Social worker salary
BLS occupation: Child, Family, and School Social Workers · also called family and school social worker · Community and social service · data for May 2025
Median salary $59,550 a year, US
Median hourly pay $28.63 an hour
Middle half earn $48,270–$76,070 25th to 75th percentile
Social workers employed 392,550 +4.4% projected by 2035
How much does a social worker make?
- The median social worker salary in the US is $59,550 a year ($28.63 an hour): half of the 392,550 social workers BLS counts earn more and half earn less. The average (mean) is $64,000.
- The middle half earn between $48,270 and $76,070. The lowest-paid 10% earn less than $42,280 and the top 10% more than $95,530.
- That is 17% more than the median for all US workers ($50,980).
- Connecticut pays social workers the most (median $78,970), followed by Maryland ($76,390) and New Jersey ($76,280). Arkansas pays the least ($43,330).
- After adjusting for prices, the pay goes furthest in Connecticut, where the median is worth $76,219 in typical US prices, then Maryland and North Dakota.
- In 124 of the 380 metro areas with data, the median social worker salary is enough to rent a typical home without spending more than 30% of income on rent.
- BLS projects the number of social workers to grow 4.4% from 2025 to 2035 (all jobs: 3.5%), with about 33,900 openings a year. The typical entry education is a bachelor's degree.
official From BLS's survey of employers: what social workers are actually paid, not job ads or self-reports. Adjusted figures are derived. How we calculate.
How does your pay compare?
Social worker salary range
Half of social workers earn between $48,270 and $76,070 a year
Yearly pay at each point of the range, US, May 2025. For comparison, the median for all US jobs is $50,980.
Lowest 10% earn under Yearly pay: $42,280
Lowest 25% earn under Yearly pay: $48,270
Median Yearly pay: $59,550
Top 25% earn over Yearly pay: $76,070
Top 10% earn over Yearly pay: $95,530
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025.
Show the numbers
| Yearly pay | |
|---|---|
| Lowest 10% earn under | $42,280 |
| Lowest 25% earn under | $48,270 |
| Median | $59,550 |
| Top 25% earn over | $76,070 |
| Top 10% earn over | $95,530 |
Social worker salary by state
Connecticut pays social workers the most; Arkansas the least
Median yearly pay by state compared with the US median ($59,550), May 2025. Blue = higher pay.
- 20%+ below US
- 10–20% below
- 3–10% below
- Within 3%
- 3–10% above
- 10–20% above
- 20%+ above US
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS May 2025.
Show the numbers
| State | Median pay |
|---|---|
| Connecticut | $78,970 median |
| Maryland | $76,390 median |
| New Jersey | $76,280 median |
| Massachusetts | $75,570 median |
| Washington | $74,480 median |
| District of Columbia | $73,550 median |
| New Hampshire | $71,010 median |
| Rhode Island | $69,870 median |
| Hawaii | $68,270 median |
| Minnesota | $67,450 median |
| Vermont | $67,340 median |
| California | $65,200 median |
| New York | $65,100 median |
| North Dakota | $64,560 median |
| Oregon | $64,130 median |
| Colorado | $63,720 median |
| Maine | $63,290 median |
| Illinois | $63,220 median |
| Alaska | $62,630 median |
| Virginia | $61,330 median |
| Nevada | $61,080 median |
| Idaho | $59,840 median |
| North Carolina | $59,610 median |
| Wisconsin | $59,280 median |
| Michigan | $59,270 median |
| Kentucky | $59,100 median |
| Louisiana | $56,800 median |
| Montana | $56,780 median |
| Florida | $56,550 median |
| Wyoming | $56,420 median |
| Tennessee | $56,310 median |
| New Mexico | $56,160 median |
| Texas | $55,680 median |
| Kansas | $54,300 median |
| Iowa | $52,250 median |
| West Virginia | $52,220 median |
| Utah | $52,000 median |
| South Carolina | $51,800 median |
| Ohio | $51,520 median |
| South Dakota | $51,100 median |
| Pennsylvania | $50,820 median |
| Indiana | $50,470 median |
| Arizona | $50,150 median |
| Delaware | $48,520 median |
| Missouri | $48,520 median |
| Nebraska | $47,770 median |
| Georgia | $47,510 median |
| Alabama | $46,660 median |
| Mississippi | $46,530 median |
| Oklahoma | $43,950 median |
| Arkansas | $43,330 median |
Where social worker pay goes furthest
A salary buys more where prices are low. We divide each state's median by its price level from the Bureau of Economic Analysis, so every figure is in typical US prices. derived
Social workers' pay goes furthest in Connecticut once prices are counted
Median pay ÷ the state's price level (BEA, 2024; US = 100), shown in typical US prices. Top 10 states.
US median
Source: BLS OEWS May 2025; BEA Regional Price Parities 2024. Our calculation.
