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As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Social Work Director in California is $122,372 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $59.
However, a Social Work Director's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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Social Work Director Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $135,350 | $11,279 | $2,603 | $65 |
| Average | $122,372 | $10,198 | $2,353 | $59 |
| 25th Percentile | $107,343 | $8,945 | $2,064 | $52 |
Love Joy Adult Day Health Care Center - Sacramento, CA
AHS Staffing - Lodi, CA
Childrens Law Center of California - Monterey Park, CA
Social Service Staffing & Recruiting, Inc. - Rancho Cordova, CA
A Social Work Director'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 Social Work Director'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 Work Director | $116,945 |
| Intermediate Level Social Work Director | $118,198 |
| Senior Level Social Work Director | $119,868 |
| Specialist Level Social Work Director | $122,373 |
| Expert Level Social Work Director | $125,504 |
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 Work Directors. 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 Social Work Director 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 10% above the average. Conversely, Social Work Director positions in Edu., Government & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as this sector often view Social Work Director as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Healthcare | $134,610 | $65.0 | 10% |
Understanding how a Social Work Director'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 | $135,350 | $11,279 | $2,603 | $65 |
| Average | $122,372 | $10,198 | $2,353 | $59 |
| 25th Percentile | $107,343 | $8,945 | $2,064 | $52 |
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Social Work Director job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
WelbeHealth
La Quinta, CA
WelbeHealth | La Quinta, CA
Job Description. Job Description. WelbeHealth PACE helps seniors stay in their homes and communities by providing comprehensive medical care and community-... more
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Open Door Community Health Centers
Crescent City, CA
Open Door Community Health Centers | Crescent City, CA
Committed to Our Community in the Heart of the Redwoods. Removing Barriers to Healthcare AccessDNCHC Del Norte Community Health CenterA Social Work Case Ma... more
9 Days Ago
Salgado LLC
San Jose, CA
Salgado LLC | San Jose, CA
Job Description. Job Description. Job Title. Social Work Manager. Role Summary. Our client is seeking a compassionate and experienced. Social Work Manager.... more
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Home & Health Care Management
Redding, CA
Home & Health Care Management | Redding, CA
Job Description. Job Description. Home & Health Care Management is the oldest home health care agency in Northern California. Our agency specializes in del... more
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Habitat Health
San Leandro, CA
Habitat Health | San Leandro, CA
Job Description. Job Description. Habitat Health empowers older adults to experience more good days in their homes and communities. Through the Program of ... more
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Social Impact Services
Vista, CA
Social Impact Services | Vista, CA
Job Description. Job Description. Benefits. Training & development. Entry-Level Case Manager – Social Services. About Us. Social Impact Services is a leadi... more
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