As of May 01, 2026, the average salary for a Social Worker (BSW) in the United States is $63,028 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $30.
However, a Social Worker (BSW)'s salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A 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 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 Social Worker (BSW) | $60,948 |
| Intermediate Level Social Worker (BSW) | $61,137 |
| Senior Level Social Worker (BSW) | $63,611 |
| Specialist Level Social Worker (BSW) | $66,879 |
| Expert Level Social Worker (BSW) | $67,112 |
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 Social Worker (BSW)s. 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
|
$67,440 |
7%
|
|
Patient Care
|
$66,810 |
6%
|
|
Community Health
|
$65,549 |
4%
|
|
Leadership
|
$65,549 |
4%
|
|
Organizing
|
$65,549 |
4%
|
|
Collaboration
|
$64,919 |
3%
|
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Social Worker (BSW)s 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 Social Worker (BSW) with a Bachelor's Degree is between $63,714 and $67,641).
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 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 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 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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A Social Worker (BSW)'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 Social Worker (BSW) earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of a Social Worker (BSW) is $79,497.
The highest pay for Social Worker (BSW) is $77,964.
The lowest pay for Social Worker (BSW) is $50,923.
Interviews clients and their families and coordinates and plans programs and activities to meet their social and emotional needs. Provides crisis intervention and assists families in understanding the implications and complexities of a life situation and its impact on lifestyle. Identifies, assesses, and coordinates client cases; and anticipates their needs related to illness, hospitalization, finances, education, and home/community service. Serves as a liaison between health care facilities and government agencies. Requires a bachelor's degree. Typically reports to a manager. 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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