Social Worker Salaries

Updated on Jun 05, 2025
Position
Salary

How much does a Social Worker make?

The average salary for a Social Worker is $62,825 per year in the US.

Social workers play a vital role in helping people improve their lives. They work in many different settings, such as schools, hospitals, and community centers. The salary for social workers can vary based on experience and location. On average, a social worker earns about $62,825 per year. This is a good salary for those who want to help others.

Social workers can earn more as they gain experience. Here are some average salaries for different years of experience:

  • 0-1 years: $32,000
  • 1-3 years: $40,138
  • 3-5 years: $48,277
  • 5-7 years: $56,416
  • 7-10 years: $64,554
  • 10-15 years: $72,692
  • 15-20 years: $80,831
  • 20+ years: $121,524
As you can see, the salary can increase significantly with more experience. This makes social work a rewarding career for those willing to invest time and effort.

View Social Worker jobs nearby

What are the highest paying cities for a Social Worker?

Social workers in Seattle, WA, earn the highest average salary, making it a top choice for those seeking better pay. Cities like San Jose, CA, and Vallejo, CA, also offer competitive wages for social workers. Job seekers may find attractive opportunities in these locations.
Graph displaying highest paying cities salaries for Social Worker jobs, highlighting Seattle, WA with the highest at $88,936 and Los Angeles, CA with the lowest at $75,382.
  1. Seattle, WA
    Average Salary: $88,936
    In Seattle, professionals help people in need through various programs. Many work for organizations like United Way or the City of Seattle. The city offers a supportive environment for those dedicated to community service.
    Find Social Worker jobs in Seattle, WA


  2. San Jose, CA
    Average Salary: $86,600
    San Jose offers many opportunities for those who want to assist others. Companies like Kaiser Permanente and the County of Santa Clara provide various roles. The city values social work and offers a range of programs to support residents.
    Find Social Worker jobs in San Jose, CA


  3. Vallejo, CA
    Average Salary: $81,678
    Vallejo provides a chance to make a difference in the community. Local agencies and non-profits offer many roles. The city's focus on social services creates a rewarding environment for dedicated workers.
    Find Social Worker jobs in Vallejo, CA


  4. San Francisco, CA
    Average Salary: $80,549
    San Francisco is a vibrant city with many opportunities for social service professionals. Working for organizations like the City and County of San Francisco can be very fulfilling. The city's diverse population offers unique challenges and rewards.
    Find Social Worker jobs in San Francisco, CA


  5. Santa Rosa, CA
    Average Salary: $80,292
    In Santa Rosa, social service workers find many opportunities to help others. Local agencies and non-profits offer various roles. The city's commitment to community well-being creates a supportive environment for those in the field.
    Find Social Worker jobs in Santa Rosa, CA


  6. Washington, DC
    Average Salary: $79,650
    Washington, DC, offers a dynamic environment for those in the social service field. Working for federal agencies or local non-profits can be very rewarding. The city's diverse population and political environment provide unique opportunities.
    Find Social Worker jobs in Washington, DC


  7. Provo, UT
    Average Salary: $77,765
    Provo offers a chance to help others in a community-focused environment. Local agencies and non-profits provide many roles. The city's strong sense of community makes it a great place for social workers.
    Find Social Worker jobs in Provo, UT


  8. Spokane, WA
    Average Salary: $76,958
    Spokane provides many opportunities for those who want to assist others. Working for organizations like the City of Spokane or local non-profits can be very rewarding. The city's focus on community well-being creates a supportive environment.
    Find Social Worker jobs in Spokane, WA


  9. Boston, MA
    Average Salary: $76,454
    Boston offers a rich environment for social service professionals. Working for organizations like the City of Boston or local non-profits can be very fulfilling. The city's history and diverse population provide unique challenges and rewards.
    Find Social Worker jobs in Boston, MA


  10. Los Angeles, CA
    Average Salary: $75,382
    Los Angeles provides many opportunities for those who want to help others. Working for large agencies or local non-profits can be very rewarding. The city's diverse population and large scale offer unique challenges and rewards.
    Find Social Worker jobs in Los Angeles, CA

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

Social workers can find rewarding positions with top-paying companies. Shore Staffing, Inc. leads with an average salary of $152,686. Other notable employers include Beautiful Minds and Genie Healthcare, both offering competitive pay. These companies value social workers and provide excellent compensation.
Graph displaying best paying company salaries for Social Worker jobs, highlighting Shore Staffing, Inc with the highest at $152,686 and Los Robles Hospital and Medical Center with the lowest at $110,883.
  1. Shore Staffing, Inc
    Average Salary: $152,686
    Shore Staffing, Inc. offers rewarding Social Worker positions. They work in various locations, including New York, California, and Texas. Their roles focus on providing support and care for individuals and families.


