Social Worker Salary in 2026
Social workers help individuals and families cope with challenges such as mental illness, poverty, abuse, and addiction. They connect clients with resources and support services.
Median Salary
$58,000
$4,833/mo
Entry Level
$40,000
starting pay
Senior Level
$75,000
experienced
Job Growth
+7%
10-yr outlook
Social Worker Overview
Social workers help individuals and families cope with challenges such as mental illness, poverty, abuse, and addiction. They connect clients with resources and support services.
Education
Bachelor's or Master's Degree (MSW)
Experience
0-3 years
Industry
Government
Total Jobs (US)
710K
5-Year Growth
+13%
Category
Government
Hourly Rate
$27.88/hr
Monthly Pay
$4,833
Social Worker Salary Calculator
Adjust your state and experience level to see the estimated Social Worker salary in your area.
Mid Career (5-9 yrs)
Estimated Social Worker Salary
$63,000
$5,250/month · $2,423/biweekly · $30.29/hr
Social Worker Salary Range
Salary distribution from entry-level to top earners in the Social Worker field.
Entry-level Social Workers earn around $40,000, while the top 10% earn $83,000 or more.
Top Paying States for Social Workers
| State | Est. Median Salary | vs National |
|---|---|---|
| California | $68,000 | +$10,000 |
| New York | $67,000 | +$9,000 |
| Pennsylvania | $58,000 | $0 |
| Texas | $57,000 | $-1,000 |
| Florida | $57,000 | $-1,000 |
Top Paying Cities for Social Workers
| City | Est. Median Salary | vs National |
|---|---|---|
| New York | $68,000 | +$10,000 |
| Los Angeles | $65,000 | +$7,000 |
| Miami | $59,000 | +$1,000 |
| Philadelphia | $59,000 | +$1,000 |
| Houston | $57,000 | $-1,000 |
Required Skills & Certifications
Key Skills
Certifications
Social Worker Career Progression
Typical salary growth path for a Social Worker from entry level to expert.
$40,000
0-2 years
$58,000
3-7 years
$75,000
8-14 years
$91,000
15+ years
Related Government Jobs
Social Worker Salary FAQ
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