Social Worker Salary in Alabama
Based on 740+ workers in Alabama
Median Annual Salary (AL)
$41,500
$19.95/hr
vs National Average
$57,161
-27.4% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$29K – $65K
740 employed in Alabama
Social Worker salary in Alabama averages $42,100 per year, according to current employment data covering 670 workers in the state. This figure falls approximately 26% below the national average for social workers, reflecting regional differences in compensation across the United States. Salaries in Alabama range from $29,200 at the entry level to $63,070 for experienced professionals in the field.
Several factors influence social worker compensation in Alabama, including years of experience, educational credentials, and specific employment settings such as government agencies, nonprofits, or private practice. Geographic location within the state, client population served, and specialization in areas like child welfare or mental health services can also affect earning potential. Additionally, funding levels for social services and the local cost of living play important roles in determining competitive salary ranges.
Salary Distribution — Social Worker in Alabama
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $29,370 |
| 25th percentile | $35,740 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $41,500 |
| 75th percentile | $55,640 |
| 90th percentile | $64,750 |
Top-Paying Industries for Social Worker (U.S.)
Which industries pay Social Workers the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Social Workers in Alabama tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Finance and Insurance | $94,250 | 550 |
| Educational Services | $72,880 | 2K |
| Government (excl. schools, hospitals & USPS) | $68,600 | 20K |
| Management of Companies and Enterprises | $65,990 | 2K |
| Health Care and Social Assistance | $59,270 | 104K |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Social Worker in Alabama vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Alabama) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $36,450 |
| 2023 | $37,870 |
| 2024 | $42,100 |
| 2025 | $41,500 |
| 2026 (projected) | $41,500 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Alabama Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $36,450 | $50,498 |
| 2023 | $37,870 | $53,608 |
| 2024 | $42,100 | $56,931 |
| 2025 | $41,500 | $57,161 |
| 2026 (projected) | $41,500 | $57,161 |
Social Worker Salary by Experience Level in Alabama
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $35,740 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $41,500 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $55,640 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $64,750 |
Social Worker Salary in Other States
Related Social Worker Salaries in Alabama
How other high-demand occupations in Alabama compare to Social Worker ($41,500 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Social Worker | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cardiologist in AL | $519,480 | +1151.8% | $249.75/hr |
| Anesthesiologist in AL | $392,350 | +845.4% | $188.63/hr |
| Internal Medicine Physician in AL | $311,180 | +649.8% | $149.61/hr |
| Obstetrician and Gynecologist in AL | $210,380 | +406.9% | $101.14/hr |
| Pediatrician in AL | $209,490 | +404.8% | $100.72/hr |
| Nurse Anesthetist in AL | $190,300 | +358.6% | $91.49/hr |
| Podiatrist in AL | $161,820 | +289.9% | $77.80/hr |
| Optometrist in AL | $145,090 | +249.6% | $69.75/hr |
| Pharmacist in AL | $134,630 | +224.4% | $64.73/hr |
| Family Medicine Physician in AL | $134,550 | +224.2% | $64.69/hr |
| Nurse Practitioner in AL | $105,750 | +154.8% | $50.84/hr |
| Veterinarian in AL | $105,630 | +154.5% | $50.78/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do social workers make in Alabama?
- Social workers in Alabama earn a median salary of $42,100 per year, or $20 per hour. This is 26.1% below the national average for the profession.
What is the salary range for social workers in Alabama?
- Social worker salaries in Alabama range from $29,200 at the lower end to $63,070 at the higher end, depending on experience and specialization.
How many social workers are employed in Alabama?
- There are approximately 670 social workers currently employed in Alabama according to recent employment data.
Is the Alabama social worker salary below the national average?
- Yes, Alabama's median social worker salary of $42,100 is significantly below the national average, representing a 26.1% difference.