Social Worker Salary
Bureau of Labor Statistics title: Social Workers, All Other
The median social worker salary in the United States is $71,900 per year ($34.57/hour). Salaries range from $43,620 at the entry level to $115,610+ for the top 10% of earners. There are 62,930 social worker jobs nationwide. Employment is projected to grow 3.9% through 2034.
Last updated: June 2026 · Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Median Salary
$71,900
per year
Hourly Rate
$34.57
per hour
Employment
62,930
jobs in the U.S.
Salary Distribution
10th percentile
$43,620
25th percentile
$51,900
Median
$71,900
75th percentile
$97,040
90th percentile
$115,610
Job Growth (2024-2034)
+3.9%
As fast as average
Annual Openings
7,000
jobs/year (growth + replacements)
Education Required
Bachelor's degree
Social Worker Salary by State
Best Cities (cost-adjusted) →Salary Map — Click a state for details
$48K$122K■ No data
Top Paying States
Nevada
$122K
+69%
Hawaii
$116K
+62%
Rhode Island
$112K
+55%
New Hampshire
$104K
+44%
Washington
$103K
+43%
Oklahoma
$102K
+42%
Massachusetts
$101K
+41%
Missouri
$99K
+37%
District of Columbia
$96K
+34%
South Carolina
$96K
+34%
Vertical line = national median. Click a state for full details.
| State | Median | vs. National |
|---|---|---|
| Nevada | $121,830 | +69.4% |
| Hawaii | $116,130 | +61.5% |
| Rhode Island | $111,590 | +55.2% |
| New Hampshire | $103,710 | +44.2% |
| Washington | $102,520 | +42.6% |
| Oklahoma | $101,860 | +41.7% |
| Massachusetts | $101,280 | +40.9% |
| Missouri | $98,740 | +37.3% |
| District of Columbia | $96,380 | +34.0% |
| South Carolina | $96,350 | +34.0% |
Showing 1–10 of 50
Social Worker Salary by Metro Area
| Metro Area | Median | vs. National |
|---|---|---|
| Reno, NV | $154,040 | +114.2% |
| Stockton-Lodi, CA | $121,180 | +68.5% |
| Las Vegas-Henderson-North Las Vegas, NV | $118,250 | +64.5% |
| Urban Honolulu, HI | $117,190 | +63.0% |
| Worcester, MA | $112,960 | +57.1% |
| Amherst Town-Northampton, MA | $110,990 | +54.4% |
| Shreveport-Bossier City, LA | $109,390 | +52.1% |
| Providence-Warwick, RI-MA | $108,740 | +51.2% |
| Manchester-Nashua, NH | $107,060 | +48.9% |
| Waco, TX | $105,830 | +47.2% |
Showing 1–10 of 227
Data Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS). Data reflects the most recent annual survey.
How does this compare to pro athletes?
A social worker earning $71,900/year would need 829 years to match Stephen Curry's NBA salary, or 890 yearsto match Patrick Mahomes' NFL contract.
See all sports & celebrity salaries →📈 See how social worker salaries have changed over the past decade.
View Social Worker salary trend (2011–2024) →