Salary Outlook
In 2011, clinical social workers earned approximately $48,620, the BLS reports. The best-paid in the industry had salaries in the low 70s, while the lowest-paid earned less than $32,000 a year. Hospitals are some of the best-paying employers, particularly those that specialize in psychiatric and substance abuse issues. Social workers employed to work in scientific research also earn comfortable salaries.
| Job Salary | Year |
|---|---|
| 2002 | $38,560.00 |
| 2004 | $41,950.00 |
| 2006 | $44,950.00 |
| 2008 | $47,930.00 |
| 2010 | $49,170.00 |
Average Clinical Social Worker Pay vs. All Social Services Jobs
Social workers have a reputation as low earners. And though their take-home pay is still fairly modest, they do make more than some other social service jobs. Social workers who work in healthcare tend to earn more than those who concerned with child and family welfare. They also make more money than many marriage and family therapists, mental health counselors, and substance abuse counselors.
| Job Name | Salary |
|---|---|
| Clinical Social Worker | $48,620.00 |
| Marriage & Family Therapist | $46,240.00 |
| Child & Family Social Worker | $40,680.00 |
| Mental Health Counselor | $39,190.00 |
| Substance Abuse Counselor | $38,560.00 |
See Complete List of Best Social Services Jobs
Best Paying Cities for Clinical Social Workers
The highest paid in the clinical social worker profession work in the metropolitan areas of Burlington, VT, Sherman, TX, and Vallejo, CA. The Las Vegas, NV area also pays well, as does the city of San Francisco, CA.
Burlington, VT
Average Salary: $85,590 | See Job Openings
The annual median wage of a clinical social worker working in Burlington, VT is $85,590, which is $36,970 more than the average pay in the profession.
Sherman, TX
Average Salary: $78,090 | See Job Openings
The annual median wage of a clinical social worker working in Sherman, TX is $78,090, which is $29,470 more than the average pay in the profession.
Vallejo, CA
Average Salary: $74,370 | See Job Openings
The annual median wage of a clinical social worker working in Vallejo, CA is $74,370, which is $25,750 more than the average pay in the profession.
Las Vegas, NV
Average Salary: $71,460 | See Job Openings
The annual median wage of a clinical social worker working in Las Vegas, NV is $71,460, which is $22,840 more than the average pay in the profession.
San Francisco, CA
Average Salary: $67,760 | See Job Openings
The annual median wage of a clinical social worker working in San Francisco, CA is $67,760, which is $19,140 more than the average pay in the profession.
