As of July 01, 2026, the average salary for a Social Services Worker in the United States is $64,463 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $31.
However, a Social Services Worker's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Social Services 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 Social Services 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 Services Worker | $61,762 |
| Intermediate Level Social Services Worker | $61,954 |
| Senior Level Social Services Worker | $64,463 |
| Specialist Level Social Services Worker | $67,769 |
| Expert Level Social Services Worker | $68,006 |
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 Services Workers. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Planning | 7.82% |
| Discharge Planning | 3.73% |
| Patient Care | 2.13% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Care Management
|
$68,975 |
7%
|
|
Patient Care
|
$68,331 |
6%
|
|
Community Health
|
$67,042 |
4%
|
|
Leadership
|
$67,042 |
4%
|
|
Organizing
|
$67,042 |
4%
|
|
Collaboration
|
$66,397 |
3%
|
For Social Services 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, Social Services Worker positions in Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as this sector often view Social Services Worker as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Insurance | $77,356 | $37.0 | 20% |
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Social Services Workers enter the field with a Bachelor's Degree 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 Social Services Worker with a Bachelor's Degree is between $63,714 and $67,641).
Social Services Worker Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 0.2% |
| High School | 2.3% |
| Associates | 3.7% |
| Bachelors | 82.5% |
| Masters | 10.9% |
| Doctorate | 0.5% |
Understanding how a Social Services 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 July 01, 2026Salaries for a Social Services Worker can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $75,370 in 2023 to around $71,719 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Social Services Worker salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
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|
| 2023 | $75,370 |
| 2024 | $73,171 |
| 2025 | $71,719 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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