Overview Salaries

Social Worker Salaries

Updated on Jul 10, 2026
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Salary

How much does a Social Worker make?

The average salary for a Social Worker is $65,743 per year in the US.
Yearly
Monthly
Weekly
Hourly
Graph depicting the yearly salary distribution for Social Worker positions, showing an average salary of $65,743 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.
Graph depicting the monthly salary distribution for Social Worker positions, showing an average salary of $65,743 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.
Graph depicting the weekly salary distribution for Social Worker positions, showing an average salary of $65,743 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.
Graph depicting the hourly salary distribution for Social Worker positions, showing an average salary of $65,743 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.

Social workers play a crucial role in our communities. They help people in need and make a real difference. The average yearly salary for social workers is around $65,743. This means many social workers earn a good living while doing important work.

The salary can vary depending on experience and location. Those who have been in the field longer often earn more. Here’s a look at the salary range for social workers. A smaller percentage earn less, while a larger percentage earn more. Here are the details:

  • The lowest 10% earn around $32,938.
  • The next 10% earn about $40,961.
  • The next 11% earn around $48,984.
  • The next 11% earn about $57,007.
  • The next 12% earn around $65,030.
  • The next 9% earn about $73,053.
  • The next 8% earn around $81,076.
  • The next 7% earn about $89,099.
  • The next 4% earn around $97,122.
  • The next 2% earn about $105,145.
  • The top 2% earn around $113,168.
  • The very top earn about $121,192.

This range shows that social work can be a rewarding career, both financially and emotionally.

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What are the highest paying cities for a Social Worker?

Social workers in Vallejo, California, can expect the highest average salaries. With an average salary of $121,275, this city offers a strong financial incentive for professionals in the field. Other top-paying cities include San Jose, Seattle, and Santa Rosa, providing attractive opportunities for those seeking rewarding careers in social work.
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 $82,613.

  1. Vallejo, CA
    Average Salary: $121,275
    Vallejo offers a unique blend of urban and rural settings for those helping others. Workers can find roles at prominent organizations like Kaiser Permanente, focusing on community support and youth services.
    Find Social Worker jobs in Vallejo, CA


  2. San Jose, CA
    Average Salary: $95,418
    In San Jose, professionals assist diverse populations with various challenges. They can work for well-known companies like Child & Family Services, making a significant impact in the community.
    Find Social Worker jobs in San Jose, CA


  3. Seattle, WA
    Average Salary: $94,682
    Seattle provides a dynamic environment for social workers. Positions are available at local nonprofits like Catholic Community Services, offering opportunities to engage with a vibrant community.
    Find Social Worker jobs in Seattle, WA


  4. Santa Rosa, CA
    Average Salary: $88,670
    Santa Rosa is a place where social workers can thrive. Working with agencies like the County of Sonoma, professionals here support families and individuals in need.
    Find Social Worker jobs in Santa Rosa, CA


  5. San Francisco, CA
    Average Salary: $88,640
    San Francisco offers numerous opportunities for those dedicated to helping others. Working with organizations like the Department of Children, Youth, and Their Families, social workers here make a real difference.
    Find Social Worker jobs in San Francisco, CA


  6. Washington, DC
    Average Salary: $87,762
    In Washington, DC, professionals assist people from all walks of life. They can find roles at federal agencies like the Department of Health and Human Services.
    Find Social Worker jobs in Washington, DC


  7. Yuma, AZ
    Average Salary: $86,913
    Yuma provides a close-knit community for social workers. Local nonprofits such as the Yuma County Department of Social Services offer rewarding roles.
    Find Social Worker jobs in Yuma, AZ


  8. Los Angeles, CA
    Average Salary: $85,874
    Los Angeles offers a rich tapestry of opportunities for those in the helping professions. Social workers can find roles at agencies like the Los Angeles County Department of Children and Family Services.
    Find Social Worker jobs in Los Angeles, CA


  9. Spokane, WA
    Average Salary: $85,214
    Spokane provides a supportive environment for social workers. Working with organizations like Catholic Charities, professionals here can make a significant impact.
    Find Social Worker jobs in Spokane, WA


  10. Salem, OR
    Average Salary: $82,613
    In Salem, social workers find fulfilling roles at local agencies like the Oregon Department of Human Services, supporting individuals and families in need.
    Find Social Worker jobs in Salem, OR

