Social Worker Salaries

Updated on Dec 17, 2024
Position
Salary

How much does a Social Worker make?

The average salary for a Social Worker is $74,263 per year in the US.

Social workers play a vital role in supporting communities and individuals. Their salaries can vary based on experience, location, and specialization. The average yearly salary for a social worker is approximately $74,263.


Most social workers earn salaries that reflect their diverse responsibilities. For entry-level positions, starting salaries are around $33,500. As social workers gain experience and take on more complex cases, their salaries increase. For example, those with several years of experience can earn about $45,025 to $56,551.


In the middle of the salary range, many social workers earn between $68,076 and $79,602. This pay reflects their ability to handle challenging situations and provide valuable support.


Top earners in the field can make between $91,127 and $160,280. These positions often require advanced degrees or specialized training, but they offer rewarding financial benefits.


Overall, the social work profession provides not only a chance to make a difference in people's lives but also a stable and rewarding salary structure.

View Social Worker Jobs Nearby

What are the highest paying cities for a Social Worker?

Social workers can find some of the highest salaries in cities like Stockton, CA, where the average pay reaches around $116,035. Other top-paying cities include San Jose and College Station, offering salaries close to $94,188 and $93,897, respectively. Exploring job opportunities in these areas may lead to a rewarding career both financially and personally.
Graph displaying highest paying cities salaries for Social Worker jobs, highlighting Stockton, CA with the highest at $116,035 and Bakersfield, CA with the lowest at $86,399.
  1. Stockton, CA
    Average Salary: $116,035
    In Stockton, you can find meaningful roles helping families and children in need. Agencies like the San Joaquin County Human Services Agency often look for dedicated professionals to make a difference.
    Find Social Worker jobs in Stockton, CA


  2. San Jose, CA
    Average Salary: $94,188
    San Jose offers a vibrant community with numerous opportunities to support individuals facing challenges. Local organizations, such as the Center for Training and Careers, actively seek compassionate individuals to assist in various social services.
    Find Social Worker jobs in San Jose, CA


  3. College Station, TX
    Average Salary: $93,897
    In College Station, you can engage with a close-knit community focused on growth and support. The local non-profits and the Texas A&M University system provide avenues for impactful work with different populations.
    Find Social Worker jobs in College Station, TX


  4. San Diego, CA
    Average Salary: $93,658
    San Diego boasts a diverse environment where you can help many people from various backgrounds. Organizations like the San Diego Youth Services are always on the lookout for passionate individuals eager to improve lives.
    Find Social Worker jobs in San Diego, CA


  5. San Francisco, CA
    Average Salary: $92,753
    San Francisco presents a unique blend of culture and social challenges, offering rewarding work opportunities. The city’s numerous health and human services agencies, including the San Francisco Department of Public Health, support a wide range of social issues.
    Find Social Worker jobs in San Francisco, CA


  6. Salinas, CA
    Average Salary: $91,221
    In Salinas, you can play a crucial role in assisting agricultural communities and families. The Monterey County Health Department regularly seeks professionals committed to enhancing community well-being.
    Find Social Worker jobs in Salinas, CA


  7. Vallejo, CA
    Average Salary: $90,666
    Vallejo has a strong sense of community where social services play a vital role. Local organizations like the Vallejo City Unified School District often hire dedicated individuals to work with students facing various challenges.
    Find Social Worker jobs in Vallejo, CA


  8. Santa Rosa, CA
    Average Salary: $90,495
    Santa Rosa offers a beautiful setting to help individuals and families thrive. With its various non-profit organizations and government agencies, you can find plentiful opportunities to contribute to the local community.
    Find Social Worker jobs in Santa Rosa, CA


  9. Seattle, WA
    Average Salary: $86,882
    Seattle provides a dynamic environment with a wide range of social issues to address. The city's agencies, like the Seattle Human Services Department, welcome individuals ready to support and uplift diverse populations.
    Find Social Worker jobs in Seattle, WA


  10. Bakersfield, CA
    Average Salary: $86,399
    In Bakersfield, you can contribute to positive changes within the community. Various organizations, including Kern Behavioral Health and Recovery Services, seek out dedicated individuals ready to assist those in need.
    Find Social Worker jobs in Bakersfield, CA

What are the best companies a Social Worker can work for?

