Social Worker Salary in Kansas
Based on 2K+ workers in Kansas
Median Annual Salary (KS)
$56,330
$27.08/hr
vs National Average
$57,161
-1.5% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$48K – $80K
2K employed in Kansas
Social workers in Kansas earn a median salary of $56,330 per year, with approximately 1,620 professionals currently employed in the state. This figure falls just 1% below the national average, positioning Kansas as a competitive market for social work positions. The salary range spans from $47,750 to $79,650 annually, reflecting significant variation based on individual circumstances and career progression.
Social worker salary in Kansas is influenced by several key factors, including years of experience, educational credentials, and the specific employer type. Geographic location within the state, agency funding levels, and specialization areas also play important roles in determining compensation. Additionally, workers with advanced degrees or specialized certifications often command higher salaries within this field.
Salary Distribution — Social Worker in Kansas
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $47,750 |
| 25th percentile | $48,990 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $56,330 |
| 75th percentile | $66,290 |
| 90th percentile | $79,650 |
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 Kansas 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 Kansas vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Kansas) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $48,000 |
| 2023 | $51,660 |
| 2024 | $56,110 |
| 2025 | $56,330 |
| 2026 (projected) | $56,551 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Kansas Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $48,000 | $50,498 |
| 2023 | $51,660 | $53,608 |
| 2024 | $56,110 | $56,931 |
| 2025 | $56,330 | $57,161 |
| 2026 (projected) | $56,551 | $57,385 |
Social Worker Salary by Experience Level in Kansas
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $48,990 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $56,330 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $66,290 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $79,650 |
Social Worker Salary in Other States
Related Social Worker Salaries in Kansas
How other high-demand occupations in Kansas compare to Social Worker ($56,330 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Social Worker | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Anesthesiologist in KS | $437,030 | +675.8% | $210.11/hr |
| Psychiatrist in KS | $278,100 | +393.7% | $133.70/hr |
| Family Medicine Physician in KS | $229,390 | +307.2% | $110.28/hr |
| Obstetrician and Gynecologist in KS | $220,770 | +291.9% | $106.14/hr |
| Nurse Anesthetist in KS | $212,090 | +276.5% | $101.97/hr |
| Pediatrician in KS | $209,840 | +272.5% | $100.88/hr |
| Radiologist in KS | $179,990 | +219.5% | $86.53/hr |
| Optometrist in KS | $138,580 | +146.0% | $66.63/hr |
| Pharmacist in KS | $137,800 | +144.6% | $66.25/hr |
| Nurse Practitioner in KS | $126,650 | +124.8% | $60.89/hr |
| Physician Assistant in KS | $125,640 | +123.0% | $60.40/hr |
| Medical and Health Services Manager in KS | $111,030 | +97.1% | $53.38/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do social workers make in Kansas?
- Social workers in Kansas earn a median salary of $56,330 per year, or $27 per hour. This is slightly below the national average by 1.5%, but still represents a solid middle-class income for the state.
What is the salary range for social workers in Kansas?
- Social worker salaries in Kansas range from $47,750 on the lower end to $79,650 on the higher end. The difference between entry-level and experienced positions represents a potential earnings increase of over $31,000 annually.
How many social workers are employed in Kansas?
- There are approximately 1,620 social workers currently employed in Kansas, indicating a steady job market for professionals in this field.
Is the social worker salary in Kansas above or below the national average?
- Kansas social worker salaries are slightly below the national average at -1.5%, with a median of $56,330 compared to higher averages in other states. However, this difference is minimal and varies based on experience and specialty.