All across the country, social workers are making a difference. You’ll find passionate and skilled social workers in nearly every sector, from schools and nonprofits to hospitals and government agencies. Social workers serve military families, assist incarcerated individuals, provide family therapy, and offer support for people as they navigate housing and healthcare.

While providing individual help, social workers also strive to better entire communities. You’ll often find them on the front lines of social justice advocacy, creating systemic change and launching programs that provide support for all.

Social workers are essential in every community. But if you’re considering a social work career, you may be asking, “What are the best states for social workers?” The answer to this question involves more than discovering what state pays social workers the most. Social workers can make a bigger impact when they are empowered through competitive compensation, ample job opportunities in their chosen field, and a healthy work-life balance.

Why Location Matters for Social Workers

To determine the right place to practice social work, potential employees must consider their potential salary in relation to the local cost of living. It’s also essential for social workers to consider what job opportunities are available in their area. Some states have more open jobs for school social workers or family advocates, while others provide more opportunities in community centers and at nonprofit organizations. Future social workers should also look into state licensing requirements before deciding where to live and work.

How to Discover the Best States for Social Workers

Across the United States, social workers make an average annual salary of $61,330, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The foundational degree for most social work jobs is a master's in social work (MSW). However, many choose to pursue an additional license that allows them to become a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW). This license allows social workers to provide clinical mental health services and affords more lucrative salary opportunities. Indeed reports that MSW holders earn an average of $59,824 annually, while LCSWs earn $74,256 per year on average.

A career in social work has a promising outlook. The BLS predicts that careers in social work will grow 7% by 2033, which is faster than the national average. At that rate, over 67,300 new social work jobs will be created each year.

Certain states and agencies offer additional incentives for social workers, such as tuition assistance for social services workers who want to earn their MSW in exchange for a job commitment after graduation. Social workers currently employed in the government sector may be eligible for student loan forgiveness programs. Many states also offer attractive benefits for state agency employees, including health, dental, and vision insurance, as well as disability and life insurance. Social work jobs in the private sector also offer these kinds of benefits.

If you’re ready to earn your MSW and pursue a meaningful career in social work, consider these 10 places to live. As you compare MSW salaries by state and consider cost of living and job availability, you’ll find the perfect place for you to excel as a social worker.

The Top 10 States to be a Social Worker in 2025

1. District of Columbia

While technically not a state, D.C. earns the top spot because it is the only location that offers a top five salary in the country for all four BLS divisions of social workers.

It is ranked third in the nation for mental health and substance abuse social workers, who make an average of $81,300. It comes in second in the country for healthcare social workers, with an average salary of $92,204, and for child, family, and school social workers, with an average salary of $80,040. D.C. also offers top pay in the nation for all other social work jobs – an average annual salary of $106,090.

Job availability is plentiful, as many D.C. residents and employees can easily access work in the surrounding states of Virginia and Maryland. The cost of living is high, but most jobs provide healthcare and other benefits. The District of Columbia offers a lot to see and do, making it an appealing place to live for many.

2. Rhode Island

Rhode Island is the only other location that offers top 10 salaries for all four BLS divisions of social workers. The average salary for mental health and substance abuse social workers in Rhode Island is $75,200, fifth in the country. Child, family, and school social workers earn an average of $69,960, while healthcare social workers earn an average of $78,560. Finally, it comes in third for all other social work jobs with an average annual salary of $102,910.

Rhode Island has a high cost of living. Still, these competitive salaries make it a desirable spot to begin a career, especially if you’ve always wanted to enjoy life on the Atlantic coast.

3. California

If you want to become a healthcare social worker, head to California – it holds the top spot for average annual salaries at $97,090. Mental health and substance abuse social workers earn the second-highest yearly salaries in the nation at $83,110 on average, and child, family, and school social workers earn $73,150 on average, according to the BLS.

California is known for its high cost of living, but with some of the nation's highest-ranked healthcare, it could be a great place to work as a social worker if you’re passionate about this sector.

4. Connecticut

As a child, family, and school social worker, you’ll earn the top salary in the nation in Connecticut – an average of $80,810. Healthcare social workers and social workers specializing in mental health and substance abuse also make the top 10 list, earning $85,570 and $75,190, respectively.

