Social Work Salaries in California
Based on 169 real salary reports from social workers in California
$91,958
Average salary
$33,077 – $175,000
Salary range
5
Credentials represented
ASW, BSW, LCSW, MSW, Other
169
Records
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Social work salaries in California
Explore real, self-reported social work salary data from California. Our dataset includes salary reports from social workers across multiple credentials, settings, and experience levels in California.
California salary by credential
Average social work salaries in California by credential type
| Credential | Avg salary | Reports |
|---|---|---|
| LCSW (Licensed Clinical Social Worker) | $106,644 | 56 |
| MSW (Master of Social Work) | $82,599 | 30 |
| ASW (Associate Social Worker) | $79,697 | 18 |
| BSW (Bachelor of Social Work) | $72,727 | 11 |
| Other | $89,586 | 7 |
California salary charts
Visual breakdowns of social work compensation in California
Which credentials pay the most in California?
Average salary by credential in California — hover for details
How have salaries changed in California?
Average social work salary in California across survey periods from 2021 to 2026
Smaller, lighter dots indicate fewer reports — interpret with caution
Does more experience mean higher pay in California?
Average salary by years of experience in California
Lighter bars indicate fewer reports — interpret with caution
Frequently asked questions
What is the average social worker salary in California?
The average social work salary in California varies by credential, experience, and work setting. Use the charts and tables on this page to see current averages based on real self-reported data.
Which social work credentials are most common in California?
The credential breakdown table on this page shows which licenses are most reported by social workers in California. Common credentials include LCSW, LMSW, and MSW, though availability varies by state licensing requirements.
How do social work salaries in California compare to other states?
Social work salaries vary significantly by state due to cost of living, demand, and licensing requirements. Visit our Explore page to compare California salaries with other states side by side.
Nearby states
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