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How much does a Social Services Specialist make?

The average salary for a Social Services Specialist is $53,620 per year in the US.

A Social Services Specialist helps people in need. They find resources and support. They can work in many areas, like health, housing, or child welfare. This job is very rewarding. It also offers a stable salary. The average yearly salary for a Social Services Specialist is about $53,620. This means many people in this field earn between $31,861 and $92,508 each year.


Salaries for Social Services Specialists depend on many factors. These include experience, education, and location. Some specialists start at lower salaries. They can grow over time. Here are some average salaries for different levels:

  • Entry level: $31,861
  • Mid-career: $53,914
  • Experienced: $81,481
People who work in big cities or have more experience usually earn more. They may also have more opportunities for advancement.

View Social Services Specialist jobs nearby

What are the highest paying cities for a Social Services Specialist?

Seeking a career as a Social Services Specialist? Some cities offer higher salaries than others. Bend, OR, ranks high with an average salary of $85,836. Other top-paying locations include Fresno, CA, and Spokane, WA. Finding a job in these cities could boost earnings. Baltimore, MD, and Washington, DC, also offer competitive salaries. Social Services Specialists should consider these locations for better pay.
Graph displaying highest paying cities salaries for Social Services Specialist jobs, highlighting Bend, OR with the highest at $85,836 and Baltimore, MD with the lowest at $66,472.
  1. Bend, OR
    Average Salary: $85,836
    In Bend, a Social Services Specialist can work with local nonprofits and government agencies. They play a key role in helping families and individuals. The warm community offers many opportunities to make a difference.
    Find Social Services Specialist jobs in Bend, OR


  2. Fresno, CA
    Average Salary: $84,297
    Fresno provides a dynamic environment for those in social services. Specialists collaborate with a range of organizations to support the community. The city's diverse population offers unique challenges and rewards.
    Find Social Services Specialist jobs in Fresno, CA


  3. Spokane, WA
    Average Salary: $76,624
    In Spokane, a Social Services Specialist can make a real impact in their community. The city values social workers who help those in need. Spokane offers a supportive environment for career growth.
    Find Social Services Specialist jobs in Spokane, WA


  4. Anchorage, AK
    Average Salary: $74,252
    Anchorage offers a rewarding environment for those in social services. Specialists work with both urban and rural populations. The city's remote location presents unique challenges and opportunities.
    Find Social Services Specialist jobs in Anchorage, AK


  5. San Diego, CA
    Average Salary: $72,636
    San Diego provides a vibrant setting for social services professionals. They work with a variety of communities and organizations. The city's diverse population offers many opportunities to help others.
    Find Social Services Specialist jobs in San Diego, CA


  6. San Francisco, CA
    Average Salary: $71,997
    In San Francisco, a Social Services Specialist can contribute to a thriving community. They often work with tech companies and nonprofits. The city offers diverse experiences and a high cost of living.
    Find Social Services Specialist jobs in San Francisco, CA


  7. Salem, OR
    Average Salary: $71,389
    Salem offers a balanced environment for those in social services. Specialists can work with both state agencies and local nonprofits. The city’s close-knit community provides a supportive work environment.
    Find Social Services Specialist jobs in Salem, OR


  8. Seattle, WA
    Average Salary: $70,733
    Seattle provides many opportunities for social services professionals. They work with a range of organizations to support the community. The city’s progressive values align well with social service goals.
    Find Social Services Specialist jobs in Seattle, WA


  9. Washington, DC
    Average Salary: $66,727
    In Washington, DC, a Social Services Specialist can make a big impact. They often work with federal agencies and nonprofits. The city’s political environment offers unique opportunities for advocacy and change.
    Find Social Services Specialist jobs in Washington, DC


  10. Baltimore, MD
    Average Salary: $66,472
    Baltimore offers a challenging yet rewarding environment for social services professionals. They work with diverse communities and organizations. The city’s commitment to social issues creates many opportunities for growth.
    Find Social Services Specialist jobs in Baltimore, MD

What are the best companies a Social Services Specialist can work for?

