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Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers Salary in California
Last updated: 2025 BLS data · Page refreshed:
How much do Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers make in California?
Last updated: 2025 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics
$79,000
Median Annual Salary
▲
+4.9% vs 2024
$91,050
Mean Salary
$79,000
Median Salary
$37.98
Hourly Rate
19,860 people work as Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers in California
Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers salary by percentile in California
BLS-reported salary distribution — from entry-level (10th percentile) to top earners (90th percentile).
Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers in California earn a median salary of $79,000 per year ($6,583/month).
This is 38.2% above the national average of $57,161.
California ranks #2 out of 51 states for Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers pay.
Approximately 19,860 people work in this occupation across California.
Salaries increased by 4.9% compared to 2024.
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)
Salary Range: Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers in California
Salaries for Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers in California range from $46,450 at the 10th percentile (entry level) to $147,300 at the 90th percentile (experienced). The middle 50% earn between $57,800 and $118,860.
How much do Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers make in California?
The median annual salary for Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers in California is $79,000 as of 2025. The average (mean) salary is $91,050.
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 $46,450 at the 10th percentile to $147,300 at the 90th percentile. The middle 50% earn between $57,800 and $118,860.
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 $46,450 (10th percentile). With some experience, salaries rise to $57,800 (25th percentile).
How many people work as Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers in California?
According to 2025 BLS data, approximately 19,860 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 $37.98 per hour.
Salary data is sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, 2025 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.
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