Social Worker Salary in Alaska
Based on 250+ workers in Alaska
Median Annual Salary (AK)
$56,710
$27.26/hr
vs National Average
$57,161
-0.8% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$46K – $86K
250 employed in Alaska
Social Worker salary in Alaska averages $57,650 per year, which is approximately 1% above the national average. This median reflects compensation for the 340 social workers currently employed throughout the state. Alaska's salary for this profession demonstrates competitive pay relative to other regions, making it an important consideration for professionals in this field.
Several factors influence social worker compensation in Alaska, including experience level, employer type, and geographic location within the state. Cost of living variations between urban centers like Anchorage and remote areas affect salary structures. Additionally, specialization in areas such as clinical social work, school-based services, or child welfare can impact earning potential, with some positions reaching up to $96,090 annually while entry-level roles start around $48,520.
Salary Distribution — Social Worker in Alaska
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $46,250 |
| 25th percentile | $49,430 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $56,710 |
| 75th percentile | $68,690 |
| 90th percentile | $85,670 |
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 Alaska 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 Alaska vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Alaska) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $51,240 |
| 2023 | $60,120 |
| 2024 | $57,650 |
| 2025 | $56,710 |
| 2026 (projected) | $56,710 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Alaska Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $51,240 | $50,498 |
| 2023 | $60,120 | $53,608 |
| 2024 | $57,650 | $56,931 |
| 2025 | $56,710 | $57,161 |
| 2026 (projected) | $56,710 | $57,161 |
Social Worker Salary by Experience Level in Alaska
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $49,430 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $56,710 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $68,690 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $85,670 |
Social Worker Salary in Other States
Related Social Worker Salaries in Alaska
How other high-demand occupations in Alaska compare to Social Worker ($56,710 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Social Worker | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Emergency Medicine Physician in AK | $452,620 | +698.1% | $217.61/hr |
| Obstetrician and Gynecologist in AK | $421,450 | +643.2% | $202.62/hr |
| Internal Medicine Physician in AK | $366,080 | +545.5% | $176.00/hr |
| Psychiatrist in AK | $342,170 | +503.4% | $164.50/hr |
| Nurse Anesthetist in AK | $341,210 | +501.7% | $164.04/hr |
| Family Medicine Physician in AK | $323,490 | +470.4% | $155.52/hr |
| Pediatrician in AK | $267,390 | +371.5% | $128.55/hr |
| Dentist in AK | $230,990 | +307.3% | $111.05/hr |
| Optometrist in AK | $170,310 | +200.3% | $81.88/hr |
| Pharmacist in AK | $167,310 | +195.0% | $80.44/hr |
| Nurse Practitioner in AK | $155,170 | +173.6% | $74.60/hr |
| Physician Assistant in AK | $150,700 | +165.7% | $72.45/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do social workers make in Alaska?
- The median salary for social workers in Alaska is $57,650 per year, or $28 per hour. This is slightly higher than the national average, representing a +1.3% difference. However, salaries in this field can range significantly from $48,520 to $96,090 depending on experience and specialization.
What is the salary range for social workers in Alaska?
- Social workers in Alaska earn between $48,520 and $96,090 annually. The difference of nearly $47,570 between the lowest and highest salaries reflects variations in experience level, employer type, and job specialization within the field.
Is the social worker salary in Alaska higher than the national average?
- Yes, social worker salaries in Alaska are slightly above the national average at $57,650 median per year, which represents a +1.3% premium compared to the national figure. This modest increase reflects Alaska's higher cost of living in many regions.
How many social workers are employed in Alaska?
- There are approximately 340 social workers currently employed in Alaska. This represents the total workforce in this profession across the state.