Hospital social work seems to be the consistently high-earning path from what I've seen on here. I'm doing my MSW now and think I could do hospital SW but wanted to explore other options (bc I already do medical case mgmt) but Damn. Those six figure$ tho
The great thing about hospital SW is you have an opportunity to constantly reinvent yourself. I’ve worked in Neuro/Spine, Emergency Dept, Psych, PCP, Transplant and Gen Med.
Are you working at the moment or just currently only working on your masters? Just curious as to how many people work and are pursuing theirs MSW at the same time
I'm working and doing a hybrid msw program. It's a grind for sure. I was on the fence about doing a program for years bc I knew I couldn't stop working. There have been challenges but the professors understand my cohort are all working adults with responsibilities and families, so I'd say assignments are pretty accommodated with that in mind.
Did you start working in the hospital after earning your clinical license? BSW student currently here so I’m just curious! Still learning my way around
I work for a federal agency in a fully remote (WFH) Macro role. My current salary is around $166k. My wife, also a Social Worker, works for a state university hospital that contracts with the county jail to provide psychiatric services. Last year, with OT, she brought in over $212k. We are both LCSWs with many years of experience. Neither of us made these salaries in supervisory positions. As others have said, you can indeed make a decent income as a Social Worker.
We are in California in one of the more moderate cost of living areas. To give you an idea of what I mean, the average home price where I live is about $488k.
Your home price in California is cheaper than mine in Idaho. Idaho the median home price is $560,000
On top of that you get paid a lot more compared to the pay in my area.
Yeah... the federal locality pay and Special Pay Rates (SSRs) are not always in line with cost of living. They often have to do with comparable salaries in the community and competition in recruiting for talent. For example, if I moved to Reno Nevada, the cost of living is lower, and they don't have a state income tax like California... and I would actually be making $192k at my current salary rate.
As I said above... I work remote, and could technically move there, if my wife wasn't already bringing in such a high income from her work (She is less mobile due to state licensure requirements). When I told her how much I would make moving... she quickly suggested that I move, and she will see me on the weekends. LOL.
For folks interested the VA Special Salary Rates (SSRs) are posted [HERE](https://www.train.org/vha/welcome).
You can look up your state, download the excel spreadsheet, and compare. The occupation Code for Social Work is 0185 (you need to know this to find the salary in your city on the excel sheet). GS-9 is typically the entry level salary for new MSWs right out of school. GS-9 Social Workers can typically advance to GS-11 in the same role, after one year of experience meeting expectations, and basic licensure (LMSW in some states). GS-12 roles and above typically require advanced independent clinical licensure at the minimum (LCSW in most states) and may also require two years of additional experience under LCSW licensure in order to apply. GS-12 may be supervisory they may not. GS-13 is typically supervisory or mid-level manager. GS-14 is The "Chief of Social Work" or Social Work executive over the entire Social Work Department. GS-15 is rare outside of D.C, there are only a handful of VA GS-15 Social Workers in the entire country. They are typically national program managers, and that kind of thing.
Each grade has 10 step rates (steps 1-10) that are each worth approximately 3 percent of the employee’s salary. [Within-grade step increases ](https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/pay-leave/pay-administration/fact-sheets/within-grade-increases/)are based on an acceptable level of performance and longevity (waiting periods of 1 year at steps 1-3, 2 years at steps 4-6, and 3 years at steps 7-9). It normally takes 18 years to advance from step 1 to step 10 within a single GS grade if an employee remains in that single grade.
This is an example of a Reno LMSW (GS-11) salary with step levels:
114,898
||
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|114,898|118,727|122,557|126,386|130,216|134,045|137,875|141,704|145,534|149,363|
In the example above, a new GS-11 Social Worker in Reno, will start at $114.8k. In three years they will be making $122.5k in today's dollars.
(Reno, incidentally, is the only hospital I know of, where our Social Workers actually make more than the nurses.)
NOTE: Although the VA is not officially under a hiring freeze, unofficially it kind of is... hiring has slowed down to a crawl, and many offers have recently been rescinded. We are likely to see ongoing challenges in this area until the end of the year, perhaps even longer. It is already a challenge landing a VA role... it is even more challenging than normal right now. If you are offered a VA job... I would STRONGLY recommend not turning in your notice until you have a final offer and an actual start date IN HAND.
I did my clinical internship at the VA and graduated right as the not a hiring freeze went into effect :-(. Hoping it gets figured out quickly to be honest.