For job seekers in the field of social work, several companies offer impressive salaries. ACE Home Health Care & Hospice tops the list with an average salary of $170,300, followed closely by Lodestar Children's Services at $160,000. Other notable employers include The Center for Family Wellness and Deloitte, with average salaries of $150,083 and $148,498, respectively.
Graph displaying best paying company salaries for Social Worker jobs, highlighting ACE Home Health Care & Hospice with the highest at $170,300 and The Children's Circle with the lowest at $140,000.
  1. ACE Home Health Care & Hospice
    Average Salary: $170,300
    ACE Home Health Care & Hospice offers positions for social workers who provide compassionate care and support to patients and families. They operate in various locations, focusing on delivering quality home health services.


  2. Lodestar Children's Services
    Average Salary: $160,000
    Lodestar Children's Services specializes in helping vulnerable children and their families. Social workers here work in supportive roles across multiple states, aiming to improve the lives of young people.


  3. The Center for Family Wellness
    Average Salary: $150,083
    At The Center for Family Wellness, social workers play a vital role in family counseling and support services. The center operates in urban areas, providing essential resources to strengthen families.


  4. Deloitte
    Average Salary: $148,498
    Deloitte hires social workers for their corporate social responsibility programs. They focus on community engagement and operate in major cities, providing opportunities to make a positive impact.


  5. Shore Staffing, Inc
    Average Salary: $147,362
    Shore Staffing, Inc offers social workers positions that emphasize placement and staffing for various health organizations. They operate in multiple regions, connecting skilled professionals with those in need.


  6. CarePine Home Health
    Average Salary: $144,721
    CarePine Home Health seeks social workers to deliver support and services in home health care settings. They operate extensively, providing compassionate assistance to clients and families.


  7. Beautiful Minds
    Average Salary: $142,971
    Beautiful Minds employs social workers to support mental health initiatives and community wellness programs. They work in diverse locations, focusing on improving mental health outcomes.


  8. TEEMA Solutions
    Average Salary: $141,816
    TEEMA Solutions recruits social workers for clients in health and social services. They operate nationwide, providing valuable connections in various settings, including non-profits and healthcare.


  9. iLocatum
    Average Salary: $141,435
    iLocatum employs social workers in roles that enhance community programs and public health initiatives. Their work spans numerous locations, focusing on social impact and community improvement.


  10. The Children's Circle
    Average Salary: $140,000
    The Children's Circle hires social workers dedicated to providing support to children and families. They operate in various regions, working towards comprehensive care and development for youth.

How to earn more as a Social Worker?

Social workers play a vital role in our communities. To earn more as a social worker, consider the following factors:

  • Education Level: Pursue advanced degrees like a Master of Social Work (MSW) or a Doctorate in Social Work (DSW). Higher education often opens doors to better-paying positions.
  • Specialization: Choose a specific area to focus on, such as mental health, child welfare, or substance abuse. Specialists can command higher salaries due to their expertise.
  • Location: Work in areas with a high demand for social workers, often urban or underserved regions. Salaries can vary significantly based on location.
  • Experience: Gain experience in the field to improve your skills and value. More years of practice usually lead to promotions and pay raises.
  • Continuing Education: Participate in workshops and training to improve your skills. Staying updated on new practices can help you stand out in the job market.

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Currently 10,727 Social Worker job openings, nationwide!

How's the job market for a Social Worker in the US?

Learn what a Social Worker does, how to become one, and understand the job outlook. Get simple steps to start your career as a Social Worker today.
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Social Worker
10,727 Job Openings