Social Worker Salary in Kentucky
Based on 1K+ workers in Kentucky
Median Annual Salary (KY)
$42,570
$20.47/hr
vs National Average
$57,161
-25.5% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$34K – $64K
1K employed in Kentucky
Social workers in Kentucky earn a median salary of $42,570 per year, with approximately 1,360 workers employed in the state. However, this falls about 26% below the national average, reflecting regional economic differences. The salary range for social workers spans from $33,880 to $63,960 annually, depending on individual circumstances and career progression.
Several factors influence social worker salary in Kentucky, including years of experience, specialized credentials, and the employing organization type. Social workers in private practice or specialized mental health settings typically earn more than those in government or nonprofit positions. Geographic location within the state, educational background, and specific job responsibilities also play important roles in determining compensation levels for social workers in Kentucky.
Salary Distribution — Social Worker in Kentucky
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $33,880 |
| 25th percentile | $37,230 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $42,570 |
| 75th percentile | $48,780 |
| 90th percentile | $63,960 |
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 Kentucky 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 Kentucky vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Kentucky) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $39,560 |
| 2023 | $44,820 |
| 2024 | $45,450 |
| 2025 | $42,570 |
| 2026 (projected) | $42,570 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Kentucky Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $39,560 | $50,498 |
| 2023 | $44,820 | $53,608 |
| 2024 | $45,450 | $56,931 |
| 2025 | $42,570 | $57,161 |
| 2026 (projected) | $42,570 | $57,161 |
Social Worker Salary by Experience Level in Kentucky
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $37,230 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $42,570 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $48,780 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $63,960 |
Social Worker Salary in Other States
Related Social Worker Salaries in Kentucky
How other high-demand occupations in Kentucky compare to Social Worker ($42,570 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Social Worker | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cardiologist in KY | $558,180 | +1211.2% | $268.36/hr |
| Anesthesiologist in KY | $347,960 | +717.4% | $167.29/hr |
| Obstetrician and Gynecologist in KY | $317,110 | +644.9% | $152.46/hr |
| Radiologist in KY | $279,990 | +557.7% | $134.61/hr |
| Family Medicine Physician in KY | $248,730 | +484.3% | $119.58/hr |
| Internal Medicine Physician in KY | $241,530 | +467.4% | $116.12/hr |
| Psychiatrist in KY | $237,770 | +458.5% | $114.31/hr |
| Nurse Anesthetist in KY | $222,520 | +422.7% | $106.98/hr |
| Podiatrist in KY | $201,260 | +372.8% | $96.76/hr |
| Pediatrician in KY | $175,690 | +312.7% | $84.47/hr |
| Emergency Medicine Physician in KY | $169,390 | +297.9% | $81.44/hr |
| Surgeon in KY | $162,160 | +280.9% | $77.96/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do social workers make in Kentucky?
- Social workers in Kentucky earn a median salary of $42,570 per year, which translates to approximately $20 per hour. This is 25.5% below the national average for this profession.
What is the salary range for social workers in Kentucky?
- Social worker salaries in Kentucky range from $33,880 at the lower end to $63,960 at the higher end, providing a span of $30,080 between entry-level and top earners in the state.
Is social work pay in Kentucky below the national average?
- Yes, Kentucky's median social worker salary of $42,570 is significantly below the national average, falling 25.5% lower than what social workers earn nationally on average.
How many social workers are employed in Kentucky?
- There are currently 1,360 social workers employed throughout Kentucky, representing the total workforce in this profession across the state.