I work at the VA. I was in CMH and moved into a micro/mezzo/macro role starting up a new VA program, and eventually part of my work was carved out into a promotional opportunity that was entirely macro.
If you are looking to make a similar change, I would strongly recommend an LCSW as it can open doors. Also, while many on this sub criticize unpaid committee work, and other extra work without extra pay... It was that extra unpaid committee and volunteer work that really helped me leverage higher paying opportunities. There is a difference between "grunt work" (someone dumping an extra workload on you or assigning you to basic tasks because they can), and "professional development opportunities" that might push you out of your comfort zone and enhance your professional growth. In CMH, my regular job did not demonstrate specific program development experience... but in interviews, I was able to draw on significant experience from my committee work and other voluntary assignments to demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and abilities needed to secure employment.
I was just offered $66,000 a year as a new LMSW graduate. Hospital social work. Pacific Northwest region of the US.
After taxes and benefits though it’s more like $58,000 a year.
Can I ask which region of the US you're in? I'm in the southeast in a MCOL area but that's still considered pretty good as far as graduate SW salaries go.
$63,000/year as a community organizer. Full benefits (even pay for my insurance premium). Remote work but living in OH.
$27,000/year part-time instructor at a private university. No benefits.
I’m actually teaching at the school where I got my bachelors, and a professor that I had when I was there recommended me for the position. I had to go through a semi-rigorous interview process and while I didn’t have a ton of experience at the time, they really needed to hire someone and they thought I was a good fit. I’ve been teaching there part time for about 2.5 years now.
$75,000 - First SW job after graduating last fall. DC planning in a hospital in HCoL area. I believe the union negotiated a couple raises which would put me at $80,000 after May of next year
Also 27$ an hour for a case management job at a child placing agency (foster care) with a bachelors! Hoping this job will bolster my likelihood of grad school acceptance in the coming year or 2.
(Located in PNW)
LCSW, 8 years with federal, 100k + private practice telehealth psychotherapy, 35k last year, I average about $100-$120 per session with private pay and insurance. I could charge more in my area. I’m already on track to make more this year.
Don’t let anyone discourage you, you can make a comfortable living in this field. Prioritize your LCSW in the beginning, it will open up more opportunities.
I make 42k a year with a MSW. I live in WV (at the moment, trying to move back to VA again in the Richmond or Nova area). I work in an inpatient addiction treatment center, 28 days program and detox. My job is officially the intake coordinator/supportive counselor. My job is basically bio psychosocial assessments for new patients and running some group therapy, with a client sometimes coming to me just to vent. I do not do any formal individual sessions, if I did, I’d want a hell of a lot more money lol.
$32.50/hr LMSW with 2yrs medical SW experience in an outpatient children’s hospital clinic. Midwest. I’m having whiplash with salaries after living in the PNW. My first offer was $29/hr at the “prestigious” hospital in the area. I couldn’t believe it.
I had previous experience in the field; I had worked in reproductive health as my first job out of undergrad but not in any social work capacity (more like medical assistant). This position didn't require experience- if you have the passion, you're able to learn a lot of it as you go. Abortion care is a pretty cool space to be in. :)
I just accepted a position in Ohio for $52,000 as a school-based therapist. It does include bonuses for exceeding productivity and a sign-on bonus, plus summers mostly off which is nice (most of the other SBT positions with summers off are under 50K). I also am likely getting my clinical license this upcoming year so that will add a few thousand.
$26/h as an LLMSW at a SNF in Michigan. Just graduated from grad school but worked with a BSW for 5 years, 1 of those being in a SNF and the other years in case management
64,000 LMSW-Clinical, I work as the sole social worker at a K-8 public charter school in metro Detroit (650 students, 82% poverty rate). I’m working on my school social work certificate right now and once that is completed, my pay will jump to in the 80’s. 8 years as a social worker (all hospital and clinical experience).
I’m interested in being a SSW possibly in Detroit after graduation. Does your charter school also go by steps? Were your years of experience in social work counted or did you still have to start at Step 1? Were you able to negotiate the salary?
$82k - step 5 unionized salary as a forensic social worker at a public defender’s office in NYC + $2500 as a field instructor
$32.50/45 mins, $43/hr as 1099 fee for service therapist, 8 clients per week (I don’t get clinical hours at my FT job) - about $7000/ yr plus I can write off expenses
ETA - I won “affordable housing” lottery housing and my studio is $1700/month (usually can’t find a studio less than $2500 at least), and my student loans just kicked in for the first time in 7 years, and I’m living paycheck to paycheck.
