Social Worker Salary in Maryland
Based on 2K+ workers in Maryland
Median Annual Salary (MD)
$73,580
$35.38/hr
vs National Average
$57,161
+28.7% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$38K – $104K
2K employed in Maryland
Social workers in Maryland earn a median salary of $73,580 per year, which is 29% above the national average. With approximately 2,250 social workers employed across the state, Maryland offers competitive compensation in this essential field. The salary range spans from $38,100 to $104,000 annually, reflecting significant variation based on individual circumstances and career progression.
Several factors influence social worker salary in Maryland, including years of experience, educational credentials, specialization area, and employer type. Social workers in government agencies, hospitals, and private practice often earn differently than those in nonprofit settings. Geographic location within Maryland, client populations served, and additional certifications or licenses also play important roles in determining individual compensation levels.
Salary Distribution — Social Worker in Maryland
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $38,100 |
| 25th percentile | $49,440 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $73,580 |
| 75th percentile | $94,690 |
| 90th percentile | $104,000 |
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 Maryland 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 Maryland vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Maryland) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $49,320 |
| 2023 | $55,060 |
| 2024 | $61,100 |
| 2025 | $73,580 |
| 2026 (projected) | $77,995 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Maryland Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $49,320 | $50,498 |
| 2023 | $55,060 | $53,608 |
| 2024 | $61,100 | $56,931 |
| 2025 | $73,580 | $57,161 |
| 2026 (projected) | $77,995 | $60,591 |
Social Worker Salary by Experience Level in Maryland
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $49,440 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $73,580 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $94,690 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $104,000 |
Social Worker Salary in Other States
Related Social Worker Salaries in Maryland
How other high-demand occupations in Maryland compare to Social Worker ($73,580 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Social Worker | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Radiologist in MD | $581,510 | +690.3% | $279.57/hr |
| Emergency Medicine Physician in MD | $451,620 | +513.8% | $217.13/hr |
| Anesthesiologist in MD | $418,010 | +468.1% | $200.97/hr |
| Cardiologist in MD | $337,230 | +358.3% | $162.13/hr |
| Surgeon in MD | $328,700 | +346.7% | $158.03/hr |
| Obstetrician and Gynecologist in MD | $306,310 | +316.3% | $147.26/hr |
| Psychiatrist in MD | $305,320 | +314.9% | $146.79/hr |
| Family Medicine Physician in MD | $285,730 | +288.3% | $137.37/hr |
| Internal Medicine Physician in MD | $260,410 | +253.9% | $125.20/hr |
| Nurse Anesthetist in MD | $223,140 | +203.3% | $107.28/hr |
| Podiatrist in MD | $201,940 | +174.4% | $97.09/hr |
| Pediatrician in MD | $181,640 | +146.9% | $87.33/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do social workers make in Maryland?
- Social workers in Maryland earn a median salary of $73,580 per year, or approximately $35 per hour. This is significantly higher than the national average, representing a 28.7% increase compared to social workers across the United States.
What is the salary range for social workers in Maryland?
- Social worker salaries in Maryland range from a low of $38,100 to a high of $104,000 annually. This wide range reflects differences in experience, education level, employer type, and specialization within the field.
Is the social worker salary in Maryland above the national average?
- Yes, Maryland's social worker median salary of $73,580 is 28.7% higher than the national average. This makes Maryland one of the better-paying states for social work professionals.
How many social workers are employed in Maryland?
- There are approximately 2,250 social workers currently employed in Maryland. This figure represents the total workforce in the state for this profession.