As of May 01, 2026, the average salary for a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the United States is $83,581 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $40.
However, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Licensed Clinical Social Worker'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 Clinical Social Worker'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 Clinical Social Worker | $79,570 |
| Intermediate Level Licensed Clinical Social Worker | $80,239 |
| Senior Level Licensed Clinical Social Worker | $84,254 |
| Specialist Level Licensed Clinical Social Worker | $88,023 |
| Expert Level Licensed Clinical Social Worker | $88,696 |
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 Clinical Social Workers. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Leadership | 9.21% |
| Psychotherapy | 2.34% |
| Integrated Care | 1.6% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Clinical Care
|
$86,924 |
4%
|
|
Psychiatric
|
$86,924 |
4%
|
|
Organizational Skills
|
$85,253 |
2%
|
|
Presentation
|
$85,253 |
2%
|
|
Pediatric
|
$85,253 |
2%
|
|
Psychotherapy
|
$85,253 |
2%
|
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Licensed Clinical Social Workers 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 Licensed Clinical Social Worker with a Master's Degree or MBA is between $79,956 and $83,861).
Licensed Clinical Social Worker Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 0.5% |
| High School | 0.5% |
| Associates | 1.6% |
| Bachelors | 1.9% |
| Masters | 94.5% |
| Doctorate | 1.4% |
Understanding how a Licensed Clinical Social Worker'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, 2026For a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $81,842 - a projected growth of -2% over your current level.
Salaries for a Licensed Clinical Social Worker can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $87,342 in 2023 to around $86,120 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Licensed Clinical Social Worker salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $87,342 |
| 2024 | $87,502 |
| 2025 | $86,120 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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A Licensed Clinical Social Worker's earning potential can vary widely depending on several factors, including location, industry, experience, education, and the specific employer. According to the latest salary data by Salary.com, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of a Licensed Clinical Social Worker is $105,421.
The highest pay for Licensed Clinical Social Worker is $100,811.
The lowest pay for Licensed Clinical Social Worker is $66,469.
Provides clinical social work services to patients and their families. Counsels and provides crisis intervention for patients, including assessment and treatment of emotional and behavioral problems. Coaches patients on how to manage ongoing health conditions and provides therapy to help patients make positive behavior changes. Requires a master's degree in social work. Requires Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). Requires the applicable State License to Practice Clinical Social Work. Typically reports to a head of a unit/department. Years of experience may be unspecified. Certification and/or licensing in the position's specialty is the main requirement.
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.)
With the most extensive online, real-time compensation data available, Salary.com helps you pinpoint your exact pay target.
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