Social Worker Salary in California
Based on 20K+ workers in California
Median Annual Salary (CA)
$79,000
$37.981/hr
vs National Average
$57,161
+38.2% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$46K – $147K
20K employed in California
Social workers in California earn a median salary of $79,000 per year, significantly outpacing the national average by 38 percent. With approximately 19,860 social workers employed throughout the state, California offers competitive compensation for professionals in this field. Salaries range from $46,450 to $147,300 annually, reflecting the diversity of roles and experience levels within the profession.
Several factors influence social worker salary in California, including years of experience, specialized credentials, employer type, and geographic location within the state. Social workers employed by government agencies, hospitals, and larger organizations typically earn more than those in smaller nonprofits or private practice. Additionally, advanced degrees, licensure levels, and focus areas such as clinical social work or administrative positions can substantially impact earning potential.
Salary Distribution — Social Worker in California
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $46,450 |
| 25th percentile | $57,800 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $79,000 |
| 75th percentile | $118,860 |
| 90th percentile | $147,300 |
Historical Salary Trend — Social Worker in California vs National
| Year | Median Salary (United States) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $79,530 |
| 2023 | $71,450 |
| 2024 | $75,320 |
| 2025 | $79,000 |
| Year | California Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $79,530 | $50,498 |
| 2023 | $71,450 | $53,608 |
| 2024 | $75,320 | $56,931 |
| 2025 | $79,000 | $57,161 |
Social Worker Salary by Experience Level in California
Social Worker Salary in Other States
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do social workers make in California?
- Social workers in California earn a median salary of $79,000 per year, or approximately $38 per hour. This is significantly higher than the national average, reflecting California's higher cost of living and demand for social services.
What is the salary range for social workers in California?
- Social worker salaries in California range from $46,450 at the lower end to $147,300 at the higher end. This wide range reflects differences in experience, specialization, and employer type.
Is being a social worker in California better paid than the national average?
- Yes, California social workers earn 38.2% more than the national average. With a median of $79,000 annually, the state offers significantly above-average compensation for this profession.
How many social workers are employed in California?
- There are currently 19,860 social workers employed in California. This represents a substantial workforce dedicated to providing social services across the state.