Social Worker Salary in District of Columbia
Based on 510+ workers in District of Columbia
Median Annual Salary (DC)
$73,310
$35.25/hr
vs National Average
$57,161
+28.3% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$58K – $116K
510 employed in District of Columbia
Social workers in the District of Columbia earn a median salary of $73,310 annually, placing them significantly above their national counterparts. With approximately 510 social workers employed in the district, this represents a competitive field offering 28% higher compensation than the national average. Salaries in this region range from $57,940 to $115,500 depending on individual circumstances.
Several factors influence social worker salary in District of Columbia, including years of experience, specialized credentials, and employer type. Government agencies, nonprofits, and private practices often pay differently, with federal positions typically offering more structured compensation. Education level, licensing status, and focus area—such as clinical social work, school-based services, or administration—also significantly impact earning potential in this market.
Salary Distribution — Social Worker in District of Columbia
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $57,940 |
| 25th percentile | $65,360 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $73,310 |
| 75th percentile | $104,170 |
| 90th percentile | $115,500 |
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 District of Columbia 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 District of Columbia vs National
| Year | Median Salary (District of Columbia) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $72,650 |
| 2023 | $84,560 |
| 2024 | $72,720 |
| 2025 | $73,310 |
| 2026 (projected) | $73,905 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | District of Columbia Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $72,650 | $50,498 |
| 2023 | $84,560 | $53,608 |
| 2024 | $72,720 | $56,931 |
| 2025 | $73,310 | $57,161 |
| 2026 (projected) | $73,905 | $57,625 |
Social Worker Salary by Experience Level in District of Columbia
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $65,360 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $73,310 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $104,170 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $115,500 |
Social Worker Salary in Other States
Related Social Worker Salaries in District of Columbia
How other high-demand occupations in District of Columbia compare to Social Worker ($73,310 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Social Worker | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Emergency Medicine Physician in DC | $318,200 | +334.0% | $152.98/hr |
| Podiatrist in DC | $265,740 | +262.5% | $127.76/hr |
| Family Medicine Physician in DC | $233,390 | +218.4% | $112.21/hr |
| Internal Medicine Physician in DC | $223,250 | +204.5% | $107.33/hr |
| Anesthesiologist in DC | $202,570 | +176.3% | $97.39/hr |
| Psychiatrist in DC | $183,080 | +149.7% | $88.02/hr |
| Radiologist in DC | $182,450 | +148.9% | $87.72/hr |
| Medical and Health Services Manager in DC | $155,140 | +111.6% | $74.59/hr |
| Pharmacist in DC | $153,400 | +109.2% | $73.75/hr |
| Dental Hygienist in DC | $137,220 | +87.2% | $65.97/hr |
| Nurse Practitioner in DC | $135,880 | +85.3% | $65.33/hr |
| Physician Assistant in DC | $135,140 | +84.3% | $64.97/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do social workers make in Washington DC?
- The median salary for social workers in District of Columbia is $73,310 per year, or $35 per hour. This represents a 28.3% increase above the national average for the profession.
What is the salary range for social workers in DC?
- Social worker salaries in District of Columbia range from $57,940 at the lower end to $115,500 at the higher end, depending on experience, specialization, and employer.
Is the DC social worker salary higher than the national average?
- Yes, social workers in District of Columbia earn 28.3% more than the national average, making it a significantly above-average market for this profession.
How many social workers are employed in DC?
- There are currently 510 social workers employed in District of Columbia, representing the total workforce in this field within the region.