Social Worker Salary in the United States
Based on 132K+ data points from BLS and H-1B filings
Median Annual Salary
$57,161
$27.48/hr
▲ 0.4% vs 2024Salary Range
$42K – $89K
10th – 90th percentile
Total Employed
132K
workers nationwide
The median Social Worker salary in the United States is $57,161 per year, or $27 per hour. This profession offers a vital role in supporting individuals and communities, with a typical salary range from $41,654 to $89,394 annually. The total number of employed social workers nationwide is substantial, reflecting the demand for these essential services.
Several factors can influence the Social Worker salary in the United States. Experience level, specific job responsibilities, and the geographic location of employment play significant roles. For instance, New York offers a higher average salary of $79,380, indicating regional economic and demand variations that impact overall compensation.
Salary Distribution — Social Worker
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $41,654 |
| 25th percentile | $47,902 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $57,161 |
| 75th percentile | $72,598 |
| 90th percentile | $89,394 |
Social Worker Salary by State
Top 10 Highest-Paying States for Social Worker
| # | State | Median Salary | vs National | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | New York | $79,380 | +38.9% | 15K |
| 2 | California | $79,000 | +38.2% | 20K |
| 3 | Connecticut | $78,640 | +37.6% | 2K |
| 4 | Minnesota | $75,020 | +31.2% | 4K |
| 5 | Maryland | $73,580 | +28.7% | 2K |
| 6 | District of Columbia | $73,310 | +28.3% | 510 |
| 7 | Vermont | $73,210 | +28.1% | 320 |
| 8 | Washington | $70,460 | +23.3% | 3K |
| 9 | Oregon | $68,210 | +19.3% | 2K |
| 10 | New Jersey | $66,590 | +16.5% | 2K |
Social Worker Salary by Industry
How much Social Workers earn across industries nationwide — Finance and Insurance pays the most ($94,250 median). Ranked by median annual salary (2025 BLS OEWS data).
| # | Industry | Median Salary | vs National | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Finance and Insurance | $94,250 | +64.9% | 550 |
| 2 | Educational Services | $72,880 | +27.5% | 2K |
| 3 | Government (excl. schools, hospitals & USPS) | $68,600 | +20.0% | 20K |
| 4 | Management of Companies and Enterprises | $65,990 | +15.4% | 2K |
| 5 | Health Care and Social Assistance | $59,270 | +3.7% | 104K |
| 6 | Administrative and Support Services | $55,510 | -2.9% | 1K |
| 7 | Other Services (except Public Administration) | $53,190 | -6.9% | 1K |
| 8 | Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services | $42,730 | -25.2% | 2K |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures.
Historical Salary Trend — Social Worker
| Year | Median Salary (United States) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $50,498 |
| 2023 | $53,608 |
| 2024 | $56,931 |
| 2025 | $57,161 |
| 2026 (projected) | $57,392 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
Social Worker Salary by Experience Level
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $47,902 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $57,161 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $72,598 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $89,394 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Social Worker salary in the US?
- The median Social Worker salary in the United States is $57,161 per year. This equates to an hourly wage of approximately $27.
What is the salary range for Social Workers?
- The salary range for Social Workers in the United States typically falls between $41,654 and $89,394 annually. This wide range reflects differences in experience, specialization, and location.
Which state pays Social Workers the most?
- New York is the top-paying state for Social Workers, with an average annual salary of $79,380. This is significantly higher than the national median.
How many Social Workers are employed in the US?
- There are approximately 132,190 Social Workers employed across the United States. This indicates a considerable demand for professionals in this field.