Social Worker Salary in Colorado
Based on 2K+ workers in Colorado
Median Annual Salary (CO)
$65,620
$31.55/hr
vs National Average
$57,161
+14.8% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$47K – $96K
2K employed in Colorado
Social workers in Colorado earn a median salary of $65,620 per year, positioning the state well above the national average at 15% higher. With approximately 1,640 social workers currently employed in Colorado, the profession offers competitive compensation compared to other states. Salaries in the field range from $47,100 to $95,950 annually, reflecting the diversity of roles and experience levels within the profession.
Several factors influence social worker salary in Colorado, including years of experience, educational credentials, and specialization area. Employment settings significantly impact earnings, with those working in healthcare, government agencies, or private practices often earning more than nonprofit organizations. Geographic location within the state, caseload complexity, and additional certifications also play important roles in determining individual compensation levels for social workers.
Salary Distribution — Social Worker in Colorado
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $47,100 |
| 25th percentile | $55,770 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $65,620 |
| 75th percentile | $80,990 |
| 90th percentile | $95,950 |
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 Colorado 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 Colorado vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Colorado) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $50,580 |
| 2023 | $60,450 |
| 2024 | $65,080 |
| 2025 | $65,620 |
| 2026 (projected) | $66,164 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Colorado Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $50,580 | $50,498 |
| 2023 | $60,450 | $53,608 |
| 2024 | $65,080 | $56,931 |
| 2025 | $65,620 | $57,161 |
| 2026 (projected) | $66,164 | $57,635 |
Social Worker Salary by Experience Level in Colorado
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $55,770 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $65,620 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $80,990 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $95,950 |
Social Worker Salary in Other States
Related Social Worker Salaries in Colorado
How other high-demand occupations in Colorado compare to Social Worker ($65,620 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Social Worker | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Radiologist in CO | $344,270 | +424.6% | $165.51/hr |
| Internal Medicine Physician in CO | $299,990 | +357.2% | $144.23/hr |
| Psychiatrist in CO | $266,370 | +305.9% | $128.06/hr |
| Family Medicine Physician in CO | $265,560 | +304.7% | $127.67/hr |
| Pediatrician in CO | $196,440 | +199.4% | $94.44/hr |
| Dentist in CO | $166,240 | +153.3% | $79.92/hr |
| Pharmacist in CO | $156,030 | +137.8% | $75.01/hr |
| Optometrist in CO | $152,000 | +131.6% | $73.08/hr |
| Podiatrist in CO | $142,620 | +117.3% | $68.57/hr |
| Nurse Midwife in CO | $137,610 | +109.7% | $66.16/hr |
| Medical and Health Services Manager in CO | $134,910 | +105.6% | $64.86/hr |
| Physician Assistant in CO | $134,540 | +105.0% | $64.68/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do social workers make in Colorado?
- Social workers in Colorado earn a median salary of $65,620 per year, or approximately $32 per hour. This is 14.8% higher than the national average for social workers, making Colorado a relatively well-paying state for this profession.
What is the salary range for social workers in Colorado?
- Social worker salaries in Colorado range from $47,100 at the lower end to $95,950 at the upper end. The difference between entry-level and experienced social workers represents significant earning potential as you advance in the field.
Is the social worker salary in Colorado above the national average?
- Yes, Colorado's social worker median salary of $65,620 is 14.8% above the national average. This makes Colorado an above-average state for social worker compensation compared to the rest of the United States.
How many social workers are employed in Colorado?
- There are 1,640 social workers currently employed in Colorado. This represents the total workforce in the state for this profession.