National Salary Overview
Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers
Median Salary
$53,607
Average (Mean)
$57,156
Employed Nationwide
114,690
VS
Social Workers, All Other earns $16,309 more (30.4%)
Key Metrics Compared
Median Salary
$53,607
$69,917
Average (Mean) Salary
$57,156
$72,471
Total Employment
114,690
58,470
States with Higher Pay
8
43
Salary by State: Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers vs Social Workers, All Other
Showing 51 states where both occupations have BLS data. Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers pays more in 8 states; Social Workers, All Other pays more in 43.
| State | Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers | Social Workers, All Other | Difference | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $37,870 | $83,470 | $-45,600 | ||
| Alaska | $60,120 | $57,630 | +$2,490 | ||
| Arizona | $45,100 | $57,640 | $-12,540 | ||
| Arkansas | $45,910 | $44,370 | +$1,540 | ||
| California | $71,450 | $63,680 | +$7,770 | ||
| Colorado | $60,450 | $52,150 | +$8,300 | ||
| Connecticut | $78,720 | $66,750 | +$11,970 | ||
| Delaware | $54,550 | $79,620 | $-25,070 | ||
| District of Columbia | $84,560 | $99,110 | $-14,550 | ||
| Florida | $50,900 | $48,980 | +$1,920 | ||
| Georgia | $47,340 | $78,740 | $-31,400 | ||
| Hawaii | $55,570 | $95,870 | $-40,300 | ||
| Idaho | $48,040 | $52,790 | $-4,750 | ||
| Illinois | $49,550 | $63,630 | $-14,080 | ||
| Indiana | $50,950 | $76,710 | $-25,760 | ||
| Iowa | $48,850 | $77,830 | $-28,980 | ||
| Kansas | $51,660 | $86,130 | $-34,470 | ||
| Kentucky | $44,820 | $46,510 | $-1,690 | ||
| Louisiana | $44,300 | $58,570 | $-14,270 | ||
| Maine | $66,380 | $55,220 | +$11,160 | ||
| Maryland | $55,060 | $66,600 | $-11,540 | ||
| Massachusetts | $61,760 | $82,910 | $-21,150 | ||
| Michigan | $57,290 | $61,710 | $-4,420 | ||
| Minnesota | $65,890 | $70,100 | $-4,210 | ||
| Mississippi | $45,540 | $82,830 | $-37,290 | ||
| Missouri | $38,150 | $49,910 | $-11,760 | ||
| Montana | $39,310 | $46,090 | $-6,780 | ||
| Nebraska | $45,180 | $62,740 | $-17,560 | ||
| Nevada | $53,020 | $100,240 | $-47,220 | ||
| New Hampshire | $71,760 | $93,270 | $-21,510 | ||
| New Jersey | $69,980 | $61,160 | +$8,820 | ||
| New Mexico | $55,380 | $62,590 | $-7,210 | ||
| New York | $75,960 | $79,040 | $-3,080 | ||
| North Carolina | $53,220 | $59,320 | $-6,100 | ||
| North Dakota | $55,850 | $71,900 | $-16,050 | ||
| Ohio | $45,150 | $60,050 | $-14,900 | ||
| Oklahoma | $37,740 | $93,870 | $-56,130 | ||
| Oregon | $59,120 | $61,140 | $-2,020 | ||
| Pennsylvania | $45,700 | $65,770 | $-20,070 | ||
| Rhode Island | $66,000 | $93,350 | $-27,350 | ||
| South Carolina | $48,220 | $82,830 | $-34,610 | ||
| South Dakota | $43,990 | $85,300 | $-41,310 | ||
| Tennessee | $43,890 | $47,060 | $-3,170 | ||
| Texas | $45,350 | $82,910 | $-37,560 | ||
| Utah | $46,040 | $52,830 | $-6,790 | ||
| Vermont | $61,070 | $74,840 | $-13,770 | ||
| Virginia | $58,070 | $79,360 | $-21,290 | ||
| Washington | $64,850 | $94,250 | $-29,400 | ||
| West Virginia | $37,740 | $77,380 | $-39,640 | ||
| Wisconsin | $51,540 | $57,360 | $-5,820 | ||
| Wyoming | $39,090 | $61,680 | $-22,590 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who makes more: Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers or Social Workers, All Other?
On average across all states, a Social Workers, All Other earns more than a Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers. The national median salary difference is $16,309 (30.4%) based on 2024 BLS data.
In how many states does a Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers earn more than a Social Workers, All Other?
A Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers earns a higher median salary than a Social Workers, All Other in 8 out of 51 states where both occupations have BLS data. A Social Workers, All Other pays more in 43 states.
What is the median salary for a Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers vs Social Workers, All Other?
The national median salary for a Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers is $53,607 per year, compared to $69,917 for a Social Workers, All Other, according to 2024 BLS OEWS data.
Which has more jobs: Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers or Social Workers, All Other?
There are more people employed as Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers. BLS reports approximately 114,690 Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers positions and 58,470 Social Workers, All Other positions nationwide (2024).
Should I become a Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers or Social Workers, All Other?
Both Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers and Social Workers, All Other are viable career paths. Beyond salary, consider factors like job availability in your state, work-life balance, education requirements, growth potential, and personal interests. Visit each occupation's salary page for state-specific data and career insights.
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