Social Worker Salary in Missouri
Based on 2K+ workers in Missouri
Median Annual Salary (MO)
$49,560
$23.83/hr
vs National Average
$57,161
-13.3% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$39K – $73K
2K employed in Missouri
Understanding the **Social Worker salary in Missouri** reveals a median of $49,560 annually, falling 13% below the national average. The typical earnings for social workers in the state range from $38,610 to $72,800, with approximately 1,640 professionals employed in this vital field.
Several factors can influence an individual's **Social Worker salary in Missouri**. These include years of experience, specific employer (e.g., government agency vs. non-profit), specialization within social work, and the educational qualifications held by the professional, all of which contribute to the observed salary variations across the state.
Salary Distribution — Social Worker in Missouri
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $38,610 |
| 25th percentile | $43,350 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $49,560 |
| 75th percentile | $59,200 |
| 90th percentile | $72,800 |
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 Missouri 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 Missouri vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Missouri) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $41,540 |
| 2023 | $38,150 |
| 2024 | $46,250 |
| 2025 | $49,560 |
| 2026 (projected) | $52,534 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Missouri Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $41,540 | $50,498 |
| 2023 | $38,150 | $53,608 |
| 2024 | $46,250 | $56,931 |
| 2025 | $49,560 | $57,161 |
| 2026 (projected) | $52,534 | $60,591 |
Social Worker Salary by Experience Level in Missouri
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $43,350 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $49,560 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $59,200 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $72,800 |
Social Worker Salary in Other States
Related Social Worker Salaries in Missouri
How other high-demand occupations in Missouri compare to Social Worker ($49,560 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Social Worker | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cardiologist in MO | $648,070 | +1207.6% | $311.57/hr |
| Emergency Medicine Physician in MO | $456,280 | +820.7% | $219.37/hr |
| Psychiatrist in MO | $312,680 | +530.9% | $150.33/hr |
| Nurse Anesthetist in MO | $242,630 | +389.6% | $116.65/hr |
| Pediatrician in MO | $223,910 | +351.8% | $107.65/hr |
| Internal Medicine Physician in MO | $216,570 | +337.0% | $104.12/hr |
| Dentist in MO | $204,960 | +313.6% | $98.54/hr |
| Family Medicine Physician in MO | $171,180 | +245.4% | $82.30/hr |
| Pharmacist in MO | $137,610 | +177.7% | $66.16/hr |
| Physician Assistant in MO | $135,130 | +172.7% | $64.97/hr |
| Optometrist in MO | $133,810 | +170.0% | $64.33/hr |
| Nurse Midwife in MO | $130,220 | +162.8% | $62.61/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average salary for a social worker in Missouri?
- The median salary for social workers in Missouri is $49,560 per year, which averages out to $24 per hour. This figure represents the midpoint of all salaries, with half of social workers earning more and half earning less.
How does the social worker salary in Missouri compare to the national average?
- Social worker salaries in Missouri are 13.3% lower than the national average. While the national median is approximately $57,176 per year, Missouri's median stands at $49,560 per year.
What is the typical salary range for a social worker in Missouri?
- In Missouri, social workers can expect to earn within a range of $38,610 to $72,800 annually. This range highlights the significant difference in earnings based on experience, location, and specialization within the field.
How many social workers are employed in Missouri?
- There are approximately 1,640 social workers employed in Missouri. This number reflects the current job market and demand for social work professionals within the state.