Social Worker Salary in Minnesota
Based on 4K+ workers in Minnesota
Median Annual Salary (MN)
$75,020
$36.07/hr
vs National Average
$57,161
+31.2% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$51K – $99K
4K employed in Minnesota
Social workers in Minnesota earn a median salary of $75,020 per year, significantly outpacing the national average by 31 percent. With approximately 3,590 social workers employed throughout the state, Minnesota offers competitive compensation for professionals in this field. Salaries typically range from $50,950 to $98,520 annually, reflecting variation based on experience and specialization.
Social worker salary in Minnesota is influenced by several key factors, including years of experience, educational credentials, employer type, and geographic location within the state. Specialized credentials and advanced degrees often lead to higher earning potential, while social workers in urban areas or employed by larger organizations may command different rates than their rural counterparts. The strong demand for social services in Minnesota also contributes to these competitive wage levels.
Salary Distribution — Social Worker in Minnesota
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $50,950 |
| 25th percentile | $60,080 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $75,020 |
| 75th percentile | $85,990 |
| 90th percentile | $98,520 |
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 Minnesota 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 Minnesota vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Minnesota) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $64,700 |
| 2023 | $65,890 |
| 2024 | $77,100 |
| 2025 | $75,020 |
| 2026 (projected) | $75,020 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Minnesota Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $64,700 | $50,498 |
| 2023 | $65,890 | $53,608 |
| 2024 | $77,100 | $56,931 |
| 2025 | $75,020 | $57,161 |
| 2026 (projected) | $75,020 | $57,161 |
Social Worker Salary by Experience Level in Minnesota
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $60,080 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $75,020 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $85,990 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $98,520 |
Social Worker Salary in Other States
Related Social Worker Salaries in Minnesota
How other high-demand occupations in Minnesota compare to Social Worker ($75,020 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Social Worker | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Radiologist in MN | $708,340 | +844.2% | $340.55/hr |
| Surgeon in MN | $568,150 | +657.3% | $273.15/hr |
| Anesthesiologist in MN | $496,510 | +561.8% | $238.71/hr |
| Emergency Medicine Physician in MN | $390,940 | +421.1% | $187.95/hr |
| Internal Medicine Physician in MN | $373,700 | +398.1% | $179.66/hr |
| Psychiatrist in MN | $336,410 | +348.4% | $161.74/hr |
| Obstetrician and Gynecologist in MN | $321,910 | +329.1% | $154.76/hr |
| Family Medicine Physician in MN | $280,030 | +273.3% | $134.63/hr |
| Nurse Anesthetist in MN | $266,190 | +254.8% | $127.98/hr |
| Podiatrist in MN | $261,180 | +248.1% | $125.57/hr |
| Pediatrician in MN | $226,660 | +202.1% | $108.97/hr |
| Dentist in MN | $219,200 | +192.2% | $105.38/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do social workers make in Minnesota?
- The median salary for social workers in Minnesota is $75,020 per year, or approximately $36 per hour. This is significantly higher than the national average, representing a 31.2% premium for working in Minnesota.
What is the salary range for social workers in Minnesota?
- Social worker salaries in Minnesota range from $50,950 at the lower end to $98,520 at the higher end. This wide range reflects differences in experience, specialization, and employer type.
How many social workers are employed in Minnesota?
- There are currently 3,590 social workers employed in Minnesota. This represents a substantial workforce in the state's social services sector.
Is the social worker salary in Minnesota above the national average?
- Yes, Minnesota's median social worker salary of $75,020 is 31.2% higher than the national average. This makes Minnesota one of the better-paying states for social work professionals.