Social Worker Salary in Buffalo, NY
Social Worker salary data for Buffalo, NY — adjusted for local cost of living. Entry-level to senior pay ranges, take-home pay calculator, and local job market insights.
Social Worker Salary in Buffalo, NY — 2026
The median Social Worker salary in Buffalo, NY is $51,040 per year ($4,253/month, $25/hr). This reflects the local cost of living index of 88, which is 12% below the national average.
Social Worker Take-Home Pay in Buffalo
Tax Breakdown (Median Salary)
| Gross Annual | $51,040 |
| Federal Tax | -$4,086 |
| State Tax (6.3%) | -$3,231 |
| FICA (SS + Medicare) | -$3,905 |
| Annual Take-Home | $39,818 |
| Monthly Take-Home | $3,318 |
Living Cost Comparison
Social Worker Requirements
Key Skills
Buffalo Job Market Overview
Buffalo, New York has a population of 278,349 and an unemployment rate of 4.5%. The top industries are Healthcare, Education, Finance. The local job growth rate is 1.2%, and the average commute time is 22 minutes.
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Social Worker Salary in Nearby New York Cities
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Social Worker salary in Buffalo, NY?
How much does a Social Worker take home in Buffalo after taxes?
Is Buffalo a good city for Social Workers?
What skills are needed for a Social Worker in Buffalo?
How does Social Worker salary in Buffalo compare to the national average?
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Social Worker salary in Buffalo, NY?
The median Social Worker salary in Buffalo, NY is $51,040 per year as of 2026. This is adjusted for the local cost of living index of 88. Entry-level Social Workers earn around $35,200, while senior-level professionals can earn $66,000 or more.
How much does a Social Worker take home in Buffalo after taxes?
A Social Worker earning the median salary of $51,040 in Buffalo, NY takes home approximately $39,818 per year ($3,318/month) after federal, state, and local taxes. The effective tax rate is 22.0%.
Is Buffalo a good city for Social Workers?
Buffalo, NY has a cost of living index of 88 (below national average). Social Workers here earn below the city median. The local unemployment rate is 4.5% and top industries include Healthcare, Education, Finance.
What skills are needed for a Social Worker in Buffalo?
Key skills for Social Workers include Case Management, Crisis Intervention, Counseling, Advocacy, Documentation. Typical education requirement is Bachelor's or Master's Degree (MSW). Valuable certifications include LCSW, LMSW, State Licensure.
How does Social Worker salary in Buffalo compare to the national average?
The national median Social Worker salary is $58,000. In Buffalo, the adjusted salary is $51,040, which is 12.0% lower than the national average, reflecting the local cost of living.