As of February 01, 2026, the average annual salary for Forensic Social Worker in the US is $57,207, equivalent to $28 per hour, $1,100 weekly, or $4,767 monthly. These figures, sourced from Salary.com’s real-time job posting scans, highlight competitive earning potential for Forensic Social Worker in cities like Santa Clara, San Jose, and Fremont.

Annually Salaries for Forensic Social Worker in the US vary widely, spanning from $46,231 to $70,774. Most professionals fall between the 25th percentile ($51,461) and 75th percentile ($64,308), while top earners (90th percentile) make $70,774 per year. This $12,847 pay gap underscores opportunities for salary growth through certifications, specialized skills like Planning or Patient Care, or targeting high-paying regions like District of Columbia or California.

Location and experience significantly influence earnings. For example, District of Columbia Forensic Social Worker often earn 10.7% above national averages due to demand from Fortune 44 companies and industry startups. Professionals are advised to focus on high-growth sectors like Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit to offset market challenges.

Based on HR-reported data: a national average with a geographic differential
Forensic Social Worker Salaries by Percentile
Percentile Salary Location Last Updated
10th Percentile Forensic Social Worker Salary $46,231 US February 01, 2026
25th Percentile Forensic Social Worker Salary $51,461 US February 01, 2026
50th Percentile Forensic Social Worker Salary $57,207 US February 01, 2026
75th Percentile Forensic Social Worker Salary $64,308 US February 01, 2026
90th Percentile Forensic Social Worker Salary $70,774 US February 01, 2026
25% $51,461 10% $46,231 90% $70,774 75% $64,308 $57,207 50%(Median) Didn’t find job title? Click
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Check out Forensic Social Worker jobs in the United States

Licensed Clinical Social Worker

SENIOR CARE THERAPY - DENTON, MD

Licensed Clinical Social Worker

SENIOR CARE THERAPY - POCOMOKE CITY, MD

Licensed Clinical Social Worker

SENIOR CARE THERAPY - PHILLIPSBURG, NJ

HOSPICE MEDICAL SOCIAL WORKER

Liberty Healthcare Management - SOUTHERN PINES, NC

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What is a Forensic Social Worker ?

Forensic social work is the application of social work to questions and issues relating to law and legal systems. This specialty of the social work profession goes far beyond clinics and psychiatric hospitals for criminal defendants being evaluated and treated on issues of competency and responsibility. A broader definition includes social work practice which in any way is related to legal issues and litigation, both criminal and civil. Child custody issues, involving separation, divorce, neglect, termination of parental rights, the implications of child and spousal abuse, juvenile and adult j...

Source: Wikipedia (as of 04/18/2019). Read more from Wikipedia

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Understand the total compensation opportunity for a Forensic Social Worker, base salary plus other pay elements

Average Base Salary

Core compensation

 
 
 
51461
64308
57207

Average Total Cash Compensation

Includes base and annual incentives

 
 
 
62931
76654
69421
These charts show the average base salary (core compensation), as well as the average total cash compensation for the job of Forensic Social Worker in the United States. The base salary for Forensic Social Worker ranges from $51,461 to $64,308 with the average base salary of $57,207. The total cash compensation, which includes base, and annual incentives, can vary anywhere from $62,931 to $76,654 with the average total cash compensation of $69,421.

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51461
64308

 

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