Fairfax County Government offers top-tier salaries for Social Services Specialists, averaging over $90,000. State of Nevada and Exodus Recovery Inc. also provide competitive pay, with averages around $80,000. These companies value their social services roles highly, offering excellent career opportunities.
Graph displaying best paying company salaries for Social Services Specialist jobs, highlighting Fairfax County Government with the highest at $90,031 and Liberty Healthcare Corporation with the lowest at $50,000.
  1. Fairfax County Government
    Average Salary: $90,031
    Fairfax County Government offers a wide range of Social Services Specialist positions across its various departments. These roles provide essential support to families and individuals in need, focusing on areas such as child welfare, disability services, and senior support. The county operates in Fairfax, Virginia, ensuring comprehensive community services.


  2. State of Nevada
    Average Salary: $79,544
    The State of Nevada provides numerous opportunities for Social Services Specialists. These professionals work in diverse settings, including child protective services, public assistance programs, and mental health services. Nevada's vast geography means these positions span from urban areas like Las Vegas to rural regions, ensuring services reach all residents.


  3. Exodus Recovery Inc.
    Average Salary: $78,141
    Exodus Recovery Inc. focuses on substance abuse and mental health treatment. Social Services Specialists in this company assist clients with case management, counseling, and community resources. Operating in California, this company offers roles that make a significant impact on individuals' lives and recovery journeys.


  4. State of Washington
    Average Salary: $77,603
    The State of Washington provides opportunities for Social Services Specialists in areas like child welfare, disability services, and foster care. These professionals work to support vulnerable populations and promote family stability. With offices throughout the state, including in Seattle and Spokane, there are diverse roles available.


  5. Department of Human Services
    Average Salary: $71,007
    The Department of Human Services offers roles that focus on providing critical services such as child welfare, food assistance, and healthcare. Social Services Specialists in this department work to ensure that families have the support they need. With locations across the country, these positions offer varied and impactful work environments.


  6. State of New Mexico
    Average Salary: $67,528
    The State of New Mexico offers roles for Social Services Specialists in areas like child protective services, foster care, and public assistance. These professionals help to improve the quality of life for many residents. The state's diverse locations, from Albuquerque to Santa Fe, provide a range of community settings for these roles.


  7. State of Arkansas
    Average Salary: $66,655
    The State of Arkansas provides opportunities for Social Services Specialists in various areas, including child welfare, public assistance, and disability services. These positions aim to support vulnerable populations and promote community well-being. With offices across the state, these roles offer meaningful community service.


  8. Children's Rescue Fund
    Average Salary: $60,804
    Children's Rescue Fund focuses on child welfare and family services. Social Services Specialists here work closely with children and families to ensure safety and well-being. Operating in Minnesota, these roles emphasize providing a nurturing and supportive environment for children in need.


  9. HumanGood
    Average Salary: $50,560
    HumanGood offers a variety of roles for Social Services Specialists, focusing on family services, senior support, and disability care. These professionals help individuals and families navigate challenges and access necessary services. With locations in Oregon and Washington, these positions provide impactful community service.


  10. Liberty Healthcare Corporation
    Average Salary: $50,000
    Liberty Healthcare Corporation provides roles for Social Services Specialists in areas like mental health and substance abuse treatment. These professionals support clients in their recovery and well-being. Operating in multiple states, including California and Texas, these positions offer diverse and rewarding work environments.

How to earn more as a Social Services Specialist?

Social Services Specialists often find themselves in roles that provide essential support to individuals and families in need. To earn more in this field, consider these factors that can boost earnings:

Enhancing skills and gaining certifications can lead to higher pay. Specialization in areas such as mental health, child welfare, or substance abuse treatment can make a candidate more valuable. Continuing education and attending workshops can also open doors to better-paying positions.

Experience and tenure in the field are key. Social Services Specialists who have spent several years in the industry often have the opportunity to move into higher-level positions with more responsibilities and, consequently, higher salaries. Leadership roles such as program managers or supervisors typically offer more compensation.

  1. Certifications: Obtain relevant certifications to stand out.
  2. Specialization: Focus on specific areas like mental health or child welfare.
  3. Continuing Education: Attend workshops and training sessions.
  4. Experience: Gain tenure in the industry to move into higher-level roles.
  5. Leadership Roles: Aim for positions such as program managers or supervisors.

Currently 292 Social Services Specialist job openings, nationwide.

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

Learn what a Social Services Specialist does, how to become one, and understand the job outlook. Get simple steps to start your career as a Social Services Specialist today.
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Social Services Specialist
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