Social Worker Salary in Arizona
Based on 4K+ workers in Arizona
Median Annual Salary (AZ)
$46,380
$22.30/hr
vs National Average
$57,161
-18.9% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$41K – $64K
4K employed in Arizona
Social workers in Arizona earn a median salary of $46,380 per year, with approximately 3,690 professionals currently employed in the state. This median falls 19 percent below the national average, reflecting regional economic differences. Salaries in the field range from $40,810 to $64,350 annually, depending on individual circumstances and career progression.
Several factors influence social worker salary in Arizona, including years of experience, educational credentials, and employer type. Those working in urban areas or for government agencies typically earn more than counterparts in rural settings or nonprofit organizations. Specialization in high-demand areas and advanced certifications can also lead to higher compensation within the state.
Salary Distribution — Social Worker in Arizona
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $40,810 |
| 25th percentile | $45,010 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $46,380 |
| 75th percentile | $54,480 |
| 90th percentile | $64,350 |
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 Arizona 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 Arizona vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Arizona) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $41,560 |
| 2023 | $45,100 |
| 2024 | $46,650 |
| 2025 | $46,380 |
| 2026 (projected) | $46,380 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Arizona Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $41,560 | $50,498 |
| 2023 | $45,100 | $53,608 |
| 2024 | $46,650 | $56,931 |
| 2025 | $46,380 | $57,161 |
| 2026 (projected) | $46,380 | $57,161 |
Social Worker Salary by Experience Level in Arizona
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $45,010 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $46,380 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $54,480 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $64,350 |
Social Worker Salary in Other States
Related Social Worker Salaries in Arizona
How other high-demand occupations in Arizona compare to Social Worker ($46,380 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Social Worker | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Radiologist in AZ | $470,640 | +914.7% | $226.27/hr |
| Surgeon in AZ | $415,980 | +796.9% | $199.99/hr |
| Obstetrician and Gynecologist in AZ | $369,720 | +697.2% | $177.75/hr |
| Family Medicine Physician in AZ | $292,760 | +531.2% | $140.75/hr |
| Internal Medicine Physician in AZ | $259,320 | +459.1% | $124.67/hr |
| Psychiatrist in AZ | $249,720 | +438.4% | $120.06/hr |
| Nurse Anesthetist in AZ | $248,660 | +436.1% | $119.55/hr |
| Pediatrician in AZ | $233,950 | +404.4% | $112.48/hr |
| Dentist in AZ | $194,180 | +318.7% | $93.36/hr |
| Veterinarian in AZ | $152,020 | +227.8% | $73.09/hr |
| Pharmacist in AZ | $146,930 | +216.8% | $70.64/hr |
| Nurse Midwife in AZ | $140,960 | +203.9% | $67.77/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do social workers make in Arizona?
- Social workers in Arizona earn a median salary of $46,380 per year, or approximately $22 per hour. This is about 18.9% lower than the national average for this profession.
What is the salary range for social workers in Arizona?
- Social worker salaries in Arizona range from $40,810 at the lower end to $64,350 at the higher end, depending on experience, specialization, and employer.
How many social workers are employed in Arizona?
- There are currently 3,690 social workers employed throughout Arizona.
Is the Arizona social worker salary below the national average?
- Yes, Arizona's median social worker salary of $46,380 is 18.9% below the national average, making it a lower-paying state for this profession compared to the rest of the country.