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Salary

How much does a Social Worker make?

The average salary for a Social Worker is $66,993 per year in the US.

Social workers support people with challenges such as poverty, homelessness, and abuse. They make a positive difference in many lives. Social workers earn an average yearly salary of about $66,993. This can change based on where they work, their experience, and their education.

Those new to the field may start at lower pay. As they gain experience, their salary usually increases. Experienced social workers can earn significantly more. Some areas pay more than others. For example, workers in large cities often earn higher salaries compared to those in rural areas. Education also plays a role. Higher degrees, such as a master’s, can lead to higher-paying positions.

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What are the highest paying cities for a Social Worker?

Social workers in Seattle, Washington, enjoy some of the highest salaries, averaging about $94,257 a year. High demand for social services in tech-heavy cities like San Jose, California, also provides attractive salaries, around $93,391. Other cities with strong salaries include Santa Rosa and San Francisco, California. Potential earners should note Los Angeles and Washington, D.C. offer competitive wages as well. In Salem, Spokane, Yuma, and Provo, social workers see solid incomes, ranging from $84,000 to $86,000 annually. This variety of opportunities makes these cities attractive for social work careers.
Graph displaying highest paying cities salaries for Social Worker jobs, highlighting Seattle, WA with the highest at $94,257 and Provo, UT with the lowest at $82,897.
  1. Seattle, WA
    Average Salary: $94,257
    In Seattle, professionals find rewarding experiences with both government and private agencies. Companies like Seattle Children’s and King County offer ample opportunities for impactful work. The city's focus on social justice provides a strong backdrop for meaningful contributions.
    Find Social Worker jobs in Seattle, WA


  2. San Jose, CA
    Average Salary: $93,391
    San Jose boasts a diverse job market for those aiding others. Nonprofits such as Planned Parenthood and Silicon Valley Community Foundation hire dedicated workers. The tech-driven community brings unique challenges and chances for growth.
    Find Social Worker jobs in San Jose, CA


  3. Santa Rosa, CA
    Average Salary: $89,235
    Santa Rosa offers a blend of suburban charm and professional opportunities. Local organizations like Catholic Charities provide essential services. The city’s smaller size fosters a tight-knit community, enhancing the work experience.
    Find Social Worker jobs in Santa Rosa, CA


  4. San Francisco, CA
    Average Salary: $87,466
    San Francisco’s vibrant atmosphere attracts many professionals to its social work sector. Agencies such as the City and County of San Francisco and the Children’s Bureau are leaders in the field. The diverse population here brings a range of cases needing skilled attention.
    Find Social Worker jobs in San Francisco, CA


  5. Washington, DC
    Average Salary: $86,053
    Working in Washington, DC, offers a unique blend of political influence and community service. Organizations like the Department of Human Services and American Red Cross are prominent employers. The city’s role as the nation’s capital provides a dynamic environment for impactful work.
    Find Social Worker jobs in Washington, DC


  6. Los Angeles, CA
    Average Salary: $85,519
    Los Angeles presents a vast landscape for social work, with a multitude of nonprofit organizations and government positions. Companies like the Los Angeles County Department of Children and Family Services offer diverse challenges. The city’s size ensures a steady flow of opportunities.
    Find Social Worker jobs in Los Angeles, CA


  7. Salem, OR
    Average Salary: $84,795
    Salem provides a quieter setting with a strong community focus. Employers such as the Oregon Department of Human Services offer stable and meaningful positions. The city’s commitment to public service creates a supportive environment for workers.
    Find Social Worker jobs in Salem, OR


  8. Spokane, WA
    Average Salary: $84,551
    In Spokane, professionals enjoy a balance of urban and natural environments. Agencies like the Spokane County Department of Human Services provide essential services. The city’s supportive community makes it a great place to build a career.
    Find Social Worker jobs in Spokane, WA


  9. Yuma, AZ
    Average Salary: $83,744
    Yuma offers a close-knit community with rewarding social work opportunities. Local organizations like the Yuma County Department of Child Safety provide critical support. The smaller city size allows for personal connections and impactful work.
    Find Social Worker jobs in Yuma, AZ


