National Salary Overview
VS
Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers
Median Salary
$53,607
Average (Mean)
$57,156
Employed Nationwide
114,690
Healthcare Social Workers earns $10,590 more (19.8%)
Key Metrics Compared
Median Salary
$64,198
$53,607
Average (Mean) Salary
$65,650
$57,156
Total Employment
185,000
114,690
States with Higher Pay
48
3
Salary by State: Healthcare Social Workers vs Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers
Showing 51 states where both occupations have BLS data. Healthcare Social Workers pays more in 48 states; Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers pays more in 3.
| State | Healthcare Social Workers | Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers | Difference | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $55,850 | $37,870 | +$17,980 | ||
| Alaska | $64,500 | $60,120 | +$4,380 | ||
| Arizona | $63,790 | $45,100 | +$18,690 | ||
| Arkansas | $60,580 | $45,910 | +$14,670 | ||
| California | $89,800 | $71,450 | +$18,350 | ||
| Colorado | $62,660 | $60,450 | +$2,210 | ||
| Connecticut | $79,210 | $78,720 | +$490 | ||
| Delaware | $63,460 | $54,550 | +$8,910 | ||
| District of Columbia | $83,460 | $84,560 | $-1,100 | ||
| Florida | $61,940 | $50,900 | +$11,040 | ||
| Georgia | $59,280 | $47,340 | +$11,940 | ||
| Hawaii | $76,480 | $55,570 | +$20,910 | ||
| Idaho | $67,460 | $48,040 | +$19,420 | ||
| Illinois | $63,880 | $49,550 | +$14,330 | ||
| Indiana | $61,710 | $50,950 | +$10,760 | ||
| Iowa | $60,630 | $48,850 | +$11,780 | ||
| Kansas | $61,810 | $51,660 | +$10,150 | ||
| Kentucky | $60,830 | $44,820 | +$16,010 | ||
| Louisiana | $61,620 | $44,300 | +$17,320 | ||
| Maine | $64,040 | $66,380 | $-2,340 | ||
| Maryland | $63,700 | $55,060 | +$8,640 | ||
| Massachusetts | $64,860 | $61,760 | +$3,100 | ||
| Michigan | $62,880 | $57,290 | +$5,590 | ||
| Minnesota | $68,470 | $65,890 | +$2,580 | ||
| Mississippi | $53,130 | $45,540 | +$7,590 | ||
| Missouri | $47,810 | $38,150 | +$9,660 | ||
| Montana | $58,060 | $39,310 | +$18,750 | ||
| Nebraska | $58,160 | $45,180 | +$12,980 | ||
| Nevada | $70,690 | $53,020 | +$17,670 | ||
| New Hampshire | $75,100 | $71,760 | +$3,340 | ||
| New Jersey | $77,680 | $69,980 | +$7,700 | ||
| New Mexico | $61,440 | $55,380 | +$6,060 | ||
| New York | $58,860 | $75,960 | $-17,100 | ||
| North Carolina | $62,320 | $53,220 | +$9,100 | ||
| North Dakota | $63,750 | $55,850 | +$7,900 | ||
| Ohio | $61,520 | $45,150 | +$16,370 | ||
| Oklahoma | $49,880 | $37,740 | +$12,140 | ||
| Oregon | $81,380 | $59,120 | +$22,260 | ||
| Pennsylvania | $62,200 | $45,700 | +$16,500 | ||
| Rhode Island | $76,750 | $66,000 | +$10,750 | ||
| South Carolina | $60,230 | $48,220 | +$12,010 | ||
| South Dakota | $48,370 | $43,990 | +$4,380 | ||
| Tennessee | $57,110 | $43,890 | +$13,220 | ||
| Texas | $63,260 | $45,350 | +$17,910 | ||
| Utah | $67,880 | $46,040 | +$21,840 | ||
| Vermont | $67,240 | $61,070 | +$6,170 | ||
| Virginia | $61,260 | $58,070 | +$3,190 | ||
| Washington | $65,130 | $64,850 | +$280 | ||
| West Virginia | $58,730 | $37,740 | +$20,990 | ||
| Wisconsin | $60,980 | $51,540 | +$9,440 | ||
| Wyoming | $62,280 | $39,090 | +$23,190 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who makes more: Healthcare Social Workers or Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers?
On average across all states, a Healthcare Social Workers earns more than a Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers. The national median salary difference is $10,590 (19.8%) based on 2024 BLS data.
In how many states does a Healthcare Social Workers earn more than a Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers?
A Healthcare Social Workers earns a higher median salary than a Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers in 48 out of 51 states where both occupations have BLS data. A Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers pays more in 3 states.
What is the median salary for a Healthcare Social Workers vs Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers?
The national median salary for a Healthcare Social Workers is $64,198 per year, compared to $53,607 for a Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers, according to 2024 BLS OEWS data.
Which has more jobs: Healthcare Social Workers or Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers?
There are more people employed as Healthcare Social Workers. BLS reports approximately 185,000 Healthcare Social Workers positions and 114,690 Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers positions nationwide (2024).
Should I become a Healthcare Social Workers or Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers?
Both Healthcare Social Workers and Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers are viable career paths. Beyond salary, consider factors like job availability in your state, work-life balance, education requirements, growth potential, and personal interests. Visit each occupation's salary page for state-specific data and career insights.
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