Salary of a Social Worker
Average Salary of a Social Worker in 2025
Considering a social work career or wondering if your current social work salary is fair?
This blog will show you exactly what social workers earn in 2025. We will look at real salary data from thousands of jobs across America. You will learn how much money you can make at different career stages.
We will also compare salaries in different states and countries. Plus, we will share simple tips to help you earn more money. Knowing your worth in 2025 is very important for your career success.
This guide answers questions like: What is the average salary of a social worker? How much do entry-level social workers make? Which states pay the most? How can you increase your earnings?
What's the Average Salary of a Social Worker in the USA?
$64,780 per year (Average)
We calculated this average using data from multiple top job platforms.
PayScale reports $56,376 per year, while Indeed shows $69,651 based on 17,900+ salary postings. Glassdoor lists the average at $59,331 per year. ZipRecruiter shows $76,266 annually, and Salary.com reports $63,029 for MSW social workers.
Compared to last year, social worker salaries have grown steadily. ZipRecruiter data shows the average annual pay hit $76,266 in March 2025. This is an increase from earlier years. This growth shows a higher need for social services. It also highlights how valuable the profession is.
Social Worker Salary Key Metrics 2025
Average salary: $64,780 per year based on an analysis of major job board platforms. This represents the middle point where half of all social workers earn more and half earn less.
Salary range: The lowest-paid 25% earned about $59,000. In contrast, the top 25% made $91,500, based on ZipRecruiter data. Top performers at the 90th percentile can earn up to $106,500 yearly in the United States.
Salary by experience:
Entry-level: $49,656 per year according to PayScale for workers with less than 1 year of experience
Mid-level: $62,469 annually for workers with 5 to 10 years of experience, based on Research.com data
Senior-level: $78,610+ per year for workers with over a decade of experience.
75th percentile: $91,500 per year, based on the Social Work Education Center's analysis. This means 75% of social workers earn less than this amount.
Social Worker Salary Regional Comparison
Location plays a big role in how much social workers earn.
States with higher costs of living usually pay more. Urban areas with many hospitals and social service agencies also offer better salaries. Some rural areas may pay less but have lower living costs. Different regions face varying demand for social services, which affects pay rates.
Here's how salaries compare across different states and regions.
New Jersey and California provide great pay, but living costs are higher there. States in the South and Midwest usually have lower costs. They also offer cheaper living expenses. Urban areas consistently pay more than rural locations.
6 Tips to Grow Your Salary as a Social Worker
1. Earn Advanced Degrees and Certifications: Social workers with MSW degrees make much more than those with BSW degrees. PayScale reports that MSW holders make about $63,029 on average. Also, specialized certifications can boost your base salary by 10-15%.
2. Gain Clinical Experience and Licensing: Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSWs) make much more money than general social workers. Clinical jobs in healthcare pay around $70,890 on average, based on Research.com data.
3. Specialize in High-Demand Areas: Medical social workers, school social workers, and mental health specialists often earn more. Healthcare social workers earn about $70,890 a year. Specialized roles can pay even more.
4. Move to High-Paying States: New Jersey, California, and other states pay 15-20% more than the national average. Consider relocating to states with better social worker compensation packages.
5. Pursue Leadership and Supervisory Roles: Senior social workers in management earn at least $77,822, based on data from the Social Work Education Center. Leadership positions offer both higher pay and career advancement.
6. Work in Healthcare and Hospitals: Medical and surgical hospitals provide the best-paying jobs for social workers. Clinical social workers in healthcare earn about $70,890. That's much higher than the average for social workers overall.
FAQs About Social Worker Salary
Is the average salary of a Social Worker before or after taxes?
All salary figures reported by PayScale, Indeed, and other major job sites are gross annual salaries before taxes. You will need to subtract federal, state, and local taxes from these amounts.
Does the average salary of a Social Worker include bonuses?
No. Salary figures from major platforms represent base annual salaries. Most job platforms show bonuses, overtime pay, and benefits separately. This follows standard industry reporting.
What is the starting salary for a Social Worker?
Entry-level social workers with under a year of experience make about $49,656, based on PayScale data. New graduates typically start within this range, depending on location and employer type.
How much do Social Workers make per hour?
The average hourly pay is $36.67 according to ZipRecruiter. Entry-level jobs pay about $24-28 an hour. In contrast, experienced workers can earn $35-45 an hour or even more.
Which state pays Social Workers the most?
New Jersey is among the highest-paying states at $77,428 annually. California, New York, and Massachusetts pay social workers more than most states, based on comparison data.
Do Social Workers with MSW degrees earn more?
Yes. Social workers with a Master of Social Work degree earn much more than those with just a bachelor's degree. Salary.com reports MSW holders average $63,029 compared to lower salaries for BSW holders.
How fast is the Social Work field growing?
The field is expected to grow faster than average for all occupations. More people need healthcare and social services. This demand leads to more jobs and higher salaries in the field.
What factors affect a Social Worker's salary the most?
Key factors are: education level, licensure status, years of experience, geographic location, work setting, and area of specialization. Healthcare and clinical roles typically pay the most.
Note: All pay information is current as of 2025. The information and data are compiled from various international salary surveys and government statistics, 2025.
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