Healthcare Social Worker Salary 2025: $67,880 Median, Fast Growth
The median healthcare social worker earns $67,880 per year, or about $33 an hour, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The middle half of workers make between $46,220 and $100,360, with top earners exceeding six figures in high-cost states. These numbers are from the BLS's latest OEWS estimates, which cover roughly 187,630 professionals nationwide.
How much Healthcare Social Workers earn
The median annual wage for healthcare social workers is $67,880. The mean wage is slightly higher at $71,790, reflecting a distribution pulled upward by higher earners. Entry-level positions start around $46,220 (10th percentile), while experienced practitioners in senior roles can reach $100,360 (90th percentile).
Pay varies significantly by work setting. Hospitals tend to pay above the median, while outpatient care centers and nursing homes often fall closer to the lower end. The BLS does not break out wages by setting for this specific occupation, but general patterns align with other social work roles.
Pay by state
Where you work dramatically affects your paycheck. The District of Columbia pays the most, with an average annual wage of $94,100, followed by California ($89,660), Hawaii ($85,420), Oregon ($84,350), and New Jersey ($82,690). These states reflect both high cost of living and strong union presence or demand.
At the other end, Montana ($57,090), Oklahoma ($56,120), and Arkansas ($55,640) offer the lowest average wages. Even in these states, starting salaries hover near the national 10th percentile, so early-career workers may need to weigh cost of living against salary.
How to become a Healthcare Social Worker
Becoming a healthcare social worker typically requires at least a bachelor's degree in social work (BSW), though many employers prefer a master's in social work (MSW) for clinical or hospital roles. The BSW is a 4-year degree; an MSW adds 1-2 years. All states require licensure, usually the Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) or a state-specific equivalent, which involves supervised clinical hours (typically 3,000) and passing an exam.
Steps: (1) Earn a BSW from a CSWE-accredited program. (2) Gain entry-level experience in healthcare or case management. (3) Pursue an MSW if your target job requires it. (4) Complete supervised clinical hours (often during or after MSW). (5) Pass the ASWB clinical exam for state licensure. (6) Maintain credentials with continuing education.
Job outlook
Employment of healthcare social workers is projected to grow 7.7% from 2024 to 2034, faster than the average for all occupations. This translates to about 18,400 job openings per year, driven by an aging population requiring more medical social services and increased integration of behavioral health in primary care. The BLS notes that demand is especially strong in home health and hospice settings.
Frequently asked questions
What is the median salary for a healthcare social worker in 2025?
The BLS reports a median annual salary of $67,880 as of 2024 data (reflected in 2025 guides). The lowest 10% earn about $46,220; the highest 10% earn up to $100,360.
How fast is the healthcare social worker field growing?
Employment is projected to grow 7.7% from 2024 to 2034, with about 18,400 new openings each year.
What degree do you need to be a healthcare social worker?
Most entry-level roles accept a bachelor’s degree in social work (BSW), but clinical positions in hospitals often require a master’s in social work (MSW). All states require licensure.
Which states pay healthcare social workers the most?
The highest-paying states are District of Columbia ($94,100), California ($89,660), Hawaii ($85,420), Oregon ($84,350), and New Jersey ($82,690).
Salary figures are U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates (OEWS / Employment Projections). For informational purposes only; not career or financial advice. See the full Healthcare Social Workers data.