Social Workers earn $61,780 median salary: Pay, jobs, and how to get started
The median salary for a social worker in the U.S. is $61,780 per year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The average (mean) wage is $67,540, which works out to about $30 an hour. Pay spans a wide range, from $42,790 at the 10th percentile to $100,090 at the 90th percentile, meaning experience, specialization, and location shape your earning potential significantly.
How much Social Workers earn
Social work pay varies widely by setting. Child, family, and school social workers earned a median of around $53,000 in 2024, while healthcare social workers—often in hospitals or clinics—had a median near $66,000. Mental health and substance abuse social workers fell in between, at about $55,000.
The top 10% of earners pull in over $100,000. Those in federal government or specialized clinical roles often land at the high end. The bottom 10% earn below $42,790, typical for entry-level or bachelor’s-degree positions.
Pay by state
BLS data shows that social workers in California earn the highest mean wage at about $87,000, followed by Oregon ($80,000), Nevada ($79,000), Connecticut ($79,000), and New Jersey ($77,000). The lowest-paying state is Arkansas, with a mean wage around $45,000. Mississippi and West Virginia also sit near the bottom, with mean salaries barely above $46,000.
Keep in mind that cost of living matters. A $70,000 salary in Texas may go further than $85,000 in New York City. Always weigh local housing and tax burdens against the paycheck.
How to become a social worker
The most common path is a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) from a Council on Social Work Education (CSWE)-accredited program, which qualifies you for entry-level non-clinical roles. For clinical work or advancement, a Master of Social Work (MSW) is required.
All states license social workers. Licensure typically demands a degree from an accredited program, supervised experience (2-3 years for clinical licensure), and passing an exam from the Association of Social Work Boards. Requirements vary by state; check your state board.
- Earn a BSW (4 years) or MSW (2 additional years).
- Complete required supervised clinical hours (often 3,000+).
- Pass the ASWB licensing exam for your desired level (bachelor’s, master’s, clinical).
- Apply for state licensure; renew with continuing education credits.
Job outlook
BLS projects employment for social workers to grow about 5% from 2024 to 2034, faster than the average for all occupations. That adds around 40,000 new jobs. Demand is driven by aging baby boomers needing healthcare social workers, increasing school mental health services, and expanded substance abuse treatment.
Frequently asked questions
Do social workers make good money?
It depends on specialty and location. The median $61,780 is near the national median for all workers. Healthcare and government roles pay better, with top earners exceeding $100,000.
What is the highest-paying state for social workers?
California, with a mean wage around $87,000. Oregon, Nevada, Connecticut, and New Jersey also pay above $77,000 on average.
Can you become a social worker with a bachelor's degree?
Yes. A BSW qualifies you for entry-level positions like caseworker or child protection specialist, but clinical roles require an MSW.
Is social work a growing field?
Yes, BLS projects 5% growth from 2024 to 2034, faster than the average across all occupations, adding about 40,000 jobs.
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 Social Workers data.