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As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Social Worker in Iowa is $60,386 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $29.
However, a Social Worker's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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Social Worker Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $67,367 | $5,614 | $1,296 | $32 |
| Average | $60,386 | $5,032 | $1,161 | $29 |
| 25th Percentile | $53,807 | $4,484 | $1,035 | $26 |
Ironside Human Resources - Indianola, IA
Headway - South Des Moines, IA
Headway - Cedar Rapids, IA
Headway - Cedar Rapids, IA
A 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 and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a 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 Social Worker | $58,101 |
| Intermediate Level Social Worker | $58,558 |
| Senior Level Social Worker | $61,405 |
| Specialist Level Social Worker | $64,555 |
| Expert Level Social Worker | $65,117 |
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 Workers. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
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:
For Social Worker roles, the industry you choose can impact your earning potential by as much as 20% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the highest-paying industry, Healthcare., offers compensation 5% above the average. Conversely, Social Worker positions in Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as this sector often view Social Worker as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Healthcare. | $63,405 | $30.0 | 5% |
Understanding how a 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.
| Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $67,367 | $5,614 | $1,296 | $32 |
| Average | $60,386 | $5,032 | $1,161 | $29 |
| 25th Percentile | $53,807 | $4,484 | $1,035 | $26 |
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Social Worker job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
Affinity Hospice Management LLC
Des Moines, IA
Affinity Hospice Management LLC | Des Moines, IA
Potential to become full time. JOB DESCRIPTION SUMMARY The MSW is responsible for the implementation of standards of care for medical social work services ... more
8 Days Ago
Northwest Area Education Agency
Sioux City, IA
Northwest Area Education Agency | Sioux City, IA
Job Description. Job Description. Salary. Posting # 9014. Posting date: August 28, 2025. Closing date: June 30, 2026. Start Date: As needed. Location: TBD.... more
9 Days Ago
Headway
Delaware, IA
Headway | Delaware, IA
" "" Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) Wage: Up to $117/hour Licensed Clinical Social Worker — Are you ready to launch or expand your private practice... more
6 Days Ago
Headway
South Des Moines, IA
Headway | South Des Moines, IA
" "" Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) Wage: Up to $122/hour Licensed Clinical Social Worker — Are you ready to launch or expand your private practice... more
6 Days Ago
Headway
Iowa, IA
Headway | Iowa, IA
" "" Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) Wage: Up to $122/hour Licensed Clinical Social Worker — Are you ready to launch or expand your private practice... more
6 Days Ago
Northwest Area Education Agency
Cherokee, IA
Northwest Area Education Agency | Cherokee, IA
Job Description. Job Description. Posting. 1273. Posting date. May 18, 2026. Posting closes. Open until filled. Location. . Cherokee area. Region. . East. ... more
7 Days Ago
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