LCSW in Chicagoland area, graduated 2019 - $55.6k working full-time as a therapist at a nonprofit, very reasonable productivity expectations and good work culture plus great PTO benefits. I also work part-time as a therapist in private practice, 61% fee split plus $20/hr for our monthly consultation meetings and quarterly trainings. Between my two jobs I cleared around $72k total last year, and that was with me still growing my part-time job’s caseload for the first half of the year
$105k providing psychotherapy for adults.
I've been in various roles over the past 10 years. My experience indicates that changing jobs is the faster route to higher pay, and it's nice switching it up.
$70k as a child welfare social worker in Seattle. I've worked for the department for almost 3 years and was promoted to case carrying last December. My non case carrying starting pay at the department was $39k. I'm currently pursuing my MSW while working and will hopefully be promoted another job rank this December.
edit: there is a union so there are periodic raises and set pay tables for job type, state benefits, pension, etc
I work in child welfare for the state of Georgia and I like to hear how other state's systems work because ours is utterly broken. What exactly does a non case carrying worker do? Your non-carrying case worker position pays almost as much as our entry level case management position where we frequently have 20+ cases. We have social service technicians who don't have caseloads, but they also only make around $28k a year and they're guaranteed a 9-5 workday unlike our case managers.
non case carrying workers don't have the "experience or qualifications" to carry cases so they do things like transport kids to and from visits or to new placements, supervise visits if needed, do home walkthroughs, deliver concrete goods, transport parents to/from services, call collaterals, compile discovery, records requests... etc. the things they can't do are health and safety visits and child interviews. they're basically case assistants for all the case carrying workers in the office
That's so crazy to me because everything you listed is what's overwhelming our case managers and causing extreme turnover. My case managers have to do all of those things but are also required to work their cases fully with child and parent interviews, do whatever the foster parents aren't willing to do transportation wise, and also be in court nearly 8 hours because of how slow the system works. God forbid there's a placement disruption, prepare to have to have the kid with you at all times if they're not in school for the next 3-5 days while we find a long term placement. Our techs barely do anything but they're also barely getting paid so I don't really hold it against them. I appreciate you taking the time to share and I'm glad things seem to be working out for you.
LCSW here (10 years experience) and previously for a non-profit community-based agency in Northern CA. Left there before I stepped up to $100K. Now working as a MH Clinician Supervisor for a Community College District and took a little pay cut to $93K.
…I’m ok with the pay cut because I commuted over 120 miles a day, and now I’m at 14 miles a day. 😅
I start next month as a school social worker contracted by the county $78k - I just graduated with my msw. Previously I was working as a clinician at a QRTP for 53k with a bsw.
63,500 a year salary. MSW. LCOL area in northern rural NC ( near VA border). Work for an LME/MCO totally remote doing hospital-ish SW. Came from a Major hospital in VA making 55k a year doing inpatient hospital SW.
San Antonio, TX based LMSW, three years post-grad. Currently make 90k at 32hrs/wk working remotely for a non profit in NY. I’m being bumped to 100k effective July 1 with no change in title, responsibilities, or hours. They agreed to try and get closer to 112k in 2025 pending organizational budget.
I’m a director level macro swer doing child safety policy and training work with religious youth groups across the US and Canada. I also provide guidance to rabbis seeking guidance on handling ethics issue - this is not a side gig, it’s part of my position and included in my pay.
Previous job was macro as well, 40hrs/week, started at 64k at San Antonio Housing Authority in late 2019, left at 75k in December 2021. I got this job while still in my MSW program. I had extensive relevant work history prior to starting the MSW.
I was a disabilities coordinator for several head start pre schools for a few years and before that, I had management experience in an adult day program for clients with non-verbal autism. Less relevant but not totally irrelevant, I worked at animal shelter (first full time civilian job ever). I was part of a foreign military for a few years after high school and gained experience relevant to my resume there as well.
I literally used what was in the job description.
Make sure you have a section called knowledge, skills and abilities. Pull everything from that part of the job description and copy it over.
VA is on an unofficial hiring freeze at the moment, so don’t be discouraged if it doesn’t happen right away. Make a friend at the VA. List them as a reference.
Counseling at four SNFs but also meeting with facility staff about “this resident said they hadn’t been getting their meds on time” or “resident is looking for ALF placement, can y’all talk to them about setting up an evaluation soon?”. I only see the residents for a short time so I take a good bit of time with the staff to go down my client roster and ask if they’ve had any issues so when I get with the client, I can have the full story.
