As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a License Clinical Social Worker in the United States is $82,183 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $40.
However, a License Clinical Social Worker's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A License Clinical 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, education and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a License Clinical 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 License Clinical Social Worker | $78,866 |
| Intermediate Level License Clinical Social Worker | $79,529 |
| Senior Level License Clinical Social Worker | $83,515 |
| Specialist Level License Clinical Social Worker | $87,257 |
| Expert Level License Clinical Social Worker | $87,925 |
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 License Clinical Social Workers. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Leadership | 9.21% |
| Psychotherapy | 2.34% |
| Integrated Care | 1.6% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Clinical Care
|
$85,471 |
4%
|
|
Psychiatric
|
$85,471 |
4%
|
|
Organizational Skills
|
$83,827 |
2%
|
|
Presentation
|
$83,827 |
2%
|
|
Pediatric
|
$83,827 |
2%
|
|
Psychotherapy
|
$83,827 |
2%
|
For License Clinical 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, License Clinical Social Worker positions in Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as this sector often view License Clinical Social Worker as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Insurance | $98,620 | $47.0 | 20% |
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many License Clinical Social Workers enter the field with a Master's Degree or MBA 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 License Clinical Social Worker with a Master's Degree or MBA is between $79,956 and $83,861).
License Clinical Social Worker Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 0.5% |
| High School | 0.5% |
| Associates | 1.6% |
| Bachelors | 1.9% |
| Masters | 94.5% |
| Doctorate | 1.4% |
Understanding how a License Clinical 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.
Last Updated on August 01, 2026Salaries for a License Clinical Social Worker can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $86,521 in 2023 to around $85,311 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of License Clinical Social Worker salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $86,521 |
| 2024 | $86,679 |
| 2025 | $85,311 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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The Insurance industry offers the highest average compensation for License Clinical Social Worker roles, with salaries approximately 20% above the market median.
Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.
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