Position
Salary

How much does a Social Worker make?

The average salary for a Social Worker is $66,093 per year in the US.

Social workers focus on helping individuals and communities improve their well-being. Their work ranges from offering counseling to finding resources for those in need. This field offers various paths and earnings based on experience and location. On average, social workers make about $66,093 per year. This number helps job seekers understand what to expect if they enter this field.


Salaries for social workers can vary widely. For example, some workers make as little as $32,960 per year while others make upwards of $122,000. The majority earn between $41,055 and $113,905 per year. These figures show that experience and specialization can lead to higher earnings. Social workers in urban areas and those with advanced degrees often earn more than those in rural settings or with basic qualifications.

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What are the highest paying cities for a Social Worker?

Job seekers aiming to become social workers can find higher salaries in several major cities. Vallejo, California, offers the highest average salary for social workers at $121,275 per year. Other top-paying cities include San Jose, Seattle, and Santa Rosa, with average salaries ranging from $88,337 to $94,721. Each of these cities provides strong opportunities for social workers to secure competitive compensation.
Graph displaying highest paying cities salaries for Social Worker jobs, highlighting Vallejo, CA with the highest at $121,275 and Salem, OR with the lowest at $82,988.
  1. Vallejo, CA
    Average Salary: $121,275
    In Vallejo, professionals in this field help individuals and families in need. Many work with local government and non-profits. They assist with resources and services to improve quality of life.
    Find Social Worker jobs in Vallejo, CA


  2. San Jose, CA
    Average Salary: $94,721
    San Jose offers many opportunities to aid those facing challenges. Working with tech companies and local agencies, these experts provide crucial support. They help connect people with the care they need.
    Find Social Worker jobs in San Jose, CA


  3. Seattle, WA
    Average Salary: $94,463
    Seattle is a vibrant city for those in the helping profession. Professionals here work with tech firms and community organizations. They focus on mental health, child welfare, and family support.
    Find Social Worker jobs in Seattle, WA


  4. Santa Rosa, CA
    Average Salary: $89,562
    Santa Rosa provides a supportive environment for those in the helping profession. They collaborate with local schools and health care providers. These experts work to ensure families receive the care they need.
    Find Social Worker jobs in Santa Rosa, CA


  5. San Francisco, CA
    Average Salary: $88,337
    In San Francisco, these professionals help people navigate complex social issues. They work with large non-profits and city agencies. They offer vital services to improve community well-being.
    Find Social Worker jobs in San Francisco, CA


  6. Yuma, AZ
    Average Salary: $87,099
    Yuma offers rewarding work for those in the helping field. Professionals here assist with local programs and support services. They help individuals overcome challenges and improve their lives.
    Find Social Worker jobs in Yuma, AZ


  7. Washington, DC
    Average Salary: $87,073
    Washington, DC, is a hub for professionals aiding others. They work with federal agencies and non-profits. They focus on policy, advocacy, and direct service to support those in need.
    Find Social Worker jobs in Washington, DC


  8. Los Angeles, CA
    Average Salary: $86,107
    Los Angeles provides many opportunities for those in the helping field. They work with diverse communities and large organizations. They offer services to improve the lives of many people.
    Find Social Worker jobs in Los Angeles, CA


  9. Spokane, WA
    Average Salary: $84,415
    Spokane offers a welcoming environment for those in the helping profession. Professionals here work with local agencies and non-profits. They focus on mental health, child welfare, and community support.
    Find Social Worker jobs in Spokane, WA


  10. Salem, OR
    Average Salary: $82,988
    In Salem, professionals in this field support individuals and families. They work with state agencies and local organizations. They help connect people with the resources they need to thrive.
    Find Social Worker jobs in Salem, OR

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

Top-paying companies for social workers often offer competitive salaries and excellent benefits. CVHCare leads the pack, offering an average salary of $186,875, which is the highest among the listed companies. Shore Staffing, Inc. follows closely with an average salary of $152,821, making it another attractive choice for job seekers. El Camino Health and TheraCare also stand out, providing average salaries of $127,738 and $125,955, respectively. These companies recognize the value social workers bring and invest in their employees accordingly.
Graph displaying best paying company salaries for Social Worker jobs, highlighting CVHCare with the highest at $186,875 and University of Southern California with the lowest at $110,199.
  1. CVHCare
    Average Salary: $186,875
    CVHCare offers rewarding opportunities for Social Workers. With locations in California and New York, this company focuses on providing quality care. Employees work in various settings, including hospitals and community programs. CVHCare values its Social Workers, offering competitive salaries and professional growth.


