Salary AI Book a Demo

Social Worker/Counselor Salary in California

How much does a Social Worker/Counselor make in California?

As of October 01, 2026, the average salary for a Social Worker/Counselor in California is $73,901 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $36.

However, a Social Worker/Counselor's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $91,476
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $66,511 to $83,100
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $59,783
Salary Factors Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Key Factors That Influence Social Worker/Counselor Salaries

A Social Worker/Counselor'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.

How Experience Level Affects Social Worker/Counselor Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a Social Worker/Counselor'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:

  • Entry-Level (less than 1 year): $70,803
  • Early Career (1-2 years): $71,023
  • Mid-Level (2-4 years): $73,901
  • Senior-Level (5-8 years): $77,689
  • Expert (over 8 years): $77,959
Levels Salary
Entry Level Social Worker/Counselor$70,803
Intermediate Level Social Worker/Counselor$71,023
Senior Level Social Worker/Counselor$73,901
Specialist Level Social Worker/Counselor$77,689
Expert Level Social Worker/Counselor$77,959
View as Graph

How Do Social Worker/Counselor Salaries Vary from State to State?

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/Counselors. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
  • District of Columbia: $74,182.
  • California: $73,901.
  • Massachusetts: $72,916.

Top Paying Cities for Social Worker/Counselors

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:

  • Los Angeles: $74,028
  • West Hollywood: $73,974
  • Dodgertown: $74,027

Social Worker/Counselor Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Social Worker/Counselor 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, Social Worker/Counselor positions in Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as this sector often view Social Worker/Counselor as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industry for a Social Worker/Counselor

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Insurance$88,681$43.020%

Social Worker/Counselor Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Social Worker/Counselor'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 October 01, 2026
$66,511
Average $73,901/year
$83,100
$5,543
Average $6,158/month
$6,925
$1,279
Average $1,421/week
$1,598
$32
Average $36/hour
$40
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $83,100 $6,925 $1,598 $40
Average $73,901 $6,158 $1,421 $36
25th Percentile $66,511 $5,543 $1,279 $32

Find Your Next Social Worker/Counselor Job

Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Social Worker/Counselor job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.

For Employees

Analyze the market and your qualifications to negotiate your salary with confidence.

Get a Salary Increase

Search thousands of open positions to find your next opportunity.

Search Job Openings

For Employers

Individualize employee pay based on unique job requirements and personal qualifications.

Adjust Employee Salary

Get the latest market price for benchmark jobs and jobs in your industry.

Price My Industry Jobs

Where Does Our Salary Data Come From?

Salary.com salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons are derived from both employer job postings and third-party data sources. We also provide multiple percentiles of salary information for your reference, click here to know Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial to Getting Pay Equity Right. With more online, real-time compensation data than any other website, Salary.com helps you determine your exact pay target.

Are you an HR manager or compensation specialist?

Salary.com's CompAnalyst platform offers:

  • Detailed skills and competency reports for specific positions
  • Job and employee pricing reports
  • Compensation data tools, salary structures, surveys and benchmarks.
Learn about CompAnalyst