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As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Licensed Social Worker in Tennessee is $57,889 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $28.
However, a Licensed Social Worker's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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Licensed Social Worker Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $64,589 | $5,382 | $1,242 | $31 |
| Average | $57,889 | $4,824 | $1,113 | $28 |
| 25th Percentile | $51,486 | $4,290 | $990 | $25 |
CTR - Martin, TN
Headway - Nashville, TN
Headway - Knoxville, TN
Headway - Cloverdale, TN
A Licensed 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 and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a Licensed 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 Social Worker | $57,267 |
| Intermediate Level Licensed Social Worker | $57,445 |
| Senior Level Licensed Social Worker | $59,771 |
| Specialist Level Licensed Social Worker | $62,837 |
| Expert Level Licensed Social Worker | $63,056 |
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 Workers. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:
For Licensed Social Worker roles, the industry you choose can impact your earning potential by as much as 40% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the highest-paying industry, Insurance, offers compensation 20% above the average. Conversely, Licensed Social Worker positions in Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as this sector often view Licensed Social Worker as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Insurance | $69,467 | $33.0 | 20% |
Understanding how a Licensed 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.
| Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $64,589 | $5,382 | $1,242 | $31 |
| Average | $57,889 | $4,824 | $1,113 | $28 |
| 25th Percentile | $51,486 | $4,290 | $990 | $25 |
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Licensed Social Worker job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
Myrtle Recovery Centers
Knoxville, TN
Myrtle Recovery Centers | Knoxville, TN
Job Description. Job Description. Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). Full-Time | Exempt. Myrtle Recovery Centers. Position is located in Oneida, TN. ... more
6 Days Ago
Heritage Place Care & Rehabilitation
Winchester, TN
Heritage Place Care & Rehabilitation | Winchester, TN
Job Description. Job Description. Licensed Social Worker - Winchester, TN - Heritage Place Care & Rehabilitation. Job Summary. As a Licensed Social Worker ... more
5 Days Ago
Matthew Walker Comprehensive Health Center
Nashville, TN
Matthew Walker Comprehensive Health Center | Nashville, TN
Job Description. Job Description. Matthew Walker Comprehensive Health Center (MWCHC). has an exciting opportunity available for a skilled, resourceful and ... more
5 Days Ago
TrustPoint Hospital
Murfreesboro, TN
TrustPoint Hospital | Murfreesboro, TN
Overview:Join our team at TrustPoint Hospital as a Masters level Social Worker. We are seeking passionate professionals that are dedicated to behavioral he... more
2 Days Ago
Christ Community Health Services
Memphis, TN
Christ Community Health Services | Memphis, TN
Job Description. Job Description. POSITION DESCRIPTION. JOB TITLE. Social Worker. DEPARTMENT. Behavioral Health. REPORTS TO: Social Work Clinical Team Lead... more
4 Days Ago
Christ Community Health Services
Jackson, TN
Christ Community Health Services | Jackson, TN
Job Description. Job Description. POSITION DESCRIPTION. JOB TITLE. Social Worker. DEPARTMENT. Behavioral Health. REPORTS TO: Social Work Clinical Team Lead... more
4 Days Ago
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