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Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers Salary in Kentucky
Last updated: 2025 BLS data · Page refreshed:
How much do Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers make in Kentucky?
Last updated: 2025 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics
$42,570
Median Annual Salary
▼
-6.3% vs 2024
$45,280
Mean Salary
$42,570
Median Salary
$20.47
Hourly Rate
1,360 people work as Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers in Kentucky
Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers salary by percentile in Kentucky
BLS-reported salary distribution — from entry-level (10th percentile) to top earners (90th percentile).
Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers in Kentucky earn a median salary of $42,570 per year ($3,547/month).
This is 25.5% below the national average of $57,161.
Kentucky ranks #49 out of 51 states for Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers pay.
Approximately 1,360 people work in this occupation across Kentucky.
Salaries decreased by 6.3% 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 Kentucky
Salaries for Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers in Kentucky range from $33,880 at the 10th percentile (entry level) to $63,960 at the 90th percentile (experienced). The middle 50% earn between $37,230 and $48,780.
Median $42,570
P10: $33,880P25: $37,230P75: $48,780P90: $63,960
10th
$33,880
25th
$37,230
Median
$42,570
75th
$48,780
90th
$63,960
Percentile
Annual Salary
Hourly Rate
Monthly
10th Percentile (Entry Level)
$33,880
$16.29
$2,823
25th Percentile
$37,230
$17.90
$3,102
Median (50th)
$42,570
$20.47
$3,547
75th Percentile
$48,780
$23.45
$4,065
90th Percentile (Experienced)
$63,960
$30.75
$5,330
Note: The mean (average) salary of $45,280 differs from the median because salary distributions are typically skewed by high earners.
📊 How Does This Compare?
#49
Kentucky ranks #49 of 51 states
$57,161
National avg. for Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers
How much do Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers make in Kentucky?
The median annual salary for Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers in Kentucky is $42,570 as of 2025. The average (mean) salary is $45,280.
What is the salary range for a Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers in Kentucky?
Salaries for Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers in Kentucky range from $33,880 at the 10th percentile to $63,960 at the 90th percentile. The middle 50% earn between $37,230 and $48,780.
What is the starting salary for a Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers in Kentucky?
Entry-level Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers positions in Kentucky typically start around $33,880 (10th percentile). With some experience, salaries rise to $37,230 (25th percentile).
How many people work as Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers in Kentucky?
According to 2025 BLS data, approximately 1,360 people are employed as Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers in Kentucky.
What is the hourly rate for a Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers in Kentucky?
Based on a standard 2,080-hour work year, the median hourly rate for a Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers in Kentucky is approximately $20.47 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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