Show the numbers
| Worth, in US prices | |
|---|---|
| Connecticut | $76,219 |
| Maryland | $72,781 |
| North Dakota | $72,573 |
| Massachusetts | $71,456 |
| New Jersey | $70,107 |
| Washington | $69,599 |
| Vermont | $68,744 |
| Minnesota | $68,393 |
| Rhode Island | $68,312 |
| New Hampshire | $68,171 |
Social worker pay in every state
| State | Median a year | Hourly | Lowest 10% | Top 10% | Employed | After cost of living |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Connecticut | $78,970 | $37.97 | $48,660 | $109,980 | 5,230 | $76,219 |
| Maryland | $76,390 | $36.73 | $41,240 | $105,570 | 4,710 | $72,781 |
| New Jersey | $76,280 | $36.67 | $47,830 | $109,420 | 7,360 | $70,107 |
| Massachusetts | $75,570 | $36.33 | $48,140 | $104,060 | 10,900 | $71,456 |
| Washington | $74,480 | $35.81 | $48,750 | $98,100 | 10,720 | $69,599 |
| District of Columbia | $73,550 | $35.36 | $53,020 | $113,440 | 2,430 | $66,924 |
| New Hampshire | $71,010 | $34.14 | $41,150 | $101,570 | 1,700 | $68,171 |
| Rhode Island | $69,870 | $33.59 | $42,560 | $97,730 | 2,450 | $68,312 |
| Hawaii | $68,270 | $32.82 | $46,840 | $93,430 | 1,170 | $62,091 |
| Minnesota | $67,450 | $32.43 | $47,890 | $99,320 | 6,540 | $68,393 |
| Vermont | $67,340 | $32.38 | $47,270 | $84,140 | 640 | $68,744 |
| California | $65,200 | $31.35 | $45,360 | $103,050 | 60,310 | $58,887 |
| New York | $65,100 | $31.30 | $48,400 | $100,100 | 30,170 | $60,322 |
| North Dakota | $64,560 | $31.04 | $47,130 | $81,160 | 870 | $72,573 |
| Oregon | $64,130 | $30.83 | $47,760 | $89,220 | 6,630 | $62,045 |
| Colorado | $63,720 | $30.63 | $45,980 | $102,990 | 8,200 | $61,833 |
| Maine | $63,290 | $30.43 | $50,110 | $84,090 | 2,000 | $65,214 |
| Illinois | $63,220 | $30.39 | $47,120 | $105,660 | 19,860 | $63,247 |
| Alaska | $62,630 | $30.11 | $45,330 | $91,240 | 1,260 | $61,187 |
| Virginia | $61,330 | $29.49 | $45,060 | $95,360 | 9,410 | $60,660 |
| Nevada | $61,080 | $29.37 | $45,960 | $98,010 | 4,030 | $61,093 |
| Idaho | $59,840 | $28.77 | $37,990 | $81,650 | 810 | $62,664 |
| North Carolina | $59,610 | $28.66 | $42,870 | $76,950 | 13,010 | $63,196 |
| Wisconsin | $59,280 | $28.50 | $44,400 | $80,900 | 5,710 | $63,000 |
| Michigan | $59,270 | $28.50 | $41,260 | $81,100 | 15,760 | $61,600 |
| Kentucky | $59,100 | $28.41 | $39,210 | $78,660 | 8,470 | $65,551 |
| Louisiana | $56,800 | $27.31 | $35,260 | $75,110 | 1,110 | $64,394 |
| Montana | $56,780 | $27.30 | $39,250 | $72,000 | 1,250 | $59,993 |
| Florida | $56,550 | $27.19 | $39,760 | $79,580 | 14,000 | $54,683 |
| Wyoming | $56,420 | $27.13 | $34,280 | $74,870 | 710 | $60,869 |
| Tennessee | $56,310 | $27.07 | $39,650 | $77,230 | 7,870 | $61,293 |
| New Mexico | $56,160 | $27.00 | $36,920 | $101,600 | 2,990 | $60,903 |
| Texas | $55,680 | $26.77 | $37,230 | $73,670 | 21,670 | $57,368 |
| Kansas | $54,300 | $26.11 | $43,690 | $69,970 | 3,190 | $60,288 |
| Iowa | $52,250 | $25.12 | $39,240 | $81,170 | 3,410 | $59,536 |
| West Virginia | $52,220 | $25.11 | $38,410 | $66,980 | 2,380 | $58,348 |
| Utah | $52,000 | $25.00 | $36,040 | $98,800 | 1,930 | $52,598 |
| South Carolina | $51,800 | $24.90 | $38,530 | $77,390 | 5,520 | $55,254 |
| Ohio | $51,520 | $24.77 | $39,810 | $75,850 | 16,050 | $55,533 |
| South Dakota | $51,100 | $24.57 | $39,150 | $67,310 | 2,050 | $57,684 |
| Pennsylvania | $50,820 | $24.43 | $38,430 | $78,470 | 16,200 | $52,085 |
| Indiana | $50,470 | $24.26 | $38,270 | $72,140 | 6,690 | $54,078 |
| Arizona | $50,150 | $24.11 | $40,420 | $65,900 | 7,560 | $49,813 |
| Delaware | $48,520 | $23.33 | $44,440 | $73,580 | 910 | $48,613 |
| Missouri | $48,520 | $23.33 | $37,200 | $65,230 | 9,620 | $53,426 |
| Nebraska | $47,770 | $22.97 | $41,620 | $64,750 | 4,830 | $53,017 |
| Georgia | $47,510 | $22.84 | $35,690 | $83,380 | 7,110 | $49,339 |
| Alabama | $46,660 | $22.43 | $37,780 | $72,490 | 4,220 | $52,531 |
| Mississippi | $46,530 | $22.37 | $33,590 | $62,130 | 3,310 | $53,512 |
| Oklahoma | $43,950 | $21.13 | $37,560 | $59,540 | 6,500 | $50,032 |
| Arkansas | $43,330 | $20.83 | $36,070 | $59,470 | 1,150 | $49,841 |
After cost of living = median ÷ (BEA price level ÷ 100).
Social worker salary by city
Metro areas where BLS publishes social worker pay: 384 of 387. Rent share = typical rent (September 2026, Zillow) × 12 ÷ the median salary; under 30% is affordable by the usual rule.
