As of April 01, 2026, the average salary for a Social Work in the United States is $67,603 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $33.
However, a Social Work's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Social Work'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 Work'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 | $59,127 |
| Intermediate Level Social Work | $59,311 |
| Senior Level Social Work | $61,719 |
| Specialist Level Social Work | $64,871 |
| Expert Level Social Work | $65,097 |
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 Works. 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
|
$72,335 |
7%
|
|
Patient Care
|
$71,659 |
6%
|
|
Community Health
|
$70,307 |
4%
|
|
Leadership
|
$70,307 |
4%
|
|
Organizing
|
$70,307 |
4%
|
|
Collaboration
|
$69,631 |
3%
|
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Social Works 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 Work with a Bachelor's Degree is between $63,714 and $67,641).
Social Work 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 Work'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 April 01, 2026Salaries for a Social Work can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $72,164 in 2023 to around $68,668 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Social Work salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $72,164 |
| 2024 | $70,059 |
| 2025 | $68,668 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
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|
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Compensation PlanningHere are companies hiring for Social Work and their salaries, click below for more details.
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Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.
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