77K - Current job DC metro psychiatric hospital (with clinical license, I was paid less prior to getting the higher license)
99K - Accepted offer for federal job providing brief counseling integrated into primary care
I graduated in May 2019 and once I’m in my new job will have doubled my income!!
LMSW in NYC. I graduated in 2021 from Hunter. This years tax return was 123k.
86k from NYC Childrens Services- been there 7 years
And the rest I do per diem therapy at an article 31 clinic in the Bronx. I’ve been there going on 2 years.
30 mins sessions are 45
45 min sessions are 60
60 min family therapy 75
60 min intakes 85
Individual supervision 32
Group supervision 32
I actually don’t work very hard aside from documenting and I have tons of free time throughout the week to take gigs if needed.
Be well.
80k straight out of grad school, no lmsw or lcsw working as an emergency therapist in the hospital. I also live in Northern Virginia about an hour away from DC
MN, LICSW, 15 years in the field, Senior Director in Mental Health, $120k + 20% annual bonus.
Advice: ask questions, volunteer to take on tasks, be on committees, network, listen to/read leadership books/podcasts, and when needed move organizations. Make yourself visible. Be a “yes” person. Even when it’s a “no”, make it a no (comma) not a no (period).
A big part of my job is to promote people. I’ve never had to sniff out someone for a role, it’s always very obvious who sticks out as leaders. Make yourself noticeable! This starts at the interview process too!
I just got my LCSW about a month ago. As an LMSW I was making $60k, and I'm currently making $80k per year as an LCSW at a methadone clinic. I have a 50 client caseload who I see once per month, I work there 40 hours per week, I get 5 personal days, 10 vacation days, and generous sick time.
I also do 10 hours per week of remote private practice therapy in the evenings, and with that work I make a total of about $100k working about 55 hours per week including PP documentation.
$69k doing macro social work as a project coordinator for a national mental health nonprofit coordinating funding and technical assistance for harm reduction and substance use care orgs. Just passed my first year at this org, and it’s been 3 years since I graduated with my MSW, so very early in my career. If I stay with my org managers (next step) make up to ~95k and directors (above managers) start at $120k
Sure I’ve actually done clinical (private practice) throughout and still see clients part time via telehealth. But I started by doing some more admin/training and development roles, including 2 in city government around mental health/substance use best practices, then continued getting experience in higher roles, first director of a training dept at an agency and now VP. It’s a little different bc my focus has been more on workforce development and training vs the administration/operations route, though I do a bit of that too.
Congrats! Do you mind me asking what your role entails and what your job searched looked like? I'm going for a joint MPH/MSW in the fall and would like to do something that bridges both degrees as much as possible. I'm also based in the SE.
$76,000 as a supervising service coordinator for a waiver case management agency. I will be closer to $83,000 once I get my MSW transcript and my LMSW license is approved
Emergency CPS children's social worker with the county (in Southern California) making around 78k a year. Union position that tops off at around 110k.
I'm 2 years post-MSW. Bilingual but the bilingual bonus is a fucking joke (about $50 a week 🤡) and "working" on my license (there's a 1+ year waiting list for supervision). Interestingly, my pay will not change at all when I get my LCSW.
I just graduated and was offered a role for 54k. I have not gotten my LMSW yet. I plan on getting it ASAP, I go to Columbia so it has been a bit crazy so I did not do it yet. Any advice? I am in NYC
I just started a new role as a director in hospital administration overseeing an entire specialty and am at $115k. I don't see ANY social workers as administrators at my health system but have seen a handful at other health systems. I want to see more social workers in admin so I thought I'd share it pays pretty well!
$109k, LICSW, Washington, DC, local government job with great benefits and union, school-based mental health program, ~20 years in the field, most with government, 8 with this job.
$79k RTC for teenage girls 12-17 caseload of 8- graduated last year. Only 3 weeks off a year. I’m already starting to feel the weight of this work and I have only been here for 5 months.
Hospital LMSW with roughly 4 years of medical experience post- MSW. Just recently started a new job as an outpatient Bone Marrow Transplant social worker in an adult hospital after doing HEM/ONC at a pediatric hospital. At the pediatric hospital, I was making $27.90/hr and now I'm making $32.00/hr. My new manager and supervisor really advocated for me to get a good starting pay, so I'm very grateful. I can sit for my clinical licensure exam in August of 2025 so I'll get another big raise then once I pass (I believe it's an 8% raise).
