How much does a Social Worker make?
Social workers earn a decent income while making a significant impact on people's lives. On average, a social worker makes around $64,208 per year. This figure varies based on experience, education, and location.
Salary differences can be seen across different experience levels. Entry-level social workers might start at around $32,830. With more experience, the salary can reach up to $121,890 for the most seasoned professionals. This wide range shows the potential for growth and the rewards of dedication in this field.
What are the highest paying cities for a Social Worker?

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Vallejo, CA
Average Salary: $135,969
In Vallejo, professionals support families in need through local nonprofits. Opportunities exist with organizations like Napa Valley Health Management. The area offers a warm community feel.
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San Jose, CA
Average Salary: $97,942
San Jose offers numerous roles in mental health and child welfare. Large companies like Kaiser Permanente provide many job openings. The city’s diverse population adds to the dynamic work environment.
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Seattle, WA
Average Salary: $96,291
Seattle’s social workers assist with urban challenges in healthcare and education. Companies like Seattle Children’s offer rewarding positions. The city’s focus on community welfare creates a fulfilling career path.
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Santa Rosa, CA
Average Salary: $93,895
In Santa Rosa, social workers find roles with local government and nonprofit agencies. The community-focused environment makes for a supportive workplace. Organizations like Family Service Agency offer many opportunities.
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San Francisco, CA
Average Salary: $91,413
San Francisco provides diverse opportunities in urban social work. Major employers like the San Francisco Unified School District offer varied roles. The city’s vibrant culture enriches professional experiences.
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Stockton, CA
Average Salary: $90,394
Stockton offers roles in community support and family services. Nonprofits like Catholic Charities provide essential services. The city’s tight-knit community fosters a strong support network for social workers.
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Modesto, CA
Average Salary: $89,264
Modesto’s social workers help with a range of community needs. Local agencies like the Stanislaus County Department of Social Services offer many job openings. The city’s family-friendly environment enhances job satisfaction.
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Washington, DC
Average Salary: $89,155
Washington, DC offers roles that impact national policies and programs. Agencies like the Department of Health and Human Services provide significant opportunities. The city’s political environment offers unique professional challenges.
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Yuma, AZ
Average Salary: $87,447
Yuma offers roles focused on rural community support. Local nonprofits and government agencies provide many job openings. The city’s welcoming atmosphere makes for a pleasant work environment.
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Augusta, GA
Average Salary: $86,329
In Augusta, social workers support families through local nonprofits and government agencies. Organizations like the Department of Human Services offer diverse roles. The city’s strong community ties enrich professional experiences.
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What are the best companies a Social Worker can work for?

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CVHCare
Average Salary: $186,875
CVHCare provides rewarding Social Worker positions with an emphasis on patient care. They operate across multiple states, including California, New York, and Texas. Employees benefit from comprehensive training and career development opportunities.
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Shore Staffing, Inc.
Average Salary: $154,556
Shore Staffing, Inc. is known for its supportive work environment and competitive salaries. They place Social Workers in various locations, including New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Florida. The company values community service and professional growth.
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The Family Center
Average Salary: $131,875
The Family Center offers meaningful roles for Social Workers, focusing on family and child welfare. They operate primarily in the Midwest, including Illinois and Indiana. Employees here enjoy a collaborative team atmosphere and strong community ties.
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Pacer Staffing
Average Salary: $129,989
Pacer Staffing provides diverse opportunities for Social Workers across the country. They offer competitive pay and focus on long-term career development. Locations include major cities such as Chicago, Los Angeles, and Atlanta.
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Children's Hospital of Philadelphia
Average Salary: $126,782
This prestigious institution offers excellent Social Worker positions. They are located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The hospital is renowned for its innovative care and commitment to patient well-being.
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TheraCare
Average Salary: $126,222
TheraCare provides rewarding roles for Social Workers with a focus on mental health services. They operate in several states, including New York and California. The company values teamwork and professional development.
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THERAPEDS, LLC
Average Salary: $125,455
THERAPEDS, LLC offers competitive salaries and a supportive work environment. They place Social Workers in various locations, including Florida and Ohio. The company emphasizes patient care and career advancement.
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Keck Medicine of USC
Average Salary: $124,617
Keck Medicine of USC provides excellent opportunities for Social Workers in Southern California. The institution is known for its cutting-edge research and quality patient care. They focus on professional growth and community service.
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Sutter Health
Average Salary: $124,055
Sutter Health offers rewarding Social Worker positions in Northern California. They prioritize patient care and professional development. Locations include Sacramento and San Francisco. The company values teamwork and community involvement.
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TrueCare24
Average Salary: $122,538
TrueCare24 offers a supportive environment for Social Workers. They operate across several states, including Texas and North Carolina. The company focuses on providing quality care and opportunities for professional growth.
How to earn more as a Social Worker?
Social workers play a crucial role in our communities, but many want to know how to increase their earnings. Pursuing higher education can lead to more opportunities and higher salaries. A master's degree or a Ph.D. can open doors to specialized roles that often pay more. Another way to earn more is to gain more experience. Experienced social workers often have more responsibilities and can command higher pay.
Certification can also boost earnings. Certain certifications can demonstrate expertise in areas like clinical social work or school social work. This can make a social worker more valuable to employers. Working in certain sectors, such as healthcare or government, often offers higher salaries. Researching these sectors can lead to better-paying job opportunities. Networking with other professionals can uncover high-paying jobs. Attending conferences and joining professional organizations can help with this.
Here are five factors that can help social workers earn more:
- Higher Education: Getting a master's degree or a Ph.D. can lead to higher-paying jobs.
- Experience: More experience often means more responsibilities and higher pay.
- Certification: Special certifications can make a social worker more valuable.
- Sector Choice: Working in healthcare or government can lead to higher salaries.
- Networking: Connecting with other professionals can uncover better job opportunities.



