As of April 01, 2026, the average salary for a Licensed Master Social Worker in the United States is $61,095 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $29.
However, a Licensed Master Social Worker's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Licensed Master 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 Licensed Master 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 Licensed Master Social Worker | $58,774 |
| Intermediate Level Licensed Master Social Worker | $59,238 |
| Senior Level Licensed Master Social Worker | $62,126 |
| Specialist Level Licensed Master Social Worker | $65,299 |
| Expert Level Licensed Master Social Worker | $65,866 |
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 Licensed Master Social Workers. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Planning | 8.84% |
| Patient Care | 2.49% |
| Geriatrics | 1.28% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Coaching
|
$63,539 |
4%
|
|
Psychiatric
|
$62,928 |
3%
|
|
Verbal Communication
|
$62,928 |
3%
|
|
Collaboration
|
$62,928 |
3%
|
|
Commitment
|
$62,317 |
2%
|
|
Patient Care
|
$62,317 |
2%
|
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Licensed Master 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 Licensed Master Social Worker with a Master's Degree or MBA is between $71,017 and $74,969).
Licensed Master Social Worker Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 0.1% |
| High School | 0.8% |
| Associates | 1.5% |
| Bachelors | 5.1% |
| Masters | 91.4% |
| Doctorate | 1.1% |
Understanding how a Licensed Master 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 April 01, 2026Salaries for a Licensed Master Social Worker can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $72,640 in 2023 to around $69,121 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Licensed Master Social Worker salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
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|
| 2023 | $72,640 |
| 2024 | $70,521 |
| 2025 | $69,121 |
| 2026 |
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|
| 2027 |
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|
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