Social Worker Salary in California
Based on 20K+ workers in California
Median Annual Salary (CA)
$79,000
$37.98/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 |
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 California 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 California vs National
| Year | Median Salary (California) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $79,530 |
| 2023 | $71,450 |
| 2024 | $75,320 |
| 2025 | $79,000 |
| 2026 (projected) | $82,860 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| 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 |
| 2026 (projected) | $82,860 | $59,954 |
Social Worker Salary by Experience Level in California
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $57,800 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $79,000 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $118,860 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $147,300 |
Social Worker Salary in Other States
Related Social Worker Salaries in California
How other high-demand occupations in California compare to Social Worker ($79,000 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Social Worker | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Psychiatrist in CA | $353,500 | +347.5% | $169.95/hr |
| Internal Medicine Physician in CA | $313,890 | +297.3% | $150.91/hr |
| Obstetrician and Gynecologist in CA | $301,240 | +281.3% | $144.83/hr |
| Nurse Anesthetist in CA | $292,410 | +270.1% | $140.58/hr |
| Radiologist in CA | $270,560 | +242.5% | $130.08/hr |
| Family Medicine Physician in CA | $252,010 | +219.0% | $121.16/hr |
| Pediatrician in CA | $214,140 | +171.1% | $102.95/hr |
| Nurse Midwife in CA | $203,840 | +158.0% | $98.00/hr |
| Podiatrist in CA | $201,300 | +154.8% | $96.78/hr |
| Cardiologist in CA | $185,610 | +134.9% | $89.24/hr |
| Nurse Practitioner in CA | $168,520 | +113.3% | $81.02/hr |
| Dentist in CA | $165,950 | +110.1% | $79.78/hr |
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.