Social Worker Salary in North Carolina
Based on 4K+ workers in North Carolina
Median Annual Salary (NC)
$58,210
$27.99/hr
vs National Average
$57,161
+1.8% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$39K – $80K
4K employed in North Carolina
The Social Worker salary in North Carolina offers a median income of $58,210 annually. This figure places North Carolina's social worker compensation 2% above the national average, reflecting a stable job market with approximately 3,690 professionals employed in the field.
Several factors can influence a Social Worker salary in North Carolina. Experience level, specific employer (e.g., government agency versus non-profit), specialization (such as child welfare or mental health), and geographic location within the state all play a significant role in determining compensation within the reported range of $38,970 to $79,720.
Salary Distribution — Social Worker in North Carolina
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $38,970 |
| 25th percentile | $48,150 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $58,210 |
| 75th percentile | $67,460 |
| 90th percentile | $79,720 |
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 North Carolina 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 North Carolina vs National
| Year | Median Salary (North Carolina) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $52,010 |
| 2023 | $53,220 |
| 2024 | $56,730 |
| 2025 | $58,210 |
| 2026 (projected) | $59,729 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | North Carolina Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $52,010 | $50,498 |
| 2023 | $53,220 | $53,608 |
| 2024 | $56,730 | $56,931 |
| 2025 | $58,210 | $57,161 |
| 2026 (projected) | $59,729 | $58,652 |
Social Worker Salary by Experience Level in North Carolina
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $48,150 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $58,210 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $67,460 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $79,720 |
Social Worker Salary in Other States
Related Social Worker Salaries in North Carolina
How other high-demand occupations in North Carolina compare to Social Worker ($58,210 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Social Worker | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Surgeon in NC | $398,410 | +584.4% | $191.54/hr |
| Emergency Medicine Physician in NC | $339,350 | +483.0% | $163.15/hr |
| Internal Medicine Physician in NC | $289,780 | +397.8% | $139.32/hr |
| Nurse Anesthetist in NC | $224,610 | +285.9% | $107.99/hr |
| Podiatrist in NC | $215,420 | +270.1% | $103.57/hr |
| Family Medicine Physician in NC | $215,230 | +269.7% | $103.48/hr |
| Dentist in NC | $207,000 | +255.6% | $99.52/hr |
| Pediatrician in NC | $183,550 | +215.3% | $88.25/hr |
| Psychiatrist in NC | $168,880 | +190.1% | $81.19/hr |
| Optometrist in NC | $161,560 | +177.5% | $77.67/hr |
| Pharmacist in NC | $138,860 | +138.6% | $66.76/hr |
| Obstetrician and Gynecologist in NC | $134,540 | +131.1% | $64.68/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average salary for a Social Worker in North Carolina?
- The median salary for a Social Worker in North Carolina is $58,210 per year, which averages out to $28 per hour. This is slightly higher than the national average, coming in at 1.8% more.
How much do Social Workers in North Carolina typically earn?
- Most Social Workers in North Carolina earn between $38,970 and $79,720 annually. The median salary falls within this range at $58,210 per year.
What is the salary range for Social Workers in North Carolina?
- The salary range for Social Workers in North Carolina is quite broad, with reported earnings from $38,970 on the lower end up to $79,720 on the higher end. The midpoint of this spectrum is the median salary of $58,210 annually.
How does a Social Worker salary in North Carolina compare to the national average?
- Social Workers in North Carolina earn approximately 1.8% more than the national average. The median salary in the state is $58,210 per year, compared to a national median that is slightly lower.