Highest-paying metro areas
- San Jose, CA $87,600
- Norwich, CT $81,830
- Salisbury, MD $81,520
- Longview, WA $80,450
- Olympia, WA $80,430
- Hartford, CT $79,920
- Bridgeport, CT $78,970
- New Haven, CT $78,970
- Greeley, CO $78,530
- Hanford, CA $78,270
Where the pay goes furthest
- Salisbury, MD $85,257
- Longview, WA $82,475
- Springfield, IL $82,301
- Norwich, CT $81,467
- Springfield, MA $81,459
- Pittsfield, MA $80,373
- San Jose, CA $79,331
- Greeley, CO $78,392
- Waterbury, CT $77,883
- Hartford, CT $77,784
All 384 metro areas
| Metro area | Median a year | Employed | After cost of living | Rent share |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| San Jose, CA | $87,600 | 2,120 | $79,331 | 52% |
| Norwich, CT | $81,830 | 450 | $81,467 | 31% |
| Salisbury, MD | $81,520 | 120 | $85,257 | 29% |
| Longview, WA | $80,450 | 130 | $82,475 | 21% |
| Olympia, WA | $80,430 | 580 | $77,583 | 30% |
| Hartford, CT | $79,920 | 2,200 | $77,784 | 30% |
| Bridgeport, CT | $78,970 | 1,140 | $73,898 | 44% |
| New Haven, CT | $78,970 | 810 | $75,527 | 31% |
| Greeley, CO | $78,530 | 280 | $78,392 | 26% |
| Hanford, CA | $78,270 | 130 | $77,028 | 30% |
| Springfield, MA | $78,250 | 1,190 | $81,459 | 30% |
| Waterbury, CT | $77,710 | 430 | $77,883 | – |
| Vallejo, CA | $77,490 | 280 | $71,433 | 38% |
| Boston, MA | $77,420 | 7,070 | $71,509 | 46% |
| Bremerton, WA | $77,300 | 240 | $73,196 | 32% |
| Poughkeepsie-Newburgh, NY | $77,260 | 870 | $70,607 | 35% |
| Pittsfield, MA | $76,440 | 200 | $80,373 | 28% |
| Springfield, IL | $76,330 | 830 | $82,301 | 19% |
| Mount Vernon, WA | $76,270 | 170 | $74,451 | 34% |
| Oxnard, CA | $75,580 | 830 | $68,377 | 47% |
| Barnstable, MA | $75,570 | 230 | $76,837 | 41% |
| Washington, DC | $75,550 | 6,490 | $69,386 | 38% |
| Seattle, WA | $75,280 | 5,540 | $67,739 | 36% |
| Baltimore, MD | $74,960 | 2,790 | $71,741 | 31% |
| Walla Walla, WA | $72,910 | 100 | $74,006 | 24% |
| Trenton, NJ | $72,730 | 420 | $70,488 | 42% |
| San Francisco, CA | $72,020 | 5,840 | $62,294 | 57% |
| Los Angeles, CA | $71,250 | 26,220 | $62,739 | 49% |
| Wenatchee, WA | $71,140 | 120 | $68,499 | 30% |
| Providence, RI | $70,900 | 3,520 | $69,665 | 37% |
| Worcester, MA | $70,900 | 1,170 | $69,155 | 36% |
| Minneapolis, MN | $70,530 | 4,150 | $67,285 | 30% |
| Jackson, MI | $70,350 | 210 | $76,652 | 20% |
| Kennewick, WA | $69,960 | 390 | $69,905 | 29% |
| Lexington Park, MD | $69,700 | 110 | $69,174 | 35% |
| Spokane, WA | $69,570 | 1,110 | $69,330 | 26% |
| Bismarck, ND | $69,400 | 180 | $76,244 | 23% |
| Grants Pass, OR | $68,960 | 120 | $70,540 | 28% |
| San Luis Obispo, CA | $68,560 | 400 | $63,133 | 49% |
| Vineland, NJ | $68,530 | 140 | $71,409 | 29% |
| Kahului, HI | $68,280 | 120 | $62,417 | 56% |
| Honolulu, HI | $68,270 | 820 | $61,526 | 53% |
| Fairbanks, AK | $68,180 | 120 | $66,061 | 32% |
| Burlington, VT | $67,910 | 210 | $67,272 | 46% |
| Kingston, NY | $67,670 | 250 | $67,194 | 36% |
| Yakima, WA | $67,650 | 450 | $70,804 | 24% |
| Denver, CO | $67,560 | 4,240 | $63,867 | 34% |
| Medford, OR | $67,170 | 250 | $66,221 | 33% |
| Portland, OR | $66,910 | 4,330 | $63,469 | 32% |
| Buffalo, NY | $66,620 | 1,570 | $69,509 | 26% |
| Albany, NY | $66,540 | 1,980 | $66,830 | 31% |
| New York, NY | $66,540 | 24,350 | $59,114 | 64% |
| Jacksonville, NC | $66,520 | 180 | $72,238 | 28% |
| Twin Falls, ID | $65,980 | 60 | $71,633 | 28% |
| Homosassa Springs, FL | $65,810 | 50 | $70,410 | 32% |
| Carson City, NV | $65,250 | 150 | $66,493 | 38% |
| Minot, ND | $65,180 | 80 | $74,895 | 23% |
| Chicago, IL | $64,790 | 13,550 | $62,542 | 40% |
| Salem, OR | $64,700 | 480 | $62,422 | 31% |
| Boulder, CO | $64,660 | 520 | $61,463 | 41% |
| Anchorage, AK | $64,640 | 680 | $61,317 | 35% |
| Hagerstown, MD | $64,230 | 280 | $68,206 | 30% |