Connecticut has a high cost of living, but it’s ranked as one of the safest states to live in in the USA, and also offers top-notch healthcare and education. This makes Connecticut an excellent choice for aspiring social workers!

5. New Jersey

In New Jersey, social workers can enjoy top 10 salaries in three social work categories. The average salary for healthcare social workers is $87,110, and child, family, and school social workers earn $79,610 on average, both third in the nation. Mental health and substance abuse social workers in New Jersey earn an average annual salary of $72,450, which ranks ninth in the country.

New Jersey is considered the 14th best state in the nation by US News, primarily due to its excellent healthcare, education, and safety rankings. If you’re considering a career in social work, New Jersey could be a great place to begin.

6. New York

New York offers the highest annual pay for mental health and substance abuse social workers in the country. They earn an average annual salary of $96,240. Child, family, and school social workers also rank in the top five, earning an average of $75,270.

New York has a high cost of living, but social workers can find more affordable options outside of New York City. New York also offers natural beauty, is one of the largest cities in the United States, and has easy access to travel, making it an appealing place to live.

7. Oregon

In Oregon, healthcare social workers earn an average of $84,830, which is fifth in the nation. Mental health and substance abuse social workers come in seventh in annual pay, with an average of $74,310.

Oregon has the second-best infrastructure in the nation. For social workers who value access to public transportation, excellent roads, and strong renewable energy usage, Oregon, with its natural beauty, provides a haven on the West Coast.

8. Hawaii

Hawaii pays healthcare social workers an average of $81,530, which is seventh in the nation. All other social workers make an average annual salary of $99,390. Hawaii’s high cost of living and remote location mean it’s not ideal for everyone. However, it ranks #1 in natural environment, with pristine air and water quality and stunning views from every island. Those looking to practice social work in a tropical paradise should consider Hawaii.

9. New Hampshire

In New Hampshire, healthcare social workers earn an average of $79,400, ranking ninth in the nation. Non-designated social workers earn an average of $102,090, which ranks fourth in the nation. US News reports that New Hampshire is the second-best state to live in overall, ranking highly in various categories, including economy, education, opportunity, crime and corrections, and natural environment. New Hampshire is a great place to consider living as a social worker.

10. Vermont

In Vermont, healthcare social workers earn an average of $81,580, and mental health and substance abuse social workers earn an average of $74,120, ranking sixth and eighth in the nation, respectively. Vermont also ranks seventh overall in state rankings, making it an excellent choice for a social work career.

Detailed Analysis of MSW Salary by State

Even among these top 10 states, there is a wide range of salaries available to social workers. Salary variations can be influenced by education, experience, and chosen specialization. To negotiate a higher salary as a social worker, consider applying for jobs in states that offer higher listed pay or have higher demand than average. Then, highlight your unique skills and move forward with confidence that you can truly make a difference in your field.

What State Pays Social Workers the Most?

States that pay top salaries to social workers do so because of a combination of higher demand and higher cost of living. No matter where you live, earning additional licensure can allow you to secure top-paying jobs as a social worker. If you’re considering relocation for better pay, remember to factor in other aspects of the move, like the cost of living.

Money is not the only reason for considering relocation. Perhaps you want to live closer to family or work with a specific nonprofit organization you’re passionate about. Choosing the right state for your social work career is a personal choice, and no matter where you go, you can know you’re making a difference.

Earn Your MSW Online to Make a Difference

At St. Bonaventure University, we aim to empower MSW students to become social workers who empower individuals and transform communities across the nation. Our fully online, part-time format enables students to pursue their master's in social work while already working in their chosen fields.

Throughout your time as a student in our CSWE-aligned MSW program, you’ll receive one-on-one support from your personal advisor and experienced faculty members. They will encourage you to explore opportunities, make the most of your MSW, and make informed decisions about your future career, no matter where it takes you. Our placement services ensure that you find placement sites that align with your career goals and help you take steps forward in your social work journey.

Connect with an enrollment advisor today to discover the SBU difference.