How Much Does a Social Worker I make?

Social Worker I made a median salary around $73,751 in February, 2025. The best-paid 25 percent made $82,259 probably that year, while the lowest-paid 25 percent made around $66,294. Salary ranges can vary widely depending on many important factors, including education, certifications, additional skills, the number of years you have spent in your profession. With more online, real-time compensation data than any other website, Salary.com helps you determine your exact pay target.
Check out Social Worker jobs in Massachusetts

Crisis Assessment Social Worker FT Days

Metrowest Medical Center - TOWN OF FRAMINGHAM, MA

Crisis Assessment Social Worker Full Time Evenings

Metrowest Medical Center - TOWN OF FRAMINGHAM, MA

Social Worker PARTIAL HOSPITALIZATION II FT Days

Saint Vincent Hospital - Worcester, MA

Social Worker PARTIAL HOSPITALIZATION II FT Days

Saint Vincent Hospital - Worcester, MA

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Best-Paying Cities for Social Worker I

The metropolitan areas that pay the highest salary in the Social Worker I profession are Hyde Park , Allston , Arlington , Arlington Heights , Auburndale .
Hyde Park, MA $75,988
Allston, MA $75,988
Arlington, MA $75,988
Arlington Heights, MA $75,988
Auburndale, MA $75,988

Best-Paying States for Social Worker I

The states and districts that pay Social Worker I the highest salary are District of Columbia (around $75,446) , California (around $74,768) , New Jersey (around $74,293) , Alaska (around $73,819) , and Massachusetts (around $73,751) .
District of Columbia $75,446
California $74,768
New Jersey $74,293
Alaska $73,819
Massachusetts $73,751

Frequently Asked Questions for Social Worker I

Q: What is the salary range of Social Worker I in Massachusetts?
A: In 2025 , the lowest-paid Social Worker I in Massachusetts earned an average annual salary of $66,294 , while the highest-paid made $82,259.
Q: What is the salary for a Social Worker I in California?
A: Social Worker I employed in California earned an average salary of $74,768 in 2025.

Average Social Worker I Pay vs. Other Jobs

Social Worker I earned an average salary of $73,751 in 2025. Other jobs related to Social Worker I earned the following average salary in February, 2025. Social Service Worker I made $73,751 , Social Worker made $80,143 , Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Medical Social Worker (MSW) made $90,275 and $79,319 respectively .

Relevant Jobs of Social Worker I

Social Service Worker I - Average Salary $73,751
There is currently no job description for Social Service Worker I, be the first to submit the job responsibilities for Social Service Worker I.
Social Worker - Average Salary $80,143
There is currently no job description for Social Worker, be the first to submit the job responsibilities for Social Worker.
Licensed Clinical Social Worker - Average Salary $90,275
Licensed Clinical Social Worker provides clinical social work services to patients and their families. Counsels and provides crisis intervention for patients, including assessment and treatment of emotional and behavioral problems. Being a Licensed Clinical Social Worker coaches patients on how to manage ongoing health conditions and provides therapy to help patients make positive behavior changes. Requires a master's degree in social work. Additionally, Licensed Clinical Social Worker requires Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). Requires the applicable State License to Practice Clinical Social Work. Typically reports to a head of a unit/department. Licensed Clinical Social Worker's years of experience requirement may be unspecified. Certification and/or licensing in the position's specialty is the main requirement.
Medical Social Worker (MSW) - Average Salary $79,319
Medical Social Worker (MSW) provides social work services to hospital patients and their families. Counsels and provides crisis intervention for patients, including assessment and treatment of emotional and behavioral problems related to hospitalization. Being a Medical Social Worker (MSW) participates as a member of multi-disciplinary team and may assist patients in treatment planning. May contribute to the formulation of discharge plans. Additionally, Medical Social Worker (MSW) may take a leadership role on more complex cases. Requires a master's degree of social work. Typically reports to a manager. Medical Social Worker (MSW)'s years of experience requirement may be unspecified. Certification and/or licensing in the position's specialty is the main requirement.
Medical Social Worker (BSW) - Average Salary $68,290
Medical Social Worker (BSW) provides social work services to hospital patients and their families. Counsels and provides crisis intervention for patients, including assessment and treatment of emotional and behavioral problems related to hospitalization. Being a Medical Social Worker (BSW) participates as a member of multi-disciplinary team and may assist patients in treatment planning. May contribute to the formulation of discharge plans. Additionally, Medical Social Worker (BSW) requires a bachelor's degree of social work. Typically reports to a manager. Medical Social Worker (BSW)'s years of experience requirement may be unspecified. Certification and/or licensing in the position's specialty is the main requirement.