  2. Shore Staffing, Inc
    Average Salary: $152,821
    Shore Staffing, Inc. provides excellent positions for Social Workers. Operating in Florida and California, the company offers diverse roles in healthcare and social services. Shore Staffing, Inc. emphasizes teamwork and offers great benefits. Social Workers here can expect a supportive environment and a fair salary.


  3. El Camino Health
    Average Salary: $127,738
    El Camino Health has many job openings for Social Workers. Located in California, this organization is known for its patient-centered care. El Camino Health offers a range of settings, including hospitals and outpatient centers. Their Social Workers receive good salaries and enjoy a positive work culture.


  4. TheraCare
    Average Salary: $125,955
    TheraCare offers Social Workers good opportunities to make a difference. This company operates in New York and California, providing care in homes and community settings. TheraCare values its staff and offers a supportive environment. Social Workers here can expect competitive pay and growth opportunities.


  5. Keck Medicine of USC
    Average Salary: $124,922
    Keck Medicine of USC has excellent Social Worker positions. Based in California, this organization is known for its top-notch care. Keck Medicine of USC offers diverse roles in hospitals and clinics. Social Workers here enjoy good pay and a strong sense of community.


  6. John Muir Health
    Average Salary: $121,545
    John Muir Health provides rewarding jobs for Social Workers. Located in California, this company offers a variety of roles in healthcare settings. John Muir Health values its staff and offers good benefits. Social Workers here can expect fair pay and a supportive work environment.


  7. TrueCare24
    Average Salary: $120,667
    TrueCare24 has many job openings for Social Workers. Based in California, this company focuses on home and community care. TrueCare24 offers a range of roles, from hospitals to outpatient centers. Social Workers here enjoy competitive pay and a supportive atmosphere.


  8. Backstage Health
    Average Salary: $120,000
    Backstage Health offers Social Workers great career opportunities. Located in California, this company provides diverse roles in healthcare settings. Backstage Health values its staff and offers good benefits. Social Workers here can expect fair pay and a positive work environment.


  9. Trusted Health
    Average Salary: $119,105
    Trusted Health has many jobs for Social Workers. This company operates in multiple states, offering roles in various healthcare settings. Trusted Health values its staff and offers good benefits. Social Workers here can expect fair pay and a supportive work environment.


  10. University of Southern California
    Average Salary: $110,199
    The University of Southern California offers Social Workers rewarding positions. Based in California, this organization provides roles in research and clinical settings. The University of Southern California values its staff and offers good benefits. Social Workers here can expect fair pay and a supportive work environment.

How to earn more as a Social Worker?

Social workers play a critical role in helping individuals and communities. Increasing earnings in this field can mean more job satisfaction and better support for those they serve. Consider these factors to boost your income as a social worker.

First, gaining advanced degrees can lead to higher-paying positions. A master's degree in social work (MSW) often opens doors to roles like clinical social work or school social work. Specializing in areas like mental health or child welfare can also lead to higher pay. Next, obtaining certifications can make you more valuable. For example, becoming a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) can increase job opportunities and salary. Networking with peers and attending professional development workshops can also lead to better-paying roles. Additionally, working in urban areas or regions with high demand for social workers often comes with higher salaries. Finally, choosing a career path in a high-demand setting, such as healthcare or government agencies, can lead to better pay.

Here are five key factors to consider for earning more:

  1. Earn advanced degrees, such as an MSW.
  2. Obtain relevant certifications like LCSW.
  3. Network with other professionals and attend workshops.
  4. Work in high-demand areas or regions.
  5. Choose career paths in high-demand settings.

Currently 8,820 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
8,820 Job Openings