| Bowling Green, KY | $64,050 | 320 | $71,025 | 23% |
| Yuba City, CA | $64,040 | 200 | $61,439 | 38% |
| Oshkosh, WI | $64,020 | 280 | $68,891 | 24% |
| Eau Claire, WI | $63,930 | 190 | $68,893 | 22% |
| Lexington, KY | $63,780 | 1,030 | $68,663 | 30% |
| Portland, ME | $63,700 | 670 | $62,538 | 43% |
| Eugene, OR | $63,520 | 580 | $62,539 | 33% |
| La Crosse, WI | $63,480 | 140 | $69,174 | 26% |
| Fayetteville, NC | $63,320 | 500 | $68,843 | 28% |
| Sacramento, CA | $63,270 | 3,550 | $59,314 | 43% |
| Riverside, CA | $63,230 | 5,810 | $59,403 | 48% |
| Bellingham, WA | $63,130 | 360 | $61,093 | 37% |
| Syracuse, NY | $63,120 | 1,080 | $65,927 | 31% |
| Grand Forks, ND | $63,100 | 180 | $72,811 | 22% |
| Atlantic City, NJ | $63,070 | 320 | $63,799 | 39% |
| Harrisburg, PA | $62,810 | 890 | $63,670 | 28% |
| Bend, OR | $62,760 | 320 | $60,575 | 42% |
| Napa, CA | $62,760 | 130 | $55,760 | 56% |
| Manchester, NH | $62,720 | 610 | $59,362 | 41% |
| Wilmington, NC | $62,710 | 530 | $65,037 | 33% |
| Raleigh, NC | $62,700 | 1,460 | $63,877 | 32% |
| Slidell, LA | $62,640 | 40 | $67,554 | – |
| Stockton, CA | $62,610 | 870 | $59,578 | 47% |
| Salinas, CA | $62,520 | 450 | $57,336 | 53% |
| Durham, NC | $62,370 | 780 | $63,922 | 32% |
| Virginia Beach, VA | $62,360 | 1,970 | $63,671 | 36% |
| Duluth, MN | $62,240 | 240 | $70,115 | 26% |
| Binghamton, NY | $62,160 | 380 | $66,937 | 31% |
| Fort Collins, CO | $62,140 | 590 | $61,447 | 38% |
| Elizabethtown, KY | $62,130 | 210 | $68,597 | 25% |
| Rochester, MN | $62,090 | 240 | $68,365 | 31% |
| Fresno, CA | $62,080 | 1,920 | $60,769 | 40% |
| Rochester, NY | $62,030 | 1,560 | $63,925 | 30% |
| Madison, WI | $62,020 | 790 | $63,750 | 34% |
| Bangor, ME | $61,980 | 280 | $64,223 | 29% |
| Lewiston, ME | $61,980 | 190 | $65,424 | 31% |
| Santa Cruz, CA | $61,960 | 400 | $56,381 | 67% |
| Rockford, IL | $61,940 | 450 | $67,214 | 25% |
| Chico, CA | $61,720 | 290 | $60,990 | 30% |
| Mankato, MN | $61,500 | 130 | $67,616 | 24% |
| Las Vegas, NV | $61,480 | 3,010 | $61,348 | 34% |
| Idaho Falls, ID | $61,400 | 120 | $65,034 | 28% |
| Visalia, CA | $61,040 | 470 | $61,147 | 34% |
| Albany, OR | $61,020 | 180 | $59,765 | 32% |
| Lawrence, KS | $60,980 | 130 | $67,573 | 31% |
| Charlotte, NC | $60,950 | 3,020 | $62,610 | 34% |
| Ann Arbor, MI | $60,940 | 480 | $60,408 | 38% |
| Lansing, MI | $60,900 | 660 | $64,111 | 26% |
| Modesto, CA | $60,900 | 1,160 | $58,497 | 41% |
| Farmington, NM | $60,890 | 150 | $69,424 | 28% |
| Winchester, VA | $60,820 | 180 | $63,059 | 36% |
| St. Cloud, MN | $60,790 | 140 | $69,370 | 24% |
| El Centro, CA | $60,690 | 220 | $63,767 | 36% |
| Reno, NV | $60,600 | 470 | $59,992 | 41% |
| Houma, LA | $60,590 | 60 | $71,196 | 26% |
| Richmond, VA | $60,520 | 1,530 | $61,845 | 34% |
| Baton Rouge, LA | $60,440 | 290 | $66,579 | 27% |
| Champaign, IL | $60,360 | 400 | $65,110 | 28% |
| Colorado Springs, CO | $60,320 | 1,210 | $59,897 | 35% |
| Helena, MT | $60,280 | 130 | $63,005 | 33% |
| Merced, CA | $60,200 | 500 | $61,257 | 41% |
| San Angelo, TX | $60,180 | 120 | $65,093 | 26% |
| Flint, MI | $60,160 | 720 | $64,665 | 21% |
| Ithaca, NY | $60,120 | 120 | $58,190 | 40% |
| Grand Junction, CO | $60,050 | 260 | $62,895 | 35% |
| Harrisonburg, VA | $60,000 | 160 | $63,230 | 34% |
| New Orleans, LA | $59,940 | 340 | $64,732 | 32% |
| Victoria, TX | $59,900 | 60 | $66,675 | 23% |
| Fargo, ND | $59,860 | 220 | $65,874 | 22% |
| Appleton, WI | $59,840 | 200 | $64,749 | 24% |
| Boise, ID | $59,840 | 350 | $60,819 | 39% |
| Hickory, NC | $59,840 | 530 | $67,627 | 32% |
| Niles, MI | $59,790 | 160 | $64,729 | 28% |
| Greensboro, NC | $59,780 | 1,050 | $64,373 | 28% |
| San Diego, CA | $59,770 | 3,820 | $53,420 | 60% |
| Miami, FL | $59,710 | 4,460 | $52,306 | 53% |
| Asheville, NC | $59,680 | 550 | $61,841 | 34% |
