Social Worker Salary in Indiana
Based on 2K+ workers in Indiana
Median Annual Salary (IN)
$48,300
$23.22/hr
vs National Average
$57,161
-15.5% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$36K – $78K
2K employed in Indiana
Social workers in Indiana earn a median salary of $48,300 per year, with approximately 2,490 workers currently employed in the state. This figure falls about 16% below the national average for social workers, reflecting regional economic differences. The salary range spans from $36,290 for entry-level positions to $77,780 for experienced professionals, showing considerable growth potential within the field.
Several factors influence social worker salary in Indiana, including years of experience, educational credentials, and employer type. Social workers employed by state agencies, hospitals, or private practice typically earn differently than those in nonprofit organizations. Additionally, specialization areas such as clinical social work or school-based positions may command higher compensation. Geographic location within Indiana and caseload complexity also play significant roles in determining individual earning potential.
Salary Distribution — Social Worker in Indiana
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $36,290 |
| 25th percentile | $42,580 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $48,300 |
| 75th percentile | $64,610 |
| 90th percentile | $77,780 |
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 Indiana 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 Indiana vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Indiana) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $46,080 |
| 2023 | $50,950 |
| 2024 | $54,410 |
| 2025 | $48,300 |
| 2026 (projected) | $48,300 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Indiana Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $46,080 | $50,498 |
| 2023 | $50,950 | $53,608 |
| 2024 | $54,410 | $56,931 |
| 2025 | $48,300 | $57,161 |
| 2026 (projected) | $48,300 | $57,161 |
Social Worker Salary by Experience Level in Indiana
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $42,580 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $48,300 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $64,610 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $77,780 |
Social Worker Salary in Other States
Related Social Worker Salaries in Indiana
How other high-demand occupations in Indiana compare to Social Worker ($48,300 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Social Worker | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cardiologist in IN | $588,890 | +1119.2% | $283.12/hr |
| Surgeon in IN | $459,300 | +850.9% | $220.82/hr |
| Radiologist in IN | $430,640 | +791.6% | $207.04/hr |
| Anesthesiologist in IN | $394,060 | +715.9% | $189.45/hr |
| Obstetrician and Gynecologist in IN | $351,990 | +628.8% | $169.23/hr |
| Emergency Medicine Physician in IN | $347,060 | +618.6% | $166.86/hr |
| Internal Medicine Physician in IN | $314,390 | +550.9% | $151.15/hr |
| Psychiatrist in IN | $284,110 | +488.2% | $136.59/hr |
| Family Medicine Physician in IN | $261,940 | +442.3% | $125.93/hr |
| Pediatrician in IN | $177,300 | +267.1% | $85.24/hr |
| Dentist in IN | $166,650 | +245.0% | $80.12/hr |
| Pharmacist in IN | $144,290 | +198.7% | $69.37/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do social workers make in Indiana?
- Social workers in Indiana earn a median salary of $48,300 per year, or $23 per hour. This is approximately 15.5% below the national average for social workers.
What is the salary range for social workers in Indiana?
- Social worker salaries in Indiana range from $36,290 at the lower end to $77,780 at the higher end, depending on experience, specialization, and employer.
How many social workers are employed in Indiana?
- There are currently 2,490 social workers employed in Indiana, representing the total workforce in this profession across the state.
Is the Indiana social worker salary below the national average?
- Yes, Indiana's median social worker salary of $48,300 per year is 15.5% lower than the national average for this position.