Social Worker Salary in Massachusetts
Based on 7K+ workers in Massachusetts
Median Annual Salary (MA)
$62,500
$30.05/hr
vs National Average
$57,161
+9.3% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$48K – $101K
7K employed in Massachusetts
Social workers in Massachusetts earn a median salary of $62,500 per year, which is approximately 9% above the national average. With 7,440 social workers currently employed across the state, Massachusetts offers competitive compensation for professionals in this field. The social worker salary in Massachusetts ranges from $48,260 to $100,670 annually, reflecting significant variation based on individual circumstances.
Several factors influence social worker salary in Massachusetts, including years of experience, educational credentials, and the specific employer or sector. Social workers employed by state agencies, hospitals, or private practices may see different compensation levels than those in nonprofit organizations. Geographic location within Massachusetts, specialized certifications, and the complexity of caseloads also play important roles in determining individual earning potential in this demanding profession.
Salary Distribution — Social Worker in Massachusetts
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $48,260 |
| 25th percentile | $53,970 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $62,500 |
| 75th percentile | $78,750 |
| 90th percentile | $100,670 |
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 Massachusetts 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 Massachusetts vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Massachusetts) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $51,630 |
| 2023 | $61,760 |
| 2024 | $64,960 |
| 2025 | $62,500 |
| 2026 (projected) | $62,500 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Massachusetts Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $51,630 | $50,498 |
| 2023 | $61,760 | $53,608 |
| 2024 | $64,960 | $56,931 |
| 2025 | $62,500 | $57,161 |
| 2026 (projected) | $62,500 | $57,161 |
Social Worker Salary by Experience Level in Massachusetts
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $53,970 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $62,500 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $78,750 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $100,670 |
Social Worker Salary in Other States
Related Social Worker Salaries in Massachusetts
How other high-demand occupations in Massachusetts compare to Social Worker ($62,500 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Social Worker | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Radiologist in MA | $426,560 | +582.5% | $205.08/hr |
| Surgeon in MA | $387,150 | +519.4% | $186.13/hr |
| Emergency Medicine Physician in MA | $356,230 | +470.0% | $171.26/hr |
| Nurse Anesthetist in MA | $295,550 | +372.9% | $142.09/hr |
| Internal Medicine Physician in MA | $285,250 | +356.4% | $137.14/hr |
| Family Medicine Physician in MA | $277,490 | +344.0% | $133.41/hr |
| Obstetrician and Gynecologist in MA | $272,240 | +335.6% | $130.88/hr |
| Pediatrician in MA | $221,170 | +253.9% | $106.33/hr |
| Podiatrist in MA | $217,700 | +248.3% | $104.66/hr |
| Dentist in MA | $181,600 | +190.6% | $87.31/hr |
| Nurse Midwife in MA | $159,800 | +155.7% | $76.83/hr |
| Optometrist in MA | $151,730 | +142.8% | $72.95/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do social workers make in Massachusetts?
- Social workers in Massachusetts earn a median salary of $62,500 per year, or $30 per hour. This is 9.3% higher than the national average for social workers.
What is the salary range for social workers in Massachusetts?
- Social worker salaries in Massachusetts range from $48,260 at the lower end to $100,670 at the higher end, depending on experience and specialization.
Is being a social worker in Massachusetts more lucrative than the national average?
- Yes, Massachusetts social workers earn 9.3% more than the national average, making it a higher-paying state for this profession.
How many social workers are employed in Massachusetts?
- There are currently 7,440 social workers employed in Massachusetts, indicating a substantial workforce in the field.