Social Worker Salary in New Jersey
Based on 2K+ workers in New Jersey
Median Annual Salary (NJ)
$66,590
$32.01/hr
vs National Average
$57,161
+16.5% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$45K – $102K
2K employed in New Jersey
The Social Worker salary in New Jersey shows a median of $66,590 annually, positioning the state significantly above the national average by 16%. With 2,420 professionals employed in this vital field within the state, this data offers a valuable benchmark for understanding compensation in the region, with salaries typically falling between $45,180 and $102,130.
Several factors influence the Social Worker salary in New Jersey, including years of experience, specific specialization within social work (such as child welfare or mental health), and the type of employer, whether it's a government agency, non-profit organization, or private practice. Advanced degrees and certifications can also contribute to higher earning potential within this dynamic profession.
Salary Distribution — Social Worker in New Jersey
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $45,180 |
| 25th percentile | $47,610 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $66,590 |
| 75th percentile | $84,700 |
| 90th percentile | $102,130 |
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 New Jersey 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 New Jersey vs National
| Year | Median Salary (New Jersey) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $77,930 |
| 2023 | $69,980 |
| 2024 | $70,420 |
| 2025 | $66,590 |
| 2026 (projected) | $66,590 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | New Jersey Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $77,930 | $50,498 |
| 2023 | $69,980 | $53,608 |
| 2024 | $70,420 | $56,931 |
| 2025 | $66,590 | $57,161 |
| 2026 (projected) | $66,590 | $57,161 |
Social Worker Salary by Experience Level in New Jersey
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $47,610 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $66,590 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $84,700 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $102,130 |
Social Worker Salary in Other States
Related Social Worker Salaries in New Jersey
How other high-demand occupations in New Jersey compare to Social Worker ($66,590 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Social Worker | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Radiologist in NJ | $482,700 | +624.9% | $232.07/hr |
| Surgeon in NJ | $437,890 | +557.6% | $210.52/hr |
| Emergency Medicine Physician in NJ | $315,340 | +373.6% | $151.61/hr |
| Family Medicine Physician in NJ | $292,170 | +338.8% | $140.47/hr |
| Nurse Anesthetist in NJ | $291,350 | +337.5% | $140.07/hr |
| Cardiologist in NJ | $286,540 | +330.3% | $137.76/hr |
| Obstetrician and Gynecologist in NJ | $228,870 | +243.7% | $110.03/hr |
| Pediatrician in NJ | $201,560 | +202.7% | $96.90/hr |
| Psychiatrist in NJ | $194,070 | +191.4% | $93.30/hr |
| Dentist in NJ | $171,330 | +157.3% | $82.37/hr |
| Physician Assistant in NJ | $165,690 | +148.8% | $79.66/hr |
| Podiatrist in NJ | $160,300 | +140.7% | $77.07/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average salary for a social worker in New Jersey?
- The median salary for social workers in New Jersey is $66,590 per year, which translates to approximately $32 per hour. This is significantly higher than the national average, with New Jersey social workers earning 16.5% more.
How much do social workers in New Jersey typically earn?
- The salary range for social workers in New Jersey falls between $45,180 and $102,130 annually. The median earning is $66,590 per year, indicating that half of social workers in the state earn more than this figure.
What is the hourly wage for a social worker in New Jersey?
- Social workers in New Jersey can expect to earn an hourly wage of around $32. This is based on the median annual salary of $66,590, reflecting a strong earning potential for the profession in the state.
Is the salary for social workers in New Jersey higher than the national average?
- Yes, social workers in New Jersey earn considerably more than the national average. Their median salary of $66,590 per year is 16.5% higher than the national median, offering a more lucrative career path in this field.