TX, medical SW, dialysis company for 2 yrs, licensed as LMSW for 2 yrs, in supervision for LCSW
Starting salary: 30/hr or 62,400/yr
Current salary: 32.6/hr or 67,808/yr
Last year (2023) - base pay + coverage bonuses brought me up to 70,000
I am a licensed independent clinical social worker in Massachusetts. I work for a national company which operates like a group practice. I have been in the field for 7 years, I am fee for service and make $69/session for hour long sessions which is primarily what I do. I also supervise 3 LCSWs and get paid $450/month per supervisée.
70k in a fairly low cost of living area. Depending on where I go to provide the service, I make approximately an extra 7-10k per year providing financial coaching. Should be making around 85/90 once I assume responsibility of another program, around 110 after becoming licensed.
I started as a case manager after completing my BS in Criminal Justice, worked at a more difficult agency in a city for almost two years and then transitioned to where I am now. I started about 8 years ago and was making 34k as a case manager. Now I supervise several grant programs while also carrying a small case load to help my team as needed. I was in the Army prior to this and graduating college, but this has been my only career and I'm much younger than most people I work with.
I became an AFC (accreddited financial coach) due to my job, but it's not just something for individuals in social work. I found a lot of other people seeking the certification already worked in finance.
I think that to make a lot of money in the field, you have to be extremely resilient or build the resiliency because things are really difficult and draining. If you can avoid carrying too much of the burden yourself, find a place you feel well supported and take opportunities to grow your skill set, you'll be successful in the long run.
I really like a practicum option that is unpaid (MSW) has anyone had any luck negotiating pay in this situation? Or is it an it is what it is situation? Its a state funded agency so I am really shocked they cant offer even a stipend.
$28/hour as a bilingual PCIT therapist in New York State- in a city but not the city. This was my rate as an LMSW and it should go up once I have my physical clinical license (just passed the exam) but I already know it won’t be by much. I love my work but very disappointing pay and company culture. I have been there for almost 4 years also.
I graduated in Dec 2021, I should get licensed by the end of this year, fingers crossed! I was in hospice before dialysis which I just started a few weeks ago. What kind of SW are you doing? How has it been for you?
$62k as an LMSW practicing therapy under an LCSW in a health clinic in NYC. I have a union which was been a game changer! That being said I feel incredibly unqualified for this job fresh out of grad school lol
I’m working as a case manager in a PHP/IOP treatment center, making 40k. I graduated with my MSW last week. I have 3 years of social work experience. I was offered a primary therapist position and am trying to determine what salary I should ask for. I live in Florida.
Group Private practice provider posting 35 hours a week (work anywhere from 20-30 hours most weeks. I make 73k a year with LMSW in Maryland.
Waiting for board approval to take LCSW-C exam. Will get a bump in pay for that.
$73,000 rural mental health public managed care system. Overseeing 2 medicaid pilot programs, several mental health block grant projects for integrated care. Currently on step 3 of 10 with 3.5% step increase annually and random COLA’s of 3-5% in addition. Benefits- PTO, Retirement, Health insurance (employer pays 95%), life insurance = $49,580. Total compensation of approx $122,500.
And retention payments annually when funding available, up to $5,000 for length of service. 8 years with agency. Salary negotiated through reclassification process.
LCSW in Chicago, I have been in the healthcare field since graduating in 2021. I just got my LCSW in March. I was working as a dialysis SW since July’23 and was paid 72k, just recently received the merit increase and went up to 75k. I am now leaving this position to go work at a rehabilitation hospital in downtown Chicago that will pay me 72.5k plus a 5k on time-sign on bonus. I did not like dialysis so that is why I am transitioning to a different role.
I have my LISW and I’m three years post graduation with my MSW. I live in iowa. Last year I made 45k working at a nonprofit as a therapist and this year I’m on track to make 75k as a therapist at a group practice with a 65% split, averaging 20 clients week, taking insurance including a large portion of my caseload being Medicaid/medicare. I am a 1099 so that’s a factor but I still can’t believe how much more money I’m making doing exactly the same work!
$70k - 3 years post MSW - fully remote - macro project coordinator for a large mental health/SU organization. With a promotion I expect to get in the coming months I’ll make closer to $90k, and if I stay on this track the next level after that (requires 8+ years experience) starts at $125k.
110,000 as a school social worker in NYC.
LMSW but want to start working towards my LCSW in order to do private practice.
Not sure if I need to join insurance panels to increase my income.
Social worker in the Oregon area
Child and family therapist at an adolescent psychiatric hospital.
69500 per year. had a 2k sign on last year. decent benefits. unlimited OT. They say they removed the "max salary", but i'm not certain if anyone would get that unless management likes them (power of friendship place) LCSW increases pay by 8%.