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

CVHCare stands out as a top employer for Social Workers, offering one of the highest average salaries. With a strong commitment to employee well-being, this company ensures competitive pay and a supportive work environment. Shore Staffing, Inc. and The Family Center of Maine also provide excellent compensation packages for Social Workers. Keck Medicine of USC and El Camino Health rank high in offering substantial salaries, fostering professional growth in social services. John Muir Health and Backstage Health continue to attract top talent with their attractive compensation structures. Trusted Health and TheraCare also provide solid financial rewards for their social work staff, making these employers highly desirable.
Graph displaying best paying company salaries for Social Worker jobs, highlighting CVHCare with the highest at $186,875 and Trusted Health with the lowest at $119,105.

  1. CVHCare
    Average Salary: $186,875
    CVHCare offers a rewarding career for Social Workers. With locations in California, New York, and Texas, this company focuses on providing quality healthcare. Social Workers here support patients and their families with emotional and social needs.


  2. Shore Staffing, Inc
    Average Salary: $153,976
    Shore Staffing, Inc, has several locations across the United States. This company places Social Workers in various healthcare settings. Social Workers here make a difference by helping patients navigate their care and access community resources.


  3. The Family Center of Maine
    Average Salary: $135,000
    The Family Center of Maine offers meaningful work for Social Workers in Maine. This nonprofit provides support to families in need. Social Workers here help families improve their lives by connecting them to resources and services.


  4. El Camino Health
    Average Salary: $129,256
    El Camino Health provides Social Workers with opportunities in the Bay Area. This company offers a range of services, including mental health and social services. Social Workers here assist patients and families with various challenges.


  5. TheraCare
    Average Salary: $126,067
    TheraCare has locations in California and Texas. This company supports children and families through therapy and social services. Social Workers here help improve the lives of children with special needs and their families.


  6. Keck Medicine of USC
    Average Salary: $124,922
    Keck Medicine of USC offers Social Workers a chance to work in a leading academic medical center. Located in Southern California, this company provides a range of healthcare services. Social Workers here support patients with a variety of social and emotional needs.


  7. TrueCare24
    Average Salary: $122,029
    TrueCare24 has several locations across the United States. This company provides home care services. Social Workers here support patients in their homes, helping them with their daily needs and connecting them to community resources.


  8. John Muir Health
    Average Salary: $121,879
    John Muir Health offers Social Workers the chance to work in a renowned healthcare system in California. This company provides a range of services, including mental health and social services. Social Workers here help patients and families navigate their healthcare journey.


  9. Backstage Health
    Average Salary: $120,000
    Backstage Health offers opportunities for Social Workers in various locations. This company provides staffing solutions for healthcare facilities. Social Workers here work with patients and families to address their social and emotional needs.


  10. Trusted Health
    Average Salary: $119,105
    Trusted Health connects Social Workers with travel and local opportunities across the United States. This company offers a range of healthcare services. Social Workers here help patients and families in various settings, from hospitals to home care.

How to earn more as a Social Worker?

Looking to increase earnings as a Social Worker? Many find that their income can grow with the right steps. Enhancing skills and gaining experience can lead to better-paying opportunities. This section covers key factors that can help increase earnings for Social Workers.

Investing in further education can open doors to higher-paying roles. Consider obtaining a master's degree in social work or a related field. Specializations like clinical social work or school social work often lead to higher salaries. Certifications in areas such as trauma, mental health, or substance abuse can also boost earning potential. Continuing education helps stay updated with new practices and improves job performance.

Gaining more experience can lead to higher wages. Seek positions with non-profits, hospitals, or government agencies that offer competitive salaries. Volunteering in different settings can build a diverse skill set. Networking with other professionals can lead to job opportunities that pay more. Taking on leadership roles or administrative duties can also increase earnings.

Work settings and locations can influence salary. Urban areas often offer higher pay compared to rural ones. Different types of agencies, such as private practices or large hospitals, have varying salary scales. Specializing in high-demand areas such as geriatric care or child welfare can lead to better pay.

  1. Pursue further education and specializations.
  2. Gain experience in various settings and roles.
  3. Seek opportunities in high-paying work environments.
  4. Consider different work settings and locations.
  5. Focus on high-demand areas of social work.

Currently 8,430 Social Worker job openings, nationwide.

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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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