to better support students' social and emotional lives.
Doctorate or Ph.D. in Social Work Salary
If you want to study social work at the doctoral level, you can earn a Ph.D. or a doctor of social work degree (DSW). People with a Ph.D. in social work may be qualified to work as professors or researchers. The DSW prepares students to perform macro-level social work, which involves solving systemic problems in society through policies and social programs.
Doctoral degrees in social work may correspond to higher paychecks. Below, check out some of the careers for these graduates.
Policy and Public Administration Researcher
Median Salary: $125,350 (May 2020)
These researchers study forces that impact society's well-being. They may specialize in housing, child welfare, or drug rehabilitation, among other fields. They design research projects, uncover best practices, and help inform policies and legislation.
Department Chair
Average Salary: $82,530 (February 2022)
Department chairs lead an academic department at a college or university. A social work department chair may supervise other faculty, work with the school's administrators, and help get resources for the department or social work research.
Professor
Median Salary: $71,570 (May 2020)
Professors teach and conduct research at colleges and universities. Social work professors might teach courses about family systems, public policy, or program evaluation methods. Professors who are also clinicians may instruct and advise students pursuing social work licensure.
FAQs
What field of social work pays the most? ›
...
Hospitals (state, local and private): $57,660
- Professional, scientific and technical services: $66,760.
- Religious organizations: $68,960.
- Junior colleges: $70,810.
You can make a pretty good living.
According to the Bureau of labor statistics, the median annual earnings of social workers are $51,760 per year.
The average Entry Level Social Worker salary in Texas is $44,421 as of January 26, 2023, but the range typically falls between $38,655 and $50,515.
How much does a social worker make in Texas? ›The average Social Worker (BSW) salary in Texas is $61,170 as of January 26, 2023, but the range typically falls between $54,671 and $68,236.
Is social work a high demand job? ›2022 is a job seeker's market! Social workers are in high demand this year.
How long does it take to be a social worker? ›Courses take two years full time or up to six years part time. train through Step up to Social Work which takes 14 months and combines work and study. apply for the Frontline 2-year programme combining study with supervised practical work in child protection.
Is social work a hard career? ›Being a social worker involves heavy amounts of emotional labor and going the extra mile with often limited resources to help patients. Keep an eye on your energy level and monitor your own physical and mental health carefully, and when and where you need to, step away for a time to recharge.
Is a career in social work worth it? ›A degree in social work is worth it for those who want to dedicate their lives to helping others. A bachelor's degree in social work can help social workers give the knowledge and skills needed to help those in need. Social workers help people in substance abuse programs and families in crises, among other clients.
Is social work hard to study? ›Social work is a challenging career in many ways – emotionally, mentally and often physically. The education required to attain this career is easy in some ways but difficult in other ways.
What degree do you need to be a social worker? ›Social workers must have a degree in social work (BA), or master's degree in social work. A master's degree is a two-year-long postgraduate course for those with a degree in a different subject. Some universities offer part-time studying. Experience is an important part of social work qualifications.
What is the lowest salary for a social worker? ›
The average Entry Level Social Worker salary in the United States is $45,237 as of January 26, 2023, but the salary range typically falls between $39,364 and $51,443.
What's the job of a social worker? ›They provide individual, group, family, and couples therapy; work with clients to develop strategies to change behavior or cope with difficult situations; and refer clients to other resources or services, such as support groups or other mental health workers.
Do you need a degree to be a social worker in Texas? ›Those interested in pursuing social work in Texas can pursue one of two educational paths. The state requires all prospective social workers to hold either a bachelor's degree or master's degree in social work and obtain a social work license.
How long does it take to become a social worker in Texas? ›How Long Does It Take to Become a Social Worker in Texas? Full-time students typically complete associate programs in two years, bachelor's programs in four years, and master's programs in two years. The time required to complete a doctor of social work varies, though most students require at least three years.
What is the easiest social work job? ›- Group Home Workers. Some of the most popular entry-level jobs in social work are positions in group homes. ...
- Substance Abuse Counselors. ...
- Community Social Workers. ...
- Healthcare Social Workers. ...
- Case Managers.
Social workers who participated in the NASW study cited lack of respect, support, wages and career advancement or education opportunities as reasons for leaving the field.
How can I make the most money with a social work degree? ›Typically, the highest paying social work roles are clinical. This means you'll find yourself working for hospitals, insurance companies, or doing therapy. You should also prioritize licensure if you want to practice social work, even if you don't want to be a therapist.
Do social workers get pay rise? ›Social work practitioners receive a double increment increase subject to meeting performance and quality standards. Social workers and Practice Leaders also receive an additional annual recruitment and retention payment of £5k paid monthly and currently under review.