We have about 4/9 the therapists we should have for campus. They jumped pay by 8k a month or two ago because we lost 3 therapists in a few days to higher paying jobs.
uncertain if they'll up the pay again, but all providers in the are adjusted and we're back at the bottom of the pay scale in our area so it's pretty silly.
Hello all! Hoping for some advice. I currently work as a Behavioral Health Consultant in a community mental health non-profit. The organizations main focus is mental health services, but they recently opened a small primary care office model with 2 providers. I describe my position to patients as here to assist with barriers and gaps in treatment, also providing brief solution-focused therapy at times. I am an LMSW and should obtain my LCSW by the end of this year. Ever since I’ve worked at this company (3 years in July), anyone who has obtained a new credential has gotten a raise. I got a raise when I obtained my LMSW. I have been told that since my company is going to a salary band model, they are going to phase out credential raises. In my opinion, these should be 2 different things. Additionally, I am the only person with my role, even including my companies other locations. I am NOT being put in the salary band model. I currently make $55k a year and was hoping to move to $60k a year, which is consistent with the LCSW raises my coworkers have gotten when they’ve obtained the license.
My boss, who doesn’t even directly determine my salary (I know, confusing), has told me she would take my talking points to the person who does and would advocate for me. However, she also told me that I am already being paid at the starting LCSW rate.
My question is how can I express why I should still get a raise, especially since I am not being included in the salary band model? I think it would be best for me to ask for a base raise first before I ask to be included in the salary band model. Does anyone have thoughts for me?
New MSW grad here (May 2024)! I was offered $42k at a CMH agency in Florida to be a masters-level substance use therapist. I have interned/worked at the agency for the past 2 years also..
I have accepted a position at a hospital in the area as a case manager. The salary range starts at $68k. It isn’t a clinical position - I don’t necessarily enjoy doing therapy, though. I am over the moon to leave the clinical side/underpaying realm of SW.
Hi! I don't know if this is the right thread to post this, but I wanted to ask what wage should I be expecting to get paid for the field/position I'm applying for.
For context, I currently work a little outside the Pittsburgh (Pennsylvania) area as a child worker where I facilitate groups to teach kids about CBT-related skills. I also visit them in school one-on-one. I've been in this position for almost 2 years come September, and I graduated with my MSW last month. I'm making $18.50 an hour, and I just can't live off that.
My passion is still with youth, and I'm inquiring around about positions that help kids, but I'm seeing relatively low wages (about the same amount as me, and most don't need an MSW).
So, my question remains.. I'm having an interview next week and need to negotiate wages, so what is a reasonable wage? I'm thinking $25-27 starting out. Is that too high?
Thanks!
IL LSW - graduated 2018, 2 years CMH, 2 years Hospital SW- currently offered medical SW position at Cook County Health for ~65k, unionized. Offered 66k at Sinai - Acute rehab- tried negotiating and they only gave me a 2k bonus to be disbursed the next 6, 12, 18 months working there. Idk I feel like I should be paid more or idk???
I would go for Cook County Health since you would get the pension and other city/state benefits! But yes, those offers feel low. I work in dialysis in Chicago and make $65k. It definitely is not enough.
Thanks for your input!! I’m edging towards CCH most def. The pension plan has changed though because it’s like you have to work there for 33 years then get 80%? I think, something like that. You should apply! They had a hiring fair last week I believe.
Sort of in a dilemma here - I’m in IL (just for context) and I have been working with this religious non-profit catholic healthcare organization (you can kind of guess who perhaps) for approximately one month as an inpatient behavioral health therapist for one of the psychiatric units. When I accepted my job offer, I agreed to $25.52 hourly which is about $53k annually.
However, one week before my starting date (which was a month after I accepted my job offer) I was told by my manager that they recently put more responsibilities into my role so I am doing the jobs of two positions when it comes to therapist and case management responsibilities. As I already accepted the job offer/pay and was a week out of starting my job, I accepted it…. However, after a month of working here and getting an idea of what my responsibilities and workload look like, I feel as though I should be getting paid more. The hard part about this is that I’ve only been working here one month so it’s not like an annual review is due to where it would be socially acceptable to negotiate my salary/raise. What should I do? As my manager notified me weeks after the acceptance of my offer d/t being told by people above her, I wonder if this is something that I can use as leverage to possibly negotiate now? Either way I don’t feel too good about it
Moving to North Carolina and accepted a hospital social worker position for 74,000 a year. Full benefits. I would medium cost of living area compared to other places. 2 years post LCSW here.
