Social Worker Salary in Michigan
Based on 5K+ workers in Michigan
Median Annual Salary (MI)
$60,830
$29.25/hr
vs National Average
$57,161
+6.4% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$42K – $83K
5K employed in Michigan
Social workers in Michigan earn a median salary of $60,830 per year, which is 6% above the national average. With approximately 4,620 social workers employed throughout the state, this represents a meaningful career path for those entering the profession. Salaries in this field range from $42,150 to $82,750 annually, reflecting variations in experience and specialization.
Several factors influence social worker salary in Michigan, including years of experience, educational credentials, and type of employer. Social workers employed by government agencies often earn differently than those in private nonprofits or healthcare settings. Geographic location within Michigan, caseload complexity, and specialized certifications can also impact earnings potential for professionals in this field.
Salary Distribution — Social Worker in Michigan
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $42,150 |
| 25th percentile | $50,140 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $60,830 |
| 75th percentile | $74,350 |
| 90th percentile | $82,750 |
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 Michigan 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 Michigan vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Michigan) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $50,520 |
| 2023 | $57,290 |
| 2024 | $60,000 |
| 2025 | $60,830 |
| 2026 (projected) | $61,671 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Michigan Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $50,520 | $50,498 |
| 2023 | $57,290 | $53,608 |
| 2024 | $60,000 | $56,931 |
| 2025 | $60,830 | $57,161 |
| 2026 (projected) | $61,671 | $57,952 |
Social Worker Salary by Experience Level in Michigan
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $50,140 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $60,830 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $74,350 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $82,750 |
Social Worker Salary in Other States
Related Social Worker Salaries in Michigan
How other high-demand occupations in Michigan compare to Social Worker ($60,830 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Social Worker | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Radiologist in MI | $485,920 | +698.8% | $233.62/hr |
| Cardiologist in MI | $419,030 | +588.9% | $201.46/hr |
| Emergency Medicine Physician in MI | $417,760 | +586.8% | $200.85/hr |
| Surgeon in MI | $412,460 | +578.1% | $198.30/hr |
| Psychiatrist in MI | $291,850 | +379.8% | $140.31/hr |
| Nurse Anesthetist in MI | $247,010 | +306.1% | $118.75/hr |
| Family Medicine Physician in MI | $214,070 | +251.9% | $102.92/hr |
| Obstetrician and Gynecologist in MI | $209,650 | +244.6% | $100.79/hr |
| Pediatrician in MI | $204,690 | +236.5% | $98.41/hr |
| Dentist in MI | $169,930 | +179.4% | $81.70/hr |
| Podiatrist in MI | $162,140 | +166.5% | $77.95/hr |
| Internal Medicine Physician in MI | $149,990 | +146.6% | $72.11/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do social workers make in Michigan?
- Social workers in Michigan earn a median salary of $60,830 per year, or approximately $29 per hour. This is 6.4% higher than the national average for this profession.
What is the salary range for social workers in Michigan?
- Social worker salaries in Michigan range from $42,150 at the low end to $82,750 at the high end, providing a substantial range depending on experience and specialization.
How many social workers are employed in Michigan?
- There are currently 4,620 social workers employed in Michigan, representing a significant workforce in the state's social services sector.
Is the social worker salary in Michigan above the national average?
- Yes, Michigan's median social worker salary of $60,830 per year is 6.4% higher than the national average, making it a relatively competitive state for this profession.