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Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers Salary in North Carolina
Last updated: 2025 BLS data · Page refreshed:
How much do Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers make in North Carolina?
Last updated: 2025 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics
$58,210
Median Annual Salary
▲
+2.6% vs 2024
$59,880
Mean Salary
$58,210
Median Salary
$27.99
Hourly Rate
3,690 people work as Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers in North Carolina
Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers salary by percentile in North Carolina
BLS-reported salary distribution — from entry-level (10th percentile) to top earners (90th percentile).
Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers in North Carolina earn a median salary of $58,210 per year ($4,850/month).
This is 1.8% above the national average of $57,161.
North Carolina ranks #24 out of 51 states for Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers pay.
Approximately 3,690 people work in this occupation across North Carolina.
Salaries increased by 2.6% 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 North Carolina
Salaries for Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers in North Carolina range from $38,970 at the 10th percentile (entry level) to $79,720 at the 90th percentile (experienced). The middle 50% earn between $48,150 and $67,460.
Median $58,210
P10: $38,970P25: $48,150P75: $67,460P90: $79,720
10th
$38,970
25th
$48,150
Median
$58,210
75th
$67,460
90th
$79,720
Percentile
Annual Salary
Hourly Rate
Monthly
10th Percentile (Entry Level)
$38,970
$18.74
$3,247
25th Percentile
$48,150
$23.15
$4,012
Median (50th)
$58,210
$27.99
$4,850
75th Percentile
$67,460
$32.43
$5,621
90th Percentile (Experienced)
$79,720
$38.33
$6,643
Note: The mean (average) salary of $59,880 differs from the median because salary distributions are typically skewed by high earners.
📊 How Does This Compare?
#24
North Carolina ranks #24 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 North Carolina?
The median annual salary for Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers in North Carolina is $58,210 as of 2025. The average (mean) salary is $59,880.
What is the salary range for a Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers in North Carolina?
Salaries for Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers in North Carolina range from $38,970 at the 10th percentile to $79,720 at the 90th percentile. The middle 50% earn between $48,150 and $67,460.
What is the starting salary for a Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers in North Carolina?
Entry-level Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers positions in North Carolina typically start around $38,970 (10th percentile). With some experience, salaries rise to $48,150 (25th percentile).
How many people work as Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers in North Carolina?
According to 2025 BLS data, approximately 3,690 people are employed as Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers in North Carolina.
What is the hourly rate for a Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers in North Carolina?
Based on a standard 2,080-hour work year, the median hourly rate for a Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers in North Carolina is approximately $27.99 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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