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Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers Salary in District of Columbia

Last updated: 2025 BLS data · Page refreshed:

How much do Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers make in District of Columbia?

Last updated: 2025 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics

$73,310
Median Annual Salary
▲ +0.8% vs 2024
$83,340
Mean Salary
$73,310
Median Salary
$35.25
Hourly Rate
510 people work as Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers in District of Columbia

Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers salary by percentile in District of Columbia

BLS-reported salary distribution — from entry-level (10th percentile) to top earners (90th percentile).

Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers salary in District of Columbia — 2025 BLS percentilesHorizontal bars showing 10th, 25th, 50th, 75th and 90th percentile annual salaries for Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers in District of Columbia.10thBottom 10% earn less than $57,940$57,94025th25% earn less than $65,360$65,360MedianHalf earn more than $73,310$73,31075th75% earn less than $104,170$104,17090thTop 10% earn more than $115,500$115,500

Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers in District of Columbia earn a median salary of $73,310 per year ($6,109/month). This is 28.3% above the national average of $57,161. District of Columbia ranks #6 out of 51 states for Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers pay. Approximately 510 people work in this occupation across District of Columbia. Salaries increased by 0.8% 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)

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

Salary Range: Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers in District of Columbia

Salaries for Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers in District of Columbia range from $57,940 at the 10th percentile (entry level) to $115,500 at the 90th percentile (experienced). The middle 50% earn between $65,360 and $104,170.

Median $73,310
P10: $57,940 P25: $65,360 P75: $104,170 P90: $115,500
10th
$57,940
25th
$65,360
Median
$73,310
75th
$104,170
90th
$115,500
Percentile Annual Salary Hourly Rate Monthly
10th Percentile (Entry Level) $57,940 $27.86 $4,828
25th Percentile $65,360 $31.42 $5,446
Median (50th) $73,310 $35.25 $6,109
75th Percentile $104,170 $50.08 $8,680
90th Percentile (Experienced) $115,500 $55.53 $9,625

Note: The mean (average) salary of $83,340 differs from the median because salary distributions are typically skewed by high earners.

📊 How Does This Compare?

#6
District of Columbia ranks #6 of 51 states
$57,161
National avg. for Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers
+28.3%
vs. national average
Above Average

Similar Jobs That Pay More in District of Columbia:

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

How much do you actually take home? See Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers take-home pay in District of Columbia after taxes →

Explore Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers Data in District of Columbia

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.

View all 50 states →

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers make in District of Columbia?
The median annual salary for Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers in District of Columbia is $73,310 as of 2025. The average (mean) salary is $83,340.
What is the salary range for a Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers in District of Columbia?
Salaries for Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers in District of Columbia range from $57,940 at the 10th percentile to $115,500 at the 90th percentile. The middle 50% earn between $65,360 and $104,170.
What is the starting salary for a Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers in District of Columbia?
Entry-level Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers positions in District of Columbia typically start around $57,940 (10th percentile). With some experience, salaries rise to $65,360 (25th percentile).
How many people work as Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers in District of Columbia?
According to 2025 BLS data, approximately 510 people are employed as Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers in District of Columbia.
What is the hourly rate for a Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers in District of Columbia?
Based on a standard 2,080-hour work year, the median hourly rate for a Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers in District of Columbia is approximately $35.25 per hour.

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Data Source & Methodology

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.

Our Methodology · Data Sources · Source: BLS OEWS

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