Position
Salary

How much does a Social Worker make?

The average salary for a Social Worker is $66,568 per year in the US.

Social workers play a vital role in helping individuals and communities. They earn a good salary for their important work. The average yearly salary for a social worker is $66,568. This means that, on average, social workers make a solid income each year.


Social workers can earn different amounts based on their experience and where they work. Here are some average salaries for different experience levels:

  • Entry-level: $33,650
  • Early career: $41,864
  • Mid-career: $50,077
  • Experienced: $58,291
  • Late career: $66,505
  • Early post-retirement: $74,718
  • Mid post-retirement: $82,932
  • Late post-retirement: $91,145
  • Very late post-retirement: $99,359
  • Peak: $107,573
  • End of career: $115,786
  • Potential retirement: $124,000

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What are the highest paying cities for a Social Worker?

Social workers in Vallejo, CA, enjoy some of the highest salaries in the field. With an average salary of $99,043, this city offers a strong financial incentive for professionals. Other top-paying cities include Seattle, WA, and San Jose, CA, where social workers can expect competitive compensation packages.
Graph displaying highest paying cities salaries for Social Worker jobs, highlighting Vallejo, CA with the highest at $99,043 and Los Angeles, CA with the lowest at $82,000.
  1. Vallejo, CA
    Average Salary: $99,043
    Vallejo offers a vibrant community for those in the helping profession. With a focus on community health, professionals can work with local organizations to support families and individuals. Companies like Kaiser Permanente provide ample opportunities for growth.
    Find Social Worker jobs in Vallejo, CA


  2. Seattle, WA
    Average Salary: $93,297
    Seattle is a bustling city with a strong emphasis on social services. Here, professionals can find rewarding work with organizations like United Way. The city's diverse population offers a rich environment for impactful work.
    Find Social Worker jobs in Seattle, WA


  3. San Jose, CA
    Average Salary: $91,069
    In San Jose, social workers play a key role in community development. Working with tech companies, they support employees and their families. Nonprofits like Silicon Valley Community Foundation offer diverse career paths.
    Find Social Worker jobs in San Jose, CA


  4. Santa Rosa, CA
    Average Salary: $87,438
    Santa Rosa provides a supportive environment for those in the helping field. Professionals can work with local schools and community centers. The city's focus on family services makes it a great place for impactful work.
    Find Social Worker jobs in Santa Rosa, CA


  5. Salem, OR
    Average Salary: $86,682
    Salem offers a stable environment for social workers. The city's government and nonprofits provide many opportunities. Working with local agencies, professionals can make a real difference in the community.
    Find Social Worker jobs in Salem, OR


  6. San Francisco, CA
    Average Salary: $85,011
    San Francisco is a dynamic city for social workers. With a mix of urban challenges and resources, professionals can find work with major nonprofits. The city's diverse population offers unique opportunities for growth.
    Find Social Worker jobs in San Francisco, CA


  7. Spokane, WA
    Average Salary: $83,569
    Spokane provides a welcoming environment for social workers. The city's focus on community health and education offers many opportunities. Working with local nonprofits, professionals can make a significant impact.
    Find Social Worker jobs in Spokane, WA


  8. Washington, DC
    Average Salary: $83,051
    Washington, DC, is a hub for social workers. The city's numerous government agencies and nonprofits offer diverse career paths. Professionals can work on a wide range of issues, from policy to direct services.
    Find Social Worker jobs in Washington, DC


  9. Yuma, AZ
    Average Salary: $82,872
    Yuma offers a close-knit community for social workers. The city's focus on family services and education provides many opportunities. Working with local organizations, professionals can make a real difference.
    Find Social Worker jobs in Yuma, AZ


  10. Los Angeles, CA
    Average Salary: $82,000
    Los Angeles is a vibrant city with many opportunities for social workers. The city's diverse population and numerous nonprofits offer a wide range of career paths. Working with local agencies, professionals can make a significant impact.
    Find Social Worker jobs in Los Angeles, CA

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

CVHCare leads the way for social workers with an average salary of $180,909. This company offers competitive pay and benefits, making it a top choice for many. Shore Staffing, Inc. follows closely with an average salary of $153,693, providing excellent opportunities for career growth.
Graph displaying best paying company salaries for Social Worker jobs, highlighting CVHCare with the highest at $180,909 and Wayfinder Family Services with the lowest at $115,035.
  1. CVHCare
    Average Salary: $180,909
    CVHCare offers rewarding Social Worker positions with a focus on community health. They operate in various locations, providing essential services to diverse populations.


  2. Shore Staffing, Inc
    Average Salary: $153,693
    Shore Staffing, Inc. provides excellent opportunities for Social Workers. They work in multiple locations, offering a range of services to support individuals and families.


  3. Beautiful Minds
    Average Salary: $147,626
    Beautiful Minds is known for its supportive environment for Social Workers. They operate in several locations, focusing on mental health and wellness services.


  4. Genie Healthcare
    Average Salary: $130,236
    Genie Healthcare offers competitive salaries for Social Workers. They serve various locations, providing critical support services to those in need.


  5. TheraCare
    Average Salary: $125,143
    TheraCare provides rewarding roles for Social Workers. They operate in multiple locations, focusing on rehabilitation and support services.


  6. El Camino Health
    Average Salary: $123,634
    El Camino Health offers excellent opportunities for Social Workers. They serve various locations, providing comprehensive healthcare services.


  7. Backstage Health
    Average Salary: $120,000
    Backstage Health provides competitive salaries for Social Workers. They operate in several locations, offering a range of healthcare services.


  8. Keck Medicine of USC
    Average Salary: $118,981
    Keck Medicine of USC offers rewarding positions for Social Workers. They serve multiple locations, providing top-notch healthcare services.


  9. TrueCare24
    Average Salary: $115,833
    TrueCare24 provides excellent opportunities for Social Workers. They operate in various locations, offering essential healthcare services.


  10. Wayfinder Family Services
    Average Salary: $115,035
    Wayfinder Family Services offers rewarding roles for Social Workers. They serve multiple locations, focusing on family support and counseling services.

How to earn more as a Social Worker?

Social workers play a vital role in helping individuals and communities. They often work in challenging environments. However, there are ways to increase earnings in this rewarding field. By focusing on certain areas, social workers can enhance their career prospects and financial stability.

One way to earn more is to gain advanced certifications. Specialized skills can lead to higher-paying positions. For example, becoming a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) can open doors to private practice or more specialized roles. Another factor is gaining experience in high-demand areas. Working in mental health, child welfare, or geriatric care can lead to better-paying jobs. Networking with other professionals can also lead to job opportunities. Attending conferences and joining professional organizations can help build connections. Working in urban areas or regions with a shortage of social workers can lead to higher salaries. Lastly, pursuing a master's degree in social work can significantly increase earning potential.

Social workers who invest in their education and skills can see substantial rewards. These efforts can lead to more fulfilling and financially rewarding careers.

  • Gain advanced certifications
  • Gain experience in high-demand areas
  • Network with other professionals
  • Work in urban areas or regions with a shortage of social workers
  • Pursue a master's degree in social work

Currently 4,918 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
4,918 Job Openings