| Traverse City, MI | $59,550 | 220 | $63,777 | 37% |
| Redding, CA | $59,520 | 410 | $59,116 | 33% |
| Bakersfield, CA | $59,330 | 960 | $58,809 | 37% |
| Detroit, MI | $59,270 | 6,540 | $59,094 | 31% |
| Clarksville, TN | $59,230 | 330 | $65,126 | 27% |
| Charlottesville, VA | $59,190 | 270 | $59,700 | 41% |
| Milwaukee, WI | $59,180 | 1,530 | $61,050 | 31% |
| Greenville, NC | $59,110 | 320 | $66,865 | 30% |
| Louisville, KY | $59,100 | 1,760 | $63,498 | 27% |
| Pocatello, ID | $59,100 | 50 | $66,475 | 22% |
| Utica, NY | $59,090 | 550 | $63,758 | 29% |
| Muskegon, MI | $58,970 | 260 | $63,738 | 26% |
| Sherman, TX | $58,950 | 60 | $62,866 | 28% |
| Winston-Salem, NC | $58,930 | 630 | $64,024 | 31% |
| Owensboro, KY | $58,920 | 260 | $66,494 | 25% |
| Great Falls, MT | $58,810 | 120 | $60,726 | 29% |
| Bozeman, MT | $58,720 | 90 | $57,282 | 45% |
| Monroe, MI | $58,710 | 180 | $62,797 | 26% |
| Saginaw, MI | $58,700 | 270 | $64,583 | 22% |
| Austin, TX | $58,640 | 1,670 | $59,796 | 33% |
| Davenport, IA | $58,640 | 400 | $65,829 | 21% |
| Lewiston, ID | $58,550 | 70 | $64,228 | 30% |
| Tampa, FL | $58,540 | 2,160 | $58,024 | 41% |
| Columbus, OH | $58,460 | 3,200 | $61,235 | 31% |
| Glens Falls, NY | $58,460 | 170 | $61,624 | 30% |
| Bloomington, IL | $58,440 | 320 | $62,478 | 27% |
| Elmira, NY | $58,400 | 170 | $61,866 | 23% |
| Kankakee, IL | $58,180 | 140 | $60,356 | 27% |
| Morristown, TN | $58,090 | 180 | $67,262 | 32% |
| McAllen, TX | $58,040 | 600 | $67,571 | 23% |
| Cleveland, TN | $58,020 | 90 | $65,872 | 29% |
| Toledo, OH | $57,990 | 740 | $63,408 | 26% |
| Cleveland, OH | $57,860 | 3,840 | $61,604 | 30% |
| Wausau, WI | $57,720 | 90 | $62,298 | 20% |
| Santa Maria, CA | $57,710 | 460 | $53,043 | 68% |
| Racine, WI | $57,550 | 200 | $59,972 | 30% |
| Casper, WY | $57,510 | 90 | $61,292 | 30% |
| Corpus Christi, TX | $57,490 | 380 | $62,037 | 30% |
| Provo, UT | $57,410 | 280 | $58,443 | 37% |
| Paducah, KY | $57,280 | 170 | $66,540 | 24% |
| Decatur, IL | $57,270 | 160 | $64,769 | 22% |
| Green Bay, WI | $57,140 | 340 | $61,384 | 24% |
| Dallas, TX | $57,080 | 4,480 | $55,369 | 35% |
| Battle Creek, MI | $57,000 | 240 | $62,955 | 24% |
| Fond du Lac, WI | $56,980 | 80 | $62,176 | 24% |
| Allentown, PA | $56,940 | 870 | $56,958 | 39% |
| Orlando, FL | $56,930 | 1,460 | $56,134 | 41% |
| Salt Lake City, UT | $56,860 | 870 | $56,371 | 35% |
| Grand Rapids, MI | $56,810 | 2,130 | $59,458 | 34% |
| Santa Rosa, CA | $56,810 | 720 | $52,707 | 56% |
| Peoria, IL | $56,740 | 790 | $62,194 | 24% |
| Houston, TX | $56,670 | 4,080 | $57,458 | 35% |
| Killeen, TX | $56,670 | 530 | $62,185 | 28% |
| San Antonio, TX | $56,670 | 2,520 | $59,831 | 30% |
| Amherst-Northampton, MA | $56,660 | 120 | $56,523 | – |
| Waterloo, IA | $56,530 | 170 | $64,934 | 22% |
| Burlington, NC | $56,480 | 150 | $60,603 | 28% |
| Coeur d'Alene, ID | $56,470 | 70 | $57,451 | 39% |
| Pueblo, CO | $56,440 | 180 | $61,507 | 28% |
| Cheyenne, WY | $56,420 | 170 | $58,472 | 33% |
| Knoxville, TN | $56,310 | 1,070 | $60,830 | 37% |
| Des Moines, IA | $56,280 | 800 | $61,373 | 27% |
| Memphis, TN | $56,090 | 1,810 | $60,849 | 30% |
| North Port, FL | $56,070 | 430 | $54,747 | 45% |
| Philadelphia, PA | $55,930 | 6,850 | $54,537 | 41% |
| Bay City, MI | $55,810 | 210 | $60,715 | 22% |
| Corvallis, OR | $55,810 | 110 | $53,655 | 39% |
| Watertown, NY | $55,710 | 170 | $63,531 | 32% |
| Cape Coral, FL | $55,650 | 610 | $54,373 | 39% |
| Jacksonville, FL | $55,630 | 1,050 | $55,919 | 36% |
| Nashville, TN | $55,630 | 2,240 | $57,745 | 39% |
| Sebastian, FL | $55,620 | 80 | $56,577 | 46% |
| Punta Gorda, FL | $55,600 | 90 | $55,310 | 40% |
| Kenosha, WI | $55,590 | 160 | $54,975 | – |
| St. George, UT | $55,530 | 90 | $57,059 | 40% |
| Albuquerque, NM | $55,420 | 1,340 | $58,003 | 32% |
