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Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers Salary in California

How much does a Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers make in California?

Last updated: 2024 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics

$75,320
Median Annual Salary
$83,110
Mean Salary
$75,320
Median Salary
$36.21
Hourly Rate
18,020 people work as Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers in California

About This Job: Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers

Assess and treat individuals with mental, emotional, or substance abuse problems, including abuse of alcohol, tobacco, and/or other drugs. Activities may include individual and group therapy, crisis intervention, case management, client advocacy, prevention, and education.

Top Skills

Social Perceptiveness
4.25
Active Listening
4.12
Speaking
4.12
Reading Comprehension
4.0
Critical Thinking
4.0

Key Knowledge Areas

Therapy and Counseling
4.83
Psychology
4.66
English Language
3.9
Customer and Personal Service
3.8
Education and Training
3.68
Typical Education: Master's Degree (77.2% of workers)

Source: O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor

Salary Range: Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers in California

Salaries for Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers in California range from $43,350 at the 10th percentile (entry level) to $136,310 at the 90th percentile (experienced). The middle 50% earn between $55,440 and $105,020.

Median $75,320
P10: $43,350 P25: $55,440 P75: $105,020 P90: $136,310
10th
$43,350
25th
$55,440
Median
$75,320
75th
$105,020
90th
$136,310
Percentile Annual Salary Hourly Rate Monthly
10th Percentile (Entry Level) $43,350 $20.84 $3,612
25th Percentile $55,440 $26.65 $4,620
Median (50th) $75,320 $36.21 $6,276
75th Percentile $105,020 $50.49 $8,751
90th Percentile (Experienced) $136,310 $65.53 $11,359

Note: The mean (average) salary of $83,110 differs from the median because salary distributions are typically skewed by high earners.

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What does this salary really buy? See Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers salary in California adjusted for cost of living →

Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers Salary by State

Compare Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers pay across states — sorted by highest median salary.

New York $80,230 Connecticut $78,820 Minnesota $77,100 Oregon $71,830 New Jersey $70,420 Hawaii $70,340 Vermont $69,540 Washington $69,060 Maine $67,820 New Mexico $65,600

View all 50 states →

Related Careers in California

Explore similar occupations and their salaries in California.

Rehabilitation CounselorsSimilar $44,280 Counselors, All OtherSimilar $47,010 Social and Human Service AssistantsSimilar $51,780 Religious Workers, All OtherSimilar $52,380 Community and Social Service Specialists, All OtherSimilar $56,820 Community Health WorkersSimilar $57,560 Health Education SpecialistsSimilar $60,150 Substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselorsSimilar $61,310 Marriage and Family TherapistsSimilar $63,780 Social WorkerSimilar $69,250

View all jobs in California →

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers make in California?
The median annual salary for a Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers in California is $75,320 as of 2024. The average (mean) salary is $83,110.
What is the salary range for a Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers in California?
Salaries for Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers in California range from $43,350 at the 10th percentile to $136,310 at the 90th percentile. The middle 50%% earn between $55,440 and $105,020.
What is the starting salary for a Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers in California?
Entry-level Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers positions in California typically start around $43,350 (10th percentile). With some experience, salaries rise to $55,440 (25th percentile).
How many people work as Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers in California?
According to 2024 BLS data, approximately 18,020 people are employed as Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers in California.
What is the hourly rate for a Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers in California?
Based on a standard 2,080-hour work year, the median hourly rate for a Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers in California is approximately $36.21 per hour.

Data Source & Methodology

Salary data is sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, 2024 estimates. The OEWS survey covers approximately 1.1 million establishments nationwide.

Annual salaries are calculated based on a standard 2,080-hour work year. Actual compensation may vary based on experience, education, employer, and local market conditions. Figures do not include benefits, bonuses, or overtime pay.

Our Methodology · Data Sources · Source: BLS OEWS