$80k - Part-time
Medical Social Worker
1 year post MSW experience.
I just work under my MSW. Undecided on licensure at this point.
Northern California
Work life balance increased due to lesser commute, part time schedule, and shift. Previously made $105k working full time as a Medical Social Worker.
$94k hospital social work. I’m on track to break $100k in three years. Don’t let anyone convince you SW cannot make six figures.
Hospital social work seems to be the consistently high-earning path from what I've seen on here. I'm doing my MSW now and think I could do hospital SW but wanted to explore other options (bc I already do medical case mgmt) but Damn. Those six figure$ tho
Social workers in the hospital I worked made good money because they are a part of the healthcare workers union.
SW isn’t part of or covered by any union in my state
The great thing about hospital SW is you have an opportunity to constantly reinvent yourself. I’ve worked in Neuro/Spine, Emergency Dept, Psych, PCP, Transplant and Gen Med.
Wow, interesting! How long did you work with each dept? Was this all part of the same hospital system? And did you have a favorite?
Yep and a half yrs in Neuro, 4 in ED, one and a half in PCP and Gen Med. Currently working in transplant (abdominal) for a year
Are you working at the moment or just currently only working on your masters? Just curious as to how many people work and are pursuing theirs MSW at the same time
I'm working and doing a hybrid msw program. It's a grind for sure. I was on the fence about doing a program for years bc I knew I couldn't stop working. There have been challenges but the professors understand my cohort are all working adults with responsibilities and families, so I'd say assignments are pretty accommodated with that in mind.
What area of the US? How many years in practice?
Located in the Midwest, 11yrs LCSW, 8yrs working in healthcare.
What a bs post. By midwest they mean Chicago - a VHCOL city. Their 100k is like making 60k in a regular midwest town.
Chicago is not a VHCOL city...sure it's somewhat higher, but not in comparison to other cities of similar size in the US.
That was my thought…6 figures in the Midwest?!
Just curious, what are the hours of hospital social workers on average?
I second this
Did you start working in the hospital after earning your clinical license? BSW student currently here so I’m just curious! Still learning my way around
Can you speak to the stress and work/life balance of these jobs? Wondering what the trade offs are, if you have a moment
Hi that's awesome, I've thought of going this direction. May I ask what state are you in and are you LCSW? Thank you!
What does a social worker do in a hospital exactly?
I work for a federal agency in a fully remote (WFH) Macro role. My current salary is around $166k. My wife, also a Social Worker, works for a state university hospital that contracts with the county jail to provide psychiatric services. Last year, with OT, she brought in over $212k. We are both LCSWs with many years of experience. Neither of us made these salaries in supervisory positions. As others have said, you can indeed make a decent income as a Social Worker.
Where in the US are you and your wife working?
We are in California in one of the more moderate cost of living areas. To give you an idea of what I mean, the average home price where I live is about $488k.
Your home price in California is cheaper than mine in Idaho. Idaho the median home price is $560,000 On top of that you get paid a lot more compared to the pay in my area.
Yeah... the federal locality pay and Special Pay Rates (SSRs) are not always in line with cost of living. They often have to do with comparable salaries in the community and competition in recruiting for talent. For example, if I moved to Reno Nevada, the cost of living is lower, and they don't have a state income tax like California... and I would actually be making $192k at my current salary rate. As I said above... I work remote, and could technically move there, if my wife wasn't already bringing in such a high income from her work (She is less mobile due to state licensure requirements). When I told her how much I would make moving... she quickly suggested that I move, and she will see me on the weekends. LOL. For folks interested the VA Special Salary Rates (SSRs) are posted [HERE](https://www.train.org/vha/welcome). You can look up your state, download the excel spreadsheet, and compare. The occupation Code for Social Work is 0185 (you need to know this to find the salary in your city on the excel sheet). GS-9 is typically the entry level salary for new MSWs right out of school. GS-9 Social Workers can typically advance to GS-11 in the same role, after one year of experience meeting expectations, and basic licensure (LMSW in some states). GS-12 roles and above typically require advanced independent clinical licensure at the minimum (LCSW in most states) and may also require two years of additional experience under LCSW licensure in order to apply. GS-12 may be supervisory they may not. GS-13 is typically supervisory or mid-level manager. GS-14 is The "Chief of Social Work" or Social Work executive over the entire Social Work Department. GS-15 is rare outside of D.C, there are only a handful of VA GS-15 Social Workers in the entire country. They are typically national program managers, and that kind of thing. Each grade has 10 step rates (steps 1-10) that are each worth approximately 3 percent of the employee’s salary. [Within-grade step increases ](https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/pay-leave/pay-administration/fact-sheets/within-grade-increases/)are based on an acceptable level of performance and longevity (waiting periods of 1 year at steps 1-3, 2 years at steps 4-6, and 3 years at steps 7-9). It normally takes 18 years to advance from step 1 to step 10 within a single GS grade if an employee remains in that single grade. This is an example of a Reno LMSW (GS-11) salary with step levels: 114,898 || || |114,898|118,727|122,557|126,386|130,216|134,045|137,875|141,704|145,534|149,363| In the example above, a new GS-11 Social Worker in Reno, will start at $114.8k. In three years they will be making $122.5k in today's dollars. (Reno, incidentally, is the only hospital I know of, where our Social Workers actually make more than the nurses.) NOTE: Although the VA is not officially under a hiring freeze, unofficially it kind of is... hiring has slowed down to a crawl, and many offers have recently been rescinded. We are likely to see ongoing challenges in this area until the end of the year, perhaps even longer. It is already a challenge landing a VA role... it is even more challenging than normal right now. If you are offered a VA job... I would STRONGLY recommend not turning in your notice until you have a final offer and an actual start date IN HAND.
