Social Worker Salary in New York
Based on 15K+ workers in New York
Median Annual Salary (NY)
$79,380
$38.16/hr
vs National Average
$57,161
+38.9% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$55K – $122K
15K employed in New York
Understanding the Social Worker salary in New York reveals a median annual income of $79,380, significantly higher than the national average. This substantial earning potential, with a typical range between $54,650 and $122,340, reflects the demand and importance of these professionals within the state's robust social services sector, which employs over 14,800 individuals.
Several factors influence the Social Worker salary in New York. Beyond experience and specific qualifications, the setting of employment—whether it's a hospital, government agency, non-profit, or private practice—plays a crucial role. Geographic location within New York, with cost of living variations between urban centers and more rural areas, also contributes to the salary spectrum for these vital roles.
Salary Distribution — Social Worker in New York
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $54,650 |
| 25th percentile | $64,430 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $79,380 |
| 75th percentile | $95,520 |
| 90th percentile | $122,340 |
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 York 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 York vs National
| Year | Median Salary (New York) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $75,150 |
| 2023 | $75,960 |
| 2024 | $80,230 |
| 2025 | $79,380 |
| 2026 (projected) | $79,380 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | New York Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $75,150 | $50,498 |
| 2023 | $75,960 | $53,608 |
| 2024 | $80,230 | $56,931 |
| 2025 | $79,380 | $57,161 |
| 2026 (projected) | $79,380 | $57,161 |
Social Worker Salary by Experience Level in New York
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $64,430 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $79,380 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $95,520 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $122,340 |
Social Worker Salary in Other States
Related Social Worker Salaries in New York
How other high-demand occupations in New York compare to Social Worker ($79,380 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Social Worker | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cardiologist in NY | $492,040 | +519.9% | $236.56/hr |
| Anesthesiologist in NY | $445,660 | +461.4% | $214.26/hr |
| Radiologist in NY | $441,580 | +456.3% | $212.30/hr |
| Surgeon in NY | $410,410 | +417.0% | $197.31/hr |
| Obstetrician and Gynecologist in NY | $348,800 | +339.4% | $167.69/hr |
| Nurse Anesthetist in NY | $321,030 | +304.4% | $154.34/hr |
| Emergency Medicine Physician in NY | $301,690 | +280.1% | $145.04/hr |
| Psychiatrist in NY | $265,890 | +235.0% | $127.83/hr |
| Pediatrician in NY | $212,150 | +167.3% | $102.00/hr |
| Family Medicine Physician in NY | $210,920 | +165.7% | $101.40/hr |
| Internal Medicine Physician in NY | $183,460 | +131.1% | $88.20/hr |
| Dentist in NY | $183,060 | +130.6% | $88.01/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the typical salary for a social worker in New York?
- The median salary for social workers in New York is $79,380 per year, which equates to approximately $38 per hour. This means that half of social workers in New York earn more than this amount, while the other half earn less.
How does the salary for social workers in New York compare to the national average?
- Social workers in New York earn significantly more than the national average, with salaries being 38.9% higher. This positions New York as a top-paying state for this profession.
What is the salary range for social workers in New York?
- The salary range for social workers in New York is quite broad, from $54,650 for entry-level or less experienced roles to $122,340 for those with extensive experience or specialized skills. The median salary falls within this range at $79,380 annually.
How many social workers are employed in New York?
- There are approximately 14,820 social workers employed in New York. This indicates a substantial demand for social work professionals within the state.