Social Worker Salary in Louisiana
Based on 970+ workers in Louisiana
Median Annual Salary (LA)
$47,100
$22.64/hr
vs National Average
$57,161
-17.6% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$32K – $72K
970 employed in Louisiana
Social workers in Louisiana earn a median salary of $47,100 per year, which is approximately 18% below the national average. With around 970 social workers employed across the state, this represents a meaningful workforce dedicated to supporting vulnerable populations. The salary range spans from $31,890 to $72,440 annually, reflecting significant variation based on individual circumstances and career progression.
Several factors influence social worker salary in Louisiana, including years of experience, educational credentials, employer type, and geographic location within the state. Those working in urban areas or for specialized agencies may earn more than their rural counterparts. Additionally, social workers with advanced degrees, specialized certifications, or supervisory responsibilities typically command higher compensation. The disparity from national averages may reflect Louisiana's cost of living and regional economic conditions affecting nonprofit and government budgets.
Salary Distribution — Social Worker in Louisiana
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $31,890 |
| 25th percentile | $36,380 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $47,100 |
| 75th percentile | $62,170 |
| 90th percentile | $72,440 |
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 Louisiana 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 Louisiana vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Louisiana) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $45,440 |
| 2023 | $44,300 |
| 2024 | $44,050 |
| 2025 | $47,100 |
| 2026 (projected) | $49,926 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Louisiana Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $45,440 | $50,498 |
| 2023 | $44,300 | $53,608 |
| 2024 | $44,050 | $56,931 |
| 2025 | $47,100 | $57,161 |
| 2026 (projected) | $49,926 | $60,591 |
Social Worker Salary by Experience Level in Louisiana
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $36,380 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $47,100 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $62,170 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $72,440 |
Social Worker Salary in Other States
Related Social Worker Salaries in Louisiana
How other high-demand occupations in Louisiana compare to Social Worker ($47,100 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Social Worker | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pediatrician in LA | $502,720 | +967.3% | $241.69/hr |
| Anesthesiologist in LA | $410,500 | +771.5% | $197.36/hr |
| Obstetrician and Gynecologist in LA | $404,550 | +758.9% | $194.50/hr |
| Psychiatrist in LA | $345,040 | +632.6% | $165.88/hr |
| Surgeon in LA | $304,830 | +547.2% | $146.55/hr |
| Family Medicine Physician in LA | $255,330 | +442.1% | $122.75/hr |
| Nurse Anesthetist in LA | $222,130 | +371.6% | $106.79/hr |
| Internal Medicine Physician in LA | $210,390 | +346.7% | $101.15/hr |
| Podiatrist in LA | $197,480 | +319.3% | $94.94/hr |
| Dentist in LA | $170,750 | +262.5% | $82.09/hr |
| Pharmacist in LA | $132,410 | +181.1% | $63.66/hr |
| Physician Assistant in LA | $128,870 | +173.6% | $61.96/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do social workers make in Louisiana?
- The median salary for social workers in Louisiana is $47,100 per year, or approximately $23 per hour. This is 17.6% below the national average for the profession.
What is the salary range for social workers in Louisiana?
- Social worker salaries in Louisiana range from $31,890 at the lower end to $72,440 at the upper end, depending on experience, specialization, and employer.
Is the social work salary in Louisiana lower than the national average?
- Yes, Louisiana social workers earn 17.6% less than the national average. The state median of $47,100 annually is notably below what social workers earn in most other states.
How many social workers are employed in Louisiana?
- There are approximately 970 social workers currently employed in Louisiana, representing the available job opportunities in the state for this profession.