| Crestview, FL | $55,090 | 70 | $56,776 | 43% |
| Cincinnati, OH | $55,080 | 2,580 | $57,754 | 33% |
| Pinehurst, NC | $55,030 | 90 | $62,296 | 41% |
| Wichita Falls, TX | $54,950 | 110 | $61,388 | 28% |
| Janesville, WI | $54,820 | 160 | $58,504 | 28% |
| Goldsboro, NC | $54,780 | 120 | $61,925 | 33% |
| Odessa, TX | $54,510 | 80 | $58,054 | 35% |
| El Paso, TX | $54,340 | 660 | $60,437 | 34% |
| Topeka, KS | $54,310 | 380 | $61,146 | 28% |
| Wichita, KS | $54,310 | 790 | $61,060 | 27% |
| Naples, FL | $54,060 | 200 | $52,384 | 58% |
| Johnson City, TN | $53,980 | 270 | $61,391 | 33% |
| Jackson, TN | $53,960 | 250 | $63,095 | 31% |
| Staunton, VA | $53,830 | 150 | $59,071 | 32% |
| Lakeland, FL | $53,800 | 510 | $55,383 | 40% |
| Waco, TX | $53,670 | 270 | $57,990 | 32% |
| Manhattan, KS | $53,130 | 240 | $58,927 | 29% |
| Lynchburg, VA | $53,110 | 310 | $59,432 | 29% |
| Charleston, WV | $53,070 | 600 | $59,819 | 27% |
| Kingsport, TN | $53,040 | 370 | $61,356 | 30% |
| Lebanon, PA | $52,890 | 90 | $56,740 | 33% |
| York, PA | $52,850 | 500 | $55,052 | 31% |
| Williamsport, PA | $52,790 | 80 | $57,163 | 25% |
| Santa Fe, NM | $52,740 | 200 | $53,398 | 44% |
| Chattanooga, TN | $52,330 | 600 | $57,214 | 35% |
| Charleston, SC | $52,310 | 740 | $51,812 | 47% |
| Tyler, TX | $52,290 | 160 | $56,741 | 30% |
| Hilton Head Island, SC | $52,280 | 150 | $53,338 | 45% |
| Beckley, WV | $52,220 | 100 | $59,093 | 24% |
| Deltona, FL | $52,220 | 330 | $52,553 | 41% |
| Huntington, WV | $52,220 | 620 | $59,058 | 25% |
| Parkersburg, WV | $52,220 | 90 | $59,977 | 24% |
| Dubuque, IA | $51,980 | 100 | $59,523 | 25% |
| Elkhart, IN | $51,960 | 180 | $57,526 | 27% |
| Florence, SC | $51,800 | 360 | $59,695 | 35% |
| Myrtle Beach, SC | $51,800 | 230 | $55,317 | 40% |
| Spartanburg, SC | $51,800 | 370 | $56,891 | 34% |
| Midland, TX | $51,790 | 120 | $54,070 | 36% |
| Jefferson City, MO | $51,710 | 440 | $58,778 | 23% |
| Dover, DE | $51,690 | 170 | $53,012 | 41% |
| Chambersburg, PA | $51,490 | 180 | $54,405 | 31% |
| Gadsden, AL | $51,490 | 80 | $60,115 | 25% |
| Port St. Lucie, FL | $51,490 | 330 | $51,373 | 54% |
| College Station, TX | $51,410 | 150 | $56,525 | 35% |
| Sioux Falls, SD | $51,400 | 770 | $56,713 | 30% |
| Lancaster, PA | $51,130 | 740 | $52,037 | 37% |
| St. Louis, MO | $51,080 | 3,790 | $53,719 | 34% |
| Reading, PA | $51,050 | 570 | $52,596 | 36% |
| Ogden, UT | $50,990 | 300 | $50,813 | 38% |
| Greenville, SC | $50,910 | 880 | $54,589 | 37% |
| Midland, MI | $50,890 | 180 | $55,363 | 33% |
| Dalton, GA | $50,760 | 100 | $56,498 | 33% |
| Sheboygan, WI | $50,750 | 90 | $53,981 | 32% |
| Beaumont, TX | $50,710 | 260 | $56,316 | 31% |
| Sioux City, IA | $50,710 | 220 | $58,655 | 31% |
| Columbia, SC | $50,610 | 1,380 | $54,035 | 37% |
| Canton, OH | $50,590 | 480 | $56,585 | 27% |
| Springfield, OH | $50,500 | 180 | $55,812 | 28% |
| Fort Wayne, IN | $50,490 | 390 | $54,541 | 30% |
| Rapid City, SD | $50,490 | 420 | $56,629 | 35% |
| Indianapolis, IN | $50,470 | 2,010 | $52,740 | 36% |
| Muncie, IN | $50,470 | 130 | $57,256 | 25% |
| South Bend, IN | $50,470 | 360 | $54,352 | 30% |
| Wheeling, WV | $50,450 | 120 | $57,120 | 21% |
| Brunswick, GA | $50,440 | 90 | $57,509 | 40% |
| Billings, MT | $50,310 | 320 | $53,793 | 33% |
| Montgomery, AL | $50,240 | 620 | $56,020 | 33% |
| Palm Bay, FL | $50,240 | 280 | $50,237 | 45% |
| Sumter, SC | $50,230 | 110 | $57,067 | 35% |
| Missoula, MT | $50,200 | 140 | $52,050 | 39% |
| Lake Havasu City, AZ | $50,150 | 110 | $53,296 | 37% |
| Phoenix, AZ | $50,150 | 5,060 | $48,540 | 41% |
| Prescott Valley, AZ | $50,150 | 150 | $51,041 | 45% |
| Sierra Vista, AZ | $50,150 | 80 | $56,195 | 31% |
| Flagstaff, AZ | $50,060 | 140 | $49,898 | 51% |
| Lima, OH | $50,020 | 230 | $55,783 | 29% |
