Social Worker Salary in Wisconsin
Based on 2K+ workers in Wisconsin
Median Annual Salary (WI)
$61,860
$29.74/hr
vs National Average
$57,161
+8.2% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$45K – $88K
2K employed in Wisconsin
Discover the Social Worker salary in Wisconsin, where the median annual income stands at $61,860. This figure places Wisconsin 8% above the national average for this vital profession. With 1,880 individuals currently employed as social workers in the state, this data offers valuable insight into the compensation landscape for these dedicated professionals.
Several factors influence the Social Worker salary in Wisconsin, with experience and specialization playing significant roles. The typical salary range falls between $45,430 and $87,690 annually, reflecting differences in educational attainment, the specific work setting (e.g., hospitals, schools, or non-profits), and the complexity of the populations served within the state.
Salary Distribution — Social Worker in Wisconsin
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $45,430 |
| 25th percentile | $49,720 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $61,860 |
| 75th percentile | $75,360 |
| 90th percentile | $87,690 |
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 Wisconsin 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 Wisconsin vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Wisconsin) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $49,590 |
| 2023 | $51,540 |
| 2024 | $57,590 |
| 2025 | $61,860 |
| 2026 (projected) | $65,572 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Wisconsin Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $49,590 | $50,498 |
| 2023 | $51,540 | $53,608 |
| 2024 | $57,590 | $56,931 |
| 2025 | $61,860 | $57,161 |
| 2026 (projected) | $65,572 | $60,591 |
Social Worker Salary by Experience Level in Wisconsin
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $49,720 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $61,860 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $75,360 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $87,690 |
Social Worker Salary in Other States
Related Social Worker Salaries in Wisconsin
How other high-demand occupations in Wisconsin compare to Social Worker ($61,860 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Social Worker | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cardiologist in WI | $636,580 | +929.1% | $306.05/hr |
| Anesthesiologist in WI | $443,990 | +617.7% | $213.46/hr |
| Surgeon in WI | $416,000 | +572.5% | $200.00/hr |
| Radiologist in WI | $392,610 | +534.7% | $188.75/hr |
| Internal Medicine Physician in WI | $367,160 | +493.5% | $176.52/hr |
| Psychiatrist in WI | $331,070 | +435.2% | $159.17/hr |
| Obstetrician and Gynecologist in WI | $304,990 | +393.0% | $146.63/hr |
| Family Medicine Physician in WI | $290,640 | +369.8% | $139.73/hr |
| Nurse Anesthetist in WI | $273,170 | +341.6% | $131.33/hr |
| Pediatrician in WI | $269,790 | +336.1% | $129.71/hr |
| Dentist in WI | $193,690 | +213.1% | $93.12/hr |
| Podiatrist in WI | $185,100 | +199.2% | $88.99/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average salary for a social worker in Wisconsin?
- The median salary for social workers in Wisconsin is $61,860 per year, which translates to about $30 per hour. This is 8.2% higher than the national average salary for the profession.
How much do social workers in Wisconsin typically earn?
- Most social workers in Wisconsin earn between $45,430 and $87,690 annually. The median salary sits at $61,860 per year, reflecting a strong earning potential in the state.
Is Wisconsin a good state for social worker salaries compared to the rest of the US?
- Yes, Wisconsin offers a competitive salary for social workers, with the median annual pay of $61,860 being 8.2% above the national average. This suggests a favorable market for social work professionals in the state.
What is the hourly wage for social workers in Wisconsin?
- Social workers in Wisconsin can expect to earn an average of $30 per hour, with the median annual salary being $61,860. The overall salary range falls between $45,430 and $87,690 per year for this role.