As of May 01, 2026, the average salary for a Licensed Social Worker- BSW in the United States is $63,030 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $30.
However, a Licensed Social Worker- BSW's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Licensed Social Worker- BSW'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 Licensed Social Worker- BSW'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 Licensed Social Worker- BSW | $60,951 |
| Intermediate Level Licensed Social Worker- BSW | $61,140 |
| Senior Level Licensed Social Worker- BSW | $63,614 |
| Specialist Level Licensed Social Worker- BSW | $66,882 |
| Expert Level Licensed Social Worker- BSW | $67,115 |
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 Licensed Social Worker- BSWs. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Planning | 7.82% |
| Discharge Planning | 3.73% |
| Patient Care | 2.13% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Care Management
|
$67,442 |
7%
|
|
Patient Care
|
$66,812 |
6%
|
|
Community Health
|
$65,551 |
4%
|
|
Leadership
|
$65,551 |
4%
|
|
Organizing
|
$65,551 |
4%
|
|
Collaboration
|
$64,921 |
3%
|
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Licensed Social Worker- BSWs enter the field with a Bachelor's Degree 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 Licensed Social Worker- BSW with a Bachelor's Degree is between $63,401 and $67,307).
Licensed Social Worker- BSW Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 0.2% |
| High School | 2.3% |
| Associates | 3.7% |
| Bachelors | 82.5% |
| Masters | 10.9% |
| Doctorate | 0.5% |
Understanding how a Licensed Social Worker- BSW'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 May 01, 2026Salaries for a Licensed Social Worker- BSW 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 Licensed Social Worker- BSW 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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As of January 20, 2025, Licensed Social Workers with a BSW in the U.S. earn between $60,040 and $74,720 annually, with a median salary of $67,000. This translates to an hourly wage ranging from approximately $28.85 to $35.88, depending on experience and location.
Yes, a BSW can call themselves a social worker, as they hold a degree in social work from an accredited program. The salary for Licensed Social Workers with a BSW typically ranges from $60,040 to $74,720, with a median salary of around $67,000. This reflects the professional recognition and responsibilities associated with the role.
The highest-paying branches of social work include roles such as Director of Corporate Social Responsibility and Professor of Social Work. For Licensed Social Workers with a BSW, salaries typically range from $60,040 to $74,720, with a median salary around $67,000. These positions often offer competitive compensation compared to other social work roles.
The highest paying job with a BSW is typically a Corporate Social Responsibility Manager, with a median salary of $111,600. Other notable positions include Child and Family Therapist at $78,943, Social Policy Analyst at $74,700, and Medical Social Worker with a median salary of $70,223. Licensed Social Workers with a BSW earn between $60,040 and $74,720.
Average Salary Expectations indicate that the salary for Licensed Social Workers with a BSW ranges from a minimum of $60,040 to a maximum of $74,720, with a mid-salary of $67,000. This reflects a positive trend in compensation, suggesting that social workers' salaries are likely to continue increasing in the coming years.
Yes, you can make a good living as a social worker. Licensed Social Workers with a BSW typically earn between $60,040 and $74,720 annually, with a median salary of around $67,000. This range reflects the potential for a stable and rewarding career in social work.
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