  2. Beautiful Minds
    Average Salary: $145,419
    Beautiful Minds provides excellent Social Worker jobs. They operate in cities like Los Angeles, Chicago, and Miami. The company emphasizes mental health and community support, offering a fulfilling work environment.


  3. Genie Healthcare
    Average Salary: $129,117
    Genie Healthcare has competitive Social Worker salaries. They work in major cities such as San Francisco, Boston, and Seattle. Their roles involve helping clients with social and emotional challenges, making a real difference.


  4. Genius Therapy
    Average Salary: $125,000
    Genius Therapy offers a high average salary for Social Workers. They operate in cities like Denver, Atlanta, and Phoenix. Their positions focus on providing therapy and support to those in need.


  5. TheraCare
    Average Salary: $125,000
    TheraCare provides rewarding Social Worker jobs. They work in locations such as Philadelphia, Minneapolis, and San Diego. Their roles involve helping clients with various social and emotional issues.


  6. Clover Health Services
    Average Salary: $121,421
    Clover Health Services offers competitive Social Worker salaries. They operate in cities like New Jersey, Florida, and Illinois. Their positions focus on providing care and support to individuals and families.


  7. El Camino Health
    Average Salary: $119,986
    El Camino Health provides excellent Social Worker jobs. They work in cities such as San Jose and Palo Alto. Their roles involve helping clients with social and emotional challenges, making a real difference.


  8. TrueCare24
    Average Salary: $115,745
    TrueCare24 offers rewarding Social Worker positions. They operate in cities like Houston, Dallas, and Austin. Their roles focus on providing support and care for individuals and families.


  9. CAMBAY CONSULTING
    Average Salary: $114,716
    CAMBAY CONSULTING provides competitive Social Worker salaries. They work in major cities such as New York, Chicago, and Los Angeles. Their roles involve helping clients with social and emotional challenges, making a real difference.


  10. Los Robles Hospital and Medical Center
    Average Salary: $110,883
    Los Robles Hospital and Medical Center offers rewarding Social Worker jobs. They operate in Thousand Oaks, California. Their roles focus on providing care and support to patients and their families.

How to earn more as a Social Worker?

Social workers play a vital role in helping individuals and communities. They often work hard to improve people's lives. Increasing your earning potential can provide more job satisfaction and financial security. Here are some ways to earn more as a social worker.

First, gaining advanced degrees can lead to higher salaries. A master's degree in social work (MSW) is often required. Some employers prefer candidates with a Doctor of Social Work (DSW) or a Ph.D. in social work. These advanced degrees can open doors to higher-paying positions. They can also lead to roles in administration or specialized fields.

Second, gaining certifications can boost your earnings. Certifications in areas like clinical social work or school social work can make you more valuable. They can also lead to higher-paying jobs. Certifications show that you have specialized skills and knowledge. They can help you stand out in a competitive job market.

Third, gaining experience in high-demand areas can lead to higher pay. Working in areas like healthcare, child welfare, or mental health can offer better salaries. These fields often have a higher need for social workers. They also offer more opportunities for advancement. Gaining experience in these areas can make you more attractive to employers.

Fourth, seeking leadership roles can increase your income. Positions like social work manager or director often pay more. These roles require additional responsibilities. They also require leadership skills. Taking on these roles can lead to higher salaries and more job satisfaction.

Fifth, negotiating your salary can make a difference. Research the average salary for your position and experience level. Use this information to negotiate a higher salary. Be confident and prepared to discuss your value to the employer. Effective negotiation can lead to a better-paying job.

In summary, there are several ways to increase your earnings as a social worker. Gaining advanced degrees, certifications, experience in high-demand areas, leadership roles, and effective salary negotiation can all lead to higher pay. These steps can help you achieve your financial goals and job satisfaction.

Currently 6,618 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.
Position
Overview
Social Worker
6,618 Job Openings