| Michigan City, IN | $49,970 | 80 | $54,504 | 29% |
| Rocky Mount, NC | $49,940 | 180 | $56,742 | 31% |
| Laredo, TX | $49,900 | 270 | $57,385 | 27% |
| Kansas City, MO | $49,880 | 2,620 | $53,899 | 37% |
| Grand Island, NE | $49,810 | 160 | $57,479 | 32% |
| Pittsburgh, PA | $49,800 | 3,120 | $52,603 | 35% |
| Atlanta, GA | $49,720 | 3,990 | $49,691 | 44% |
| Dayton, OH | $49,630 | 910 | $53,542 | 32% |
| Omaha, NE | $49,490 | 2,150 | $53,846 | 34% |
| Gainesville, FL | $49,280 | 250 | $50,944 | 40% |
| Cedar Rapids, IA | $49,250 | 330 | $55,360 | 30% |
| Roanoke, VA | $49,230 | 420 | $52,586 | 34% |
| Columbus, IN | $49,150 | 120 | $52,848 | 34% |
| St. Joseph, MO | $49,060 | 190 | $56,794 | 25% |
| The Villages, FL | $49,000 | – | $57,361 | 42% |
| Decatur, AL | $48,980 | 100 | $56,162 | 27% |
| Panama City, FL | $48,940 | 170 | $50,300 | 43% |
| Tallahassee, FL | $48,880 | 240 | $52,045 | 36% |
| Akron, OH | $48,800 | 990 | $52,265 | 32% |
| Abilene, TX | $48,790 | 380 | $53,993 | 49% |
| Amarillo, TX | $48,790 | 290 | $53,137 | 32% |
| Iowa City, IA | $48,790 | 220 | $53,317 | 43% |
| Bloomington, IN | $48,730 | 140 | $51,249 | 43% |
| Evansville, IN | $48,730 | 330 | $53,241 | 27% |
| Kokomo, IN | $48,730 | 100 | $54,357 | 27% |
| Lafayette, IN | $48,730 | 140 | $52,157 | 36% |
| Terre Haute, IN | $48,730 | 210 | $55,503 | 24% |
| Joplin, MO | $48,600 | 330 | $56,698 | 31% |
| Lubbock, TX | $48,490 | 500 | $53,101 | 33% |
| Albany, GA | $48,460 | 220 | $55,276 | 27% |
| Mobile, AL | $48,460 | 450 | $55,007 | 32% |
| Savannah, GA | $48,340 | 190 | $50,774 | 44% |
| Gettysburg, PA | $48,050 | 140 | $50,378 | 34% |
| Kalamazoo, MI | $48,040 | 550 | $50,654 | 32% |
| Fayetteville, AR | $47,990 | 190 | $52,532 | 39% |
| Springfield, MO | $47,980 | 870 | $54,163 | 31% |
| Weirton, WV | $47,980 | 190 | $53,896 | 20% |
| Pensacola, FL | $47,940 | 280 | $49,060 | 43% |
| Ocala, FL | $47,900 | 160 | $50,297 | 40% |
| Yuma, AZ | $47,820 | 190 | $51,582 | 36% |
| Morgantown, WV | $47,740 | 140 | $51,156 | 34% |
| Florence, AL | $47,670 | 120 | $56,203 | 27% |
| Youngstown, OH | $47,570 | 590 | $54,432 | 26% |
| Gulfport, MS | $47,550 | 410 | $52,830 | 36% |
| Lake Charles, LA | $47,490 | 50 | $55,316 | 34% |
| Mansfield, OH | $47,310 | 140 | $53,234 | 23% |
| Blacksburg, VA | $47,190 | 110 | $50,901 | 42% |
| Logan, UT | $47,180 | 110 | $49,183 | 36% |
| Augusta, GA | $47,080 | 350 | $51,228 | 37% |
| Columbus, GA | $47,080 | 230 | $52,724 | 34% |
| Gainesville, GA | $47,080 | 100 | $48,653 | 43% |
| Hinesville, GA | $47,080 | 50 | $50,121 | 44% |
| Macon, GA | $47,080 | 220 | $53,181 | 31% |
| Rome, GA | $47,080 | 120 | $52,218 | 32% |
| Warner Robins, GA | $47,080 | 70 | $50,198 | 38% |
| Athens, GA | $47,010 | 200 | $50,363 | 45% |
| Tucson, AZ | $47,010 | 1,570 | $48,516 | 38% |
| Sandusky, OH | $46,990 | 120 | $52,632 | 46% |
| Las Cruces, NM | $46,960 | 420 | $52,055 | 38% |
| Texarkana, TX | $46,900 | 70 | $55,825 | 32% |
| Huntsville, AL | $46,860 | 360 | $50,348 | 36% |
| Jackson, MS | $46,610 | 800 | $52,343 | 38% |
| Birmingham, AL | $46,540 | 1,010 | $50,783 | 36% |
| Hattiesburg, MS | $46,530 | 170 | $53,096 | 34% |
| Cape Girardeau, MO | $46,430 | 250 | $53,939 | 26% |
| Ames, IA | $46,370 | 120 | $52,201 | 30% |
| Lincoln, NE | $46,230 | 950 | $50,480 | 33% |
| Anniston, AL | $45,920 | 90 | $53,427 | 25% |
| Scranton, PA | $45,820 | 590 | $48,976 | 36% |
| Dothan, AL | $45,530 | 140 | $54,310 | 32% |
| Columbia, MO | $45,460 | 390 | $50,829 | 38% |
| State College, PA | $45,460 | 140 | $46,981 | 51% |
| Longview, TX | $45,400 | 230 | $50,735 | 30% |
| Valdosta, GA | $45,230 | 150 | $51,240 | 35% |
| Johnstown, PA | $45,010 | 210 | $52,380 | 24% |
| Erie, PA | $44,810 | 490 | $49,269 | 30% |
| Tuscaloosa, AL | $44,640 | 180 | $50,888 | 45% |
