Social Worker Salary in Washington
Based on 3K+ workers in Washington
Median Annual Salary (WA)
$70,460
$33.88/hr
vs National Average
$57,161
+23.3% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$47K – $103K
3K employed in Washington
The Social Worker salary in Washington presents a compelling picture, with the median annual income sitting at $70,460. This figure represents a significant 23% above the national average, indicating strong earning potential for social workers in the Evergreen State. Currently, approximately 3,490 individuals are employed in this vital profession across Washington.
Several factors can influence a Social Worker salary in Washington, beyond the median. Experience levels, specific certifications, and the type of employer (e.g., non-profit, government, or private practice) all play a crucial role in determining an individual's compensation. The cost of living and demand for services in different Washington regions can also contribute to salary variations within the $46,790 to $102,680 annual range.
Salary Distribution — Social Worker in Washington
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $46,790 |
| 25th percentile | $56,050 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $70,460 |
| 75th percentile | $84,500 |
| 90th percentile | $102,680 |
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 Washington 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 Washington vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Washington) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $55,490 |
| 2023 | $64,850 |
| 2024 | $69,060 |
| 2025 | $70,460 |
| 2026 (projected) | $71,888 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Washington Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $55,490 | $50,498 |
| 2023 | $64,850 | $53,608 |
| 2024 | $69,060 | $56,931 |
| 2025 | $70,460 | $57,161 |
| 2026 (projected) | $71,888 | $58,320 |
Social Worker Salary by Experience Level in Washington
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $56,050 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $70,460 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $84,500 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $102,680 |
Social Worker Salary in Other States
Related Social Worker Salaries in Washington
How other high-demand occupations in Washington compare to Social Worker ($70,460 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Social Worker | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cardiologist in WA | $656,330 | +831.5% | $315.54/hr |
| Anesthesiologist in WA | $499,990 | +609.6% | $240.38/hr |
| Surgeon in WA | $479,460 | +580.5% | $230.51/hr |
| Emergency Medicine Physician in WA | $380,870 | +440.5% | $183.11/hr |
| Obstetrician and Gynecologist in WA | $343,140 | +387.0% | $164.97/hr |
| Internal Medicine Physician in WA | $340,010 | +382.6% | $163.47/hr |
| Psychiatrist in WA | $304,920 | +332.8% | $146.60/hr |
| Family Medicine Physician in WA | $292,900 | +315.7% | $140.82/hr |
| Nurse Anesthetist in WA | $274,390 | +289.4% | $131.92/hr |
| Podiatrist in WA | $232,970 | +230.6% | $112.00/hr |
| Dentist in WA | $169,730 | +140.9% | $81.60/hr |
| Pediatrician in WA | $169,540 | +140.6% | $81.51/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average salary for a Social Worker in Washington?
- The median salary for Social Workers in Washington is $70,460 per year, which translates to approximately $34 per hour. This figure is 23.3% higher than the national average for this profession. The total number of employed Social Workers in Washington is 3,490.
How much can a Social Worker in Washington expect to earn?
- Social Workers in Washington can expect to earn within a salary range of $46,790 to $102,680 annually. The median annual salary sits at $70,460. Washington's social work salaries are notably higher than the national average, by 23.3%.
Is the salary for Social Workers in Washington higher than the national average?
- Yes, Social Workers in Washington earn significantly more than the national average. The state's median salary of $70,460 annually is 23.3% higher than the national median. This means Washington offers a more competitive earning potential for this role.
What is the hourly wage for a Social Worker in Washington?
- The average hourly wage for a Social Worker in Washington is $34 per hour. This is derived from the median annual salary of $70,460. This rate is 23.3% above the national average hourly earnings for social workers.