As of April 01, 2025, the average annual salary for a Social Worker - Master's in the United States is $63,040. Salary.com reports that pay typically ranges from $56,590 to $70,450, with most professionals earning between $50,718 and $77,196.
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $70,450 | $5,871 | $1,355 | $34 |
| Average | $63,040 | $5,253 | $1,212 | $30 |
| 25th Percentile | $56,590 | $4,716 | $1,088 | $27 |
An entry-level Social Worker - Master's with less than 1 year of experience earns about $60,152. With 1-2 years of experience, the average salary increases to $60,633. For 2-4 years of experience, the pay typically rises to $63,593. Senior-level professionals with 5-8 years of experience earn around $66,690, and those with over 8 years of experience can expect an average of $67,243.
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry Level Social Worker - Master's | $60,152 |
| Intermediate Level Social Worker - Master's | $60,633 |
| Senior Level Social Worker - Master's | $63,593 |
| Specialist Level Social Worker - Master's | $66,690 |
| Expert Level Social Worker - Master's | $67,243 |
| Entry Level | 5% |
| Mid Level | 4% |
| Senior Level | 1% |
| Top Level | 6% |
| Experienced | 7% |
Salaries in the United States differ widely between states due to factors like cost of living, local economies, and industry presence.
What Am I Worth?
Salaries in the United States can vary greatly between cities due to factors like cost of living, local economies, and industry presence.
As of April 01, 2025, our research reveals a significant shift in Social Worker - Master's compensation over the past six years. For example, the median salary increased from $74,373 in 2023 to approximately $72,204 in 2024. (For a detailed analysis of Social Worker - Master's salary trends, click here.)
Key factors like location, experience, industry demand, and economic growth significantly influence salary variations, making them important to consider.
Salary.com job board provides millions of Social Worker - Master's information for you to search for. Click on search button below to see Social Worker - Master's job openings or enter a new job title here.
Here are companies hiring for Social Worker - Master's and their salaries, click below for more details.
| Core Compensation | ||||
| Core Compensation | Median | % of Total | ||
| Base Salary | $63,040 | 70.8% | ||
| Bonus | $0 | 0.0% | ||
| Value of Benefits | ||||
| Core Compensation | Median | % of Total | ||
| Social Security | $4,823 | 5.4% | ||
| 401K/403B | $3,089 | 3.5% | ||
| Disability | $1,009 | 1.1% | ||
| Healthcare | $6,371 | 7.2% | ||
| Pension | $2,648 | 3.0% | ||
| Time Off | $8,001 | 9.0% | ||
| Total Compensation | $88,980 | 100% | ||
| 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% |
What Am I Worth?
The career outlook for LCSWs in 2024 remains strong, with competitive salaries ranging from $66,840 to $81,370. As our population ages and seeks behavioral health services, the demand for qualified LCSWs will only increase, offering rewarding opportunities in various settings. The projected job growth is above average, making social work a worthwhile career choice.
The highest degree in social work is the master's degree, known as the Master of Social Work (MSW). Additionally, advanced degrees such as the Doctor of Social Work (DSW) or a PhD in Social Work are available. Social workers with a master's degree can expect salaries ranging from $66,840 to $81,370, with a median salary of $73,800.
Some of the top employers of social workers include child welfare agencies, community centers, nonprofits, corporate settings, correctional facilities, government agencies, hospitals, and treatment centers. Social workers with a master's degree can expect salaries ranging from $66,840 to $81,370, with a median salary of $73,800.
Yes, a Master's in Social Work is highly beneficial for those seeking licensure and a greater impact in their communities. With a master's degree, social workers can expect a salary range from $66,840 to $81,370, significantly enhancing their earning potential and job security. This advanced education opens doors to more opportunities in the field.
With an MSW, you can work directly with individuals and families as a clinical social worker, providing counseling and support. You can also take on roles in policy-making, advocacy, or administration, influencing systemic changes to address social issues. Salaries for social workers with a master's degree typically range from $66,840 to $81,370, with a median of $73,800.
The highest paying type of social worker typically includes roles such as Director of Corporate Social Responsibility and Professor of Social Work. Salaries for social workers with a master's degree range from a minimum of $66,840 to a maximum of $81,370, with a mid-salary of $73,800, reflecting the diverse opportunities in the field.
Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.
We offer detailed salary information across multiple percentiles for your reference. (Click here to learn Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial for Achieving Pay Equity.)
With the most extensive online, real-time compensation data available, Salary.com helps you pinpoint your exact pay target.