| Little Rock, AR | $44,610 | 280 | $49,919 | 33% |
| Daphne, AL | $44,400 | 80 | $46,890 | 46% |
| Enid, OK | $43,950 | 90 | $52,154 | 30% |
| Lawton, OK | $43,950 | 210 | $51,140 | 31% |
| Oklahoma City, OK | $43,950 | 2,010 | $48,613 | 38% |
| Tulsa, OK | $43,950 | 1,520 | $49,264 | 38% |
| Auburn, AL | $43,790 | 150 | $49,799 | 44% |
| Jonesboro, AR | $43,740 | 60 | $50,934 | 34% |
| Fort Smith, AR | $42,990 | 170 | $50,054 | 30% |
| Altoona, PA | $42,590 | 140 | $47,583 | 28% |
| Hot Springs, AR | $42,310 | 40 | $49,353 | 35% |
| Monroe, LA | $42,290 | 80 | $50,588 | 33% |
| Shreveport, LA | $42,160 | 70 | $49,737 | 36% |
| Brownsville, TX | $40,580 | 1,560 | $47,200 | 45% |
| Lafayette, LA | $36,340 | 40 | $41,670 | 46% |
| Alexandria, LA | $35,260 | 40 | $41,150 | 35% |
What the median social worker salary pays per paycheck
| Period | Before taxes |
|---|---|
| Year | $59,550 |
| Month | $4,963 |
| Every two weeks | $2,290 |
| Week | $1,145 |
| Hour | $28.63 |
Gross pay, 52 weeks a year, 2,080 hours. Hourly to salary calculator.
Becoming a social worker: education and job outlook
| Typical entry education | Bachelor's degree |
|---|---|
| Work experience needed | None |
| On-the-job training | None |
| Projected change in jobs, 2025–35 | +4.4% (all jobs: +3.5%) |
| Openings a year (average) | 33,900 |
| Self-employed | % |
official BLS Employment Projections, 2025–35. Openings include workers who retire or change jobs. What the work involves: BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook.
Similar jobs
| Job | Median a year | Typical education |
|---|---|---|
| Mental health counselor | $59,350 | Master's degree |
| School counselor | $64,330 | Master's degree |
| Marriage and family therapist | $66,940 | Master's degree |
| Probation officer | $66,270 | Bachelor's degree |
| Community health worker | $51,850 | High school diploma |
Questions about social worker pay
How much does a social worker make an hour?
The median is $28.63 an hour. The lowest-paid 10% earn under $20.33 and the top 10% over $45.93.
How much does a social worker make a month?
About $4,963 a month before taxes at the median salary of $59,550, or $2,290 every two weeks.
What state pays social workers the most?
Connecticut, with a median of $78,970. Maryland ($76,390), New Jersey ($76,280), Massachusetts ($75,570) and Washington ($74,480) follow.
Where do social workers make the most after cost of living?
Connecticut: its median of $78,970 is worth $76,219 at typical US prices. Maryland, North Dakota and Massachusetts come next.
How much do entry-level social workers make?
BLS does not report pay by experience. The lowest-paid 10% of social workers earn under $42,280 a year, and the lowest-paid quarter under $48,270, which is a reasonable guide to starting pay.
What education do you need to become a social worker?
BLS lists the typical entry-level education as a bachelor's degree. Work experience in a related job: none. On-the-job training: none.
Sources and limits
- Pay and employment: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 estimates, occupation 21-1021 (Child, Family, and School Social Workers). Downloaded 2026-10-24.
- OEWS counts wage and salary workers at employers, including tips and commissions but not overtime pay, bonuses that are not tied to production, or benefits. It leaves out the self-employed. BLS does not publish figures above $239,200 a year or for states and metro areas with too few workers.
- Cost of living: BEA Regional Price Parities, 2024 (US = 100). Rents: Zillow Observed Rent Index, September 2026; Data Provided by Zillow Group.
- Outlook and education: BLS Employment Projections, 2025–35.
- Pay is not broken down by experience, employer or specialty (for example, ER or pediatric nursing); BLS does not publish those splits.