As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Community Social Worker -MSW in the United States is $63,100 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $30.
However, a Community Social Worker -MSW's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Community Social Worker -MSW's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location, education, and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a Community Social Worker -MSW's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry Level Community Social Worker -MSW | $60,234 |
| Intermediate Level Community Social Worker -MSW | $60,712 |
| Senior Level Community Social Worker -MSW | $63,682 |
| Specialist Level Community Social Worker -MSW | $66,942 |
| Expert Level Community Social Worker -MSW | $67,524 |
What Am I Worth?
Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Community Social Worker -MSWs. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Planning | 8.84% |
| Patient Care | 2.49% |
| Geriatrics | 1.28% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Coaching
|
$65,624 |
4%
|
|
Psychiatric
|
$64,993 |
3%
|
|
Verbal Communication
|
$64,993 |
3%
|
|
Collaboration
|
$64,993 |
3%
|
|
Commitment
|
$64,362 |
2%
|
|
Patient Care
|
$64,362 |
2%
|
Community Social Worker -MSW salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $66,931. While startup companies pay approximate $57,035.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $57,035 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $60,208 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $64,743 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $66,931 |
For Community Social Worker -MSW roles, the industry you choose can impact your earning potential by as much as 20% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the highest-paying industry, Healthcare., offers compensation 5% above the average. Conversely, Community Social Worker -MSW positions in Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as this sector often view Community Social Worker -MSW as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Healthcare. | $66,255 | $32.0 | 5% |
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Community Social Worker -MSWs enter the field with a Master's Degree or MBA degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.
According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for a Community Social Worker -MSW with a Master's Degree or MBA is between $70,734 and $74,679).
Community Social Worker -MSW Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 0.1% |
| High School | 0.8% |
| Associates | 1.5% |
| Bachelors | 5.1% |
| Masters | 91.4% |
| Doctorate | 1.1% |
Understanding how a Community Social Worker -MSW's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.
Last Updated on August 01, 2026Salaries for a Community Social Worker -MSW can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $74,373 in 2023 to around $70,770 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Community Social Worker -MSW salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $74,373 |
| 2024 | $72,204 |
| 2025 | $70,770 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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The Healthcare. industry offers the highest average compensation for Community Social Worker -MSW roles, with salaries approximately 5% above the market median.
To become a community social worker, a Master of Social Work (MSW) degree is typically required. This advanced degree prepares individuals to address social issues and support community health. The salary for community social workers ranges from $66,900 to $81,400, with a median salary of $73,800, reflecting the importance of this role in promoting well-being.
The highest-paid workers typically include medical professionals like anesthesiologists, cardiologists, and dermatologists, earning around $239,200 annually. In contrast, Community Social Workers with an MSW earn between $66,900 and $81,400, with a median salary of $73,800, reflecting the significant pay disparity between these fields.
The highest paying jobs in healthcare include Anesthesiologist at $339,470, Physician and Surgeon at $239,200, and Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) at $214,200. For community social workers with an MSW, salaries range from $66,900 to $81,400, with a mid-salary of $73,800, reflecting the important role they play in healthcare.
The highest paying type of social worker can vary, but positions like Director of Corporate Social Responsibility and Professor of Social Work often lead the list. For a Community Social Worker with an MSW, salaries typically range from $66,900 to $81,400, with a mid-salary of $73,800, reflecting the demand and importance of this role in society.
As of 2023, a good salary for a Community Social Worker with an MSW ranges from $66,900 to $81,400, with a median salary of $73,800. This range reflects the financial stability and security that can be achieved in this profession, surpassing the median household income in the U.S. of approximately $68,700.
The highest level of social work is a doctorate, such as a DSW or PhD in Social Work. This advanced training prepares professionals for roles in research, supervision, and policy analysis. Those with doctoral degrees can teach at universities and hold high-level management positions, often earning salaries ranging from $66,900 to $81,400, with a median of $73,800.
Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.
We offer detailed salary information across multiple percentiles for your reference. (Click here to learn Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial for Achieving Pay Equity.)
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