Social Worker Salary in 2026
The median annual salary for a Social Worker is $69,480 per year. Job growth is projected at 3.9% over the next decade.
How Much Do Social Workers Make?
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Median Annual Salary | $69,480 |
| 10-Year Job Growth | 3.9% |
| Total Employment | 64,940 |
| Typical Education | Bachelor's degree |
| SOC Code | 21-1029 |
Which Skills Increase Social Worker Pay?
Social Workers with these high-demand tools and technologies typically command higher salaries.
Case ManagementCrisis InterventionClient AssessmentTreatment PlanningAdvocacyDocumentationCommunity ResourcesGroup TherapyMotivational InterviewingCultural Competency
Full skills breakdown →
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the average salary for a Social Worker?
- The median annual salary for a Social Worker is $69,480 per year, based on the most recent national wage survey data.
- Is Social Worker a growing career?
- Employment for Social Worker roles is projected to grow 3.9% over the 2024–2034 decade. Total employment is currently 64,940 workers nationally.
- What skills increase Social Worker pay?
- Social Workers who demonstrate skills like Case Management, Crisis Intervention, Client Assessment, Treatment Planning typically command higher salaries. Certifications and advanced tools expertise can further boost compensation.
Salary and employment figures: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OES May 2024) and Employment Projections 2024–2034. Actual compensation varies by location, experience, and employer.