  10. Provo, UT
    Average Salary: $82,897
    Provo’s strong community values create a nurturing environment for social workers. Employers such as BYU and the Utah County Department of Human Services offer diverse roles. The city’s emphasis on family and service makes it an ideal place to work.
    Find Social Worker jobs in Provo, UT

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

CVHCare leads in offering top salaries for social workers, with an impressive average of $186,875 per year. Shore Staffing, Inc. follows closely, providing an average salary of $153,513. Beautiful Minds also pays well, averaging $150,500 for social workers. Other notable employers include El Camino Health, TheraCare, and Supportive Care LLC, all offering salaries above $120,000 annually. John Muir Health and Keck Medicine of USC also provide competitive pay, with averages around $120,000. Backstage Health and TrueCare24 follow with salaries around $120,000, making them attractive options for job seekers.
Graph displaying best paying company salaries for Social Worker jobs, highlighting CVHCare with the highest at $186,875 and TrueCare24 with the lowest at $119,487.
  1. CVHCare
    Average Salary: $186,875
    CVHCare offers rewarding roles for Social Workers. The company provides various services across New York. Social workers at CVHCare make a big difference by helping clients in their homes and communities.


  2. Shore Staffing, Inc.
    Average Salary: $153,513
    Shore Staffing, Inc. is known for its high-paying jobs for Social Workers. They operate in several states, including California and Texas. Social Workers here get to work with diverse populations and make an impact every day.


  3. Beautiful Minds
    Average Salary: $150,500
    Beautiful Minds hires Social Workers who want to make a difference. They work in various locations in the Midwest. The company values its employees and offers competitive salaries.


  4. El Camino Health
    Average Salary: $127,328
    El Camino Health provides excellent opportunities for Social Workers in California. They focus on patient care and offer a supportive work environment.


  5. TheraCare
    Average Salary: $125,778
    TheraCare is known for offering good salaries to Social Workers. They operate across New York and provide various services to those in need. Social Workers here work to improve the lives of many people.


  6. Supportive Care LLC
    Average Salary: $122,653
    Supportive Care LLC provides rewarding roles for Social Workers in the eastern United States. They focus on helping people with disabilities and chronic illnesses.


  7. John Muir Health
    Average Salary: $121,150
    John Muir Health offers competitive salaries to Social Workers in California. They provide high-quality care to patients and their families.


  8. Keck Medicine of USC
    Average Salary: $120,324
    Keck Medicine of USC is a top employer for Social Workers in California. They offer excellent benefits and support for their employees.


  9. Backstage Health
    Average Salary: $120,000
    Backstage Health provides good roles for Social Workers in the western United States. They focus on improving health outcomes for their clients.


  10. TrueCare24
    Average Salary: $119,487
    TrueCare24 is known for its rewarding roles for Social Workers in New York and Pennsylvania. They focus on providing in-home care and support.

How to earn more as a Social Worker?

To increase earnings as a social worker, consider these key factors. By focusing on these areas, professionals can open new opportunities for advancement and compensation.

First, gaining advanced degrees can lead to higher-paying positions. A master's degree in social work (MSW) often opens more job options. Some roles, like clinical social work or school social work, require this level of education. Continuing education can also lead to specialized certifications, which can boost earning potential. Second, gaining experience in specialized areas can increase job opportunities. Working with specific populations, such as children, the elderly, or those with mental health issues, can make a social worker more valuable. Third, improving communication and interpersonal skills can lead to better job performance and promotions. These skills help build strong relationships with clients and colleagues. Fourth, seeking leadership roles within organizations can lead to higher salaries. Positions like program managers or supervisors often come with increased pay. Lastly, networking with other professionals in the field can lead to job referrals and better career opportunities.

Investing in professional development can create more earning potential. Attending workshops, conferences, and seminars can provide valuable skills and knowledge. These can also lead to new job opportunities and higher-paying positions.

Consider these factors to enhance career growth and earnings as a social worker. By focusing on education, experience, skills, leadership, and networking, individuals can achieve greater success in their profession.

  • Gain advanced degrees and certifications
  • Specialize in specific areas of social work
  • Improve communication and interpersonal skills
  • Seek leadership roles within organizations
  • Network with other professionals in the field

Currently 10,024 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
10,024 Job Openings