Social Worker Salary in Virginia
Based on 4K+ workers in Virginia
Median Annual Salary (VA)
$64,240
$30.88/hr
vs National Average
$57,161
+12.4% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$49K – $102K
4K employed in Virginia
Understanding the Social Worker salary in Virginia reveals a median annual income of $64,240. This figure sits comfortably 12% above the national average, with a typical salary range between $48,530 and $102,480. Currently, approximately 3,670 social workers are employed within the state, indicating a robust demand for these essential professionals.
Several factors influence the Social Worker salary in Virginia. Experience level plays a significant role, with more seasoned professionals often earning higher wages. Additionally, the specific sector of employment, such as state government, non-profits, or private practice, can impact earning potential. Geographic location within Virginia and specialized certifications may also contribute to variations in compensation.
Salary Distribution — Social Worker in Virginia
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $48,530 |
| 25th percentile | $53,620 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $64,240 |
| 75th percentile | $80,390 |
| 90th percentile | $102,480 |
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 Virginia 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 Virginia vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Virginia) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $48,570 |
| 2023 | $58,070 |
| 2024 | $63,530 |
| 2025 | $64,240 |
| 2026 (projected) | $64,958 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Virginia Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $48,570 | $50,498 |
| 2023 | $58,070 | $53,608 |
| 2024 | $63,530 | $56,931 |
| 2025 | $64,240 | $57,161 |
| 2026 (projected) | $64,958 | $57,800 |
Social Worker Salary by Experience Level in Virginia
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $53,620 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $64,240 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $80,390 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $102,480 |
Social Worker Salary in Other States
Related Social Worker Salaries in Virginia
How other high-demand occupations in Virginia compare to Social Worker ($64,240 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Social Worker | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Anesthesiologist in VA | $488,310 | +660.1% | $234.76/hr |
| Cardiologist in VA | $461,450 | +618.3% | $221.85/hr |
| Radiologist in VA | $376,270 | +485.7% | $180.90/hr |
| Surgeon in VA | $360,510 | +461.2% | $173.32/hr |
| Psychiatrist in VA | $295,010 | +359.2% | $141.83/hr |
| Obstetrician and Gynecologist in VA | $282,410 | +339.6% | $135.77/hr |
| Nurse Anesthetist in VA | $252,110 | +292.5% | $121.21/hr |
| Family Medicine Physician in VA | $222,630 | +246.6% | $107.03/hr |
| Dentist in VA | $197,110 | +206.8% | $94.76/hr |
| Pediatrician in VA | $195,940 | +205.0% | $94.20/hr |
| Pharmacist in VA | $144,060 | +124.3% | $69.26/hr |
| Physician Assistant in VA | $135,940 | +111.6% | $65.36/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the typical salary for a social worker in Virginia?
- The median salary for social workers in Virginia is $64,240 per year, which equates to about $31 per hour. This means half of social workers in Virginia earn more than this amount, and half earn less.
How does the average social worker salary in Virginia compare to the national average?
- Social workers in Virginia earn on average 12.4% more than the national average. This suggests a strong demand and potentially higher compensation for these roles within the state.
What is the salary range for social workers in Virginia?
- The salary range for social workers in Virginia spans from $48,530 to $102,480 annually. This wide range reflects differences in experience, specialization, and geographic location within the state.
How many social workers are employed in Virginia?
- There are approximately 3,670 social workers currently employed in Virginia. This indicates a significant presence of social work professionals serving the state's population.