Social Worker Salary in Georgia
Based on 1K+ workers in Georgia
Median Annual Salary (GA)
$52,030
$25.01/hr
vs National Average
$57,161
-9.0% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$33K – $84K
1K employed in Georgia
Social workers in Georgia earn a median salary of $52,030 per year, with approximately 1,330 professionals currently employed in the state. This salary is about 9% below the national average, reflecting regional economic differences and cost-of-living variations. The salary range for social workers spans from $32,990 to $83,500 annually, indicating significant earning potential based on individual circumstances.
Several factors influence social worker salary in Georgia, including years of experience, educational credentials, specialized certifications, and the type of employer. Workers in urban areas like Atlanta typically earn more than those in rural regions, while positions in government agencies may differ from nonprofit or private sector roles. Advancement to supervisory positions and obtaining advanced degrees can substantially impact earning potential over a career.
Salary Distribution — Social Worker in Georgia
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $32,990 |
| 25th percentile | $45,090 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $52,030 |
| 75th percentile | $72,490 |
| 90th percentile | $83,500 |
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 Georgia 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 Georgia vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Georgia) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $47,960 |
| 2023 | $47,340 |
| 2024 | $50,810 |
| 2025 | $52,030 |
| 2026 (projected) | $53,279 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Georgia Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $47,960 | $50,498 |
| 2023 | $47,340 | $53,608 |
| 2024 | $50,810 | $56,931 |
| 2025 | $52,030 | $57,161 |
| 2026 (projected) | $53,279 | $58,533 |
Social Worker Salary by Experience Level in Georgia
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $45,090 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $52,030 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $72,490 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $83,500 |
Social Worker Salary in Other States
Related Social Worker Salaries in Georgia
How other high-demand occupations in Georgia compare to Social Worker ($52,030 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Social Worker | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cardiologist in GA | $610,070 | +1072.5% | $293.30/hr |
| Surgeon in GA | $502,070 | +865.0% | $241.38/hr |
| Internal Medicine Physician in GA | $425,460 | +717.7% | $204.55/hr |
| Obstetrician and Gynecologist in GA | $354,000 | +580.4% | $170.19/hr |
| Radiologist in GA | $335,190 | +544.2% | $161.15/hr |
| Family Medicine Physician in GA | $259,320 | +398.4% | $124.67/hr |
| Psychiatrist in GA | $237,480 | +356.4% | $114.17/hr |
| Anesthesiologist in GA | $230,000 | +342.1% | $110.58/hr |
| Nurse Anesthetist in GA | $224,630 | +331.7% | $108.00/hr |
| Emergency Medicine Physician in GA | $219,010 | +320.9% | $105.29/hr |
| Dentist in GA | $206,760 | +297.4% | $99.40/hr |
| Pediatrician in GA | $149,990 | +188.3% | $72.11/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do social workers make in Georgia?
- Social workers in Georgia earn a median salary of $52,030 per year, or $25 per hour. This is approximately 9% below the national average for the profession.
What is the salary range for social workers in Georgia?
- Social worker salaries in Georgia range from $32,990 at the lower end to $83,500 at the higher end, representing significant variation based on experience and specialization.
How many social workers are employed in Georgia?
- There are currently 1,330 social workers employed throughout Georgia.
Is the social worker salary in Georgia lower than the national average?
- Yes, Georgia's median social worker salary of $52,030 is 9.0% below the national average, making it a lower-paying state for this profession compared to the rest of the country.