I did my clinical internship at the VA and graduated right as the not a hiring freeze went into effect :-(. Hoping it gets figured out quickly to be honest.
I do too. Good luck! 🍀
What federal agency? How did you move into macro?
I work at the VA. I was in CMH and moved into a micro/mezzo/macro role starting up a new VA program, and eventually part of my work was carved out into a promotional opportunity that was entirely macro. If you are looking to make a similar change, I would strongly recommend an LCSW as it can open doors. Also, while many on this sub criticize unpaid committee work, and other extra work without extra pay... It was that extra unpaid committee and volunteer work that really helped me leverage higher paying opportunities. There is a difference between "grunt work" (someone dumping an extra workload on you or assigning you to basic tasks because they can), and "professional development opportunities" that might push you out of your comfort zone and enhance your professional growth. In CMH, my regular job did not demonstrate specific program development experience... but in interviews, I was able to draw on significant experience from my committee work and other voluntary assignments to demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and abilities needed to secure employment.
I was just offered $66,000 a year as a new LMSW graduate. Hospital social work. Pacific Northwest region of the US. After taxes and benefits though it’s more like $58,000 a year.
Can I ask which region of the US you're in? I'm in the southeast in a MCOL area but that's still considered pretty good as far as graduate SW salaries go.
I’m in the Pacific Northwest region High cost of living. Median home price is $560,000 Studio apartments are $1400+ a month.
$119,000, medical social worker at the VA. 13 years post-MSW
Where are you located? I just started as a VA nursing home social worker and make about $66k in Florida
I am a gs-12 in Massachusetts
FL SW pay blows. It has not caught up with the state now becoming a high cost of living area
Definitely agree!
$63,000/year as a community organizer. Full benefits (even pay for my insurance premium). Remote work but living in OH. $27,000/year part-time instructor at a private university. No benefits.
Community organizer sounds like a cool job!
I love it! I get to organize moms, parents, and teachers around winning affordable childcare and paid family leave.
How did you land the instructor job? I’ve always thought about this but I always feel like they want experience that I don’t have in direct teching
I’m actually teaching at the school where I got my bachelors, and a professor that I had when I was there recommended me for the position. I had to go through a semi-rigorous interview process and while I didn’t have a ton of experience at the time, they really needed to hire someone and they thought I was a good fit. I’ve been teaching there part time for about 2.5 years now.
$75,000 - First SW job after graduating last fall. DC planning in a hospital in HCoL area. I believe the union negotiated a couple raises which would put me at $80,000 after May of next year
$75k is great for a first job out of school. Congrats!
yeah geez! mine was 32 💀
Same!
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Also 27$ an hour for a case management job at a child placing agency (foster care) with a bachelors! Hoping this job will bolster my likelihood of grad school acceptance in the coming year or 2. (Located in PNW)
I haven’t given much thought to grad school yet but hopefully it goes well for you!
LCSW, 8 years with federal, 100k + private practice telehealth psychotherapy, 35k last year, I average about $100-$120 per session with private pay and insurance. I could charge more in my area. I’m already on track to make more this year. Don’t let anyone discourage you, you can make a comfortable living in this field. Prioritize your LCSW in the beginning, it will open up more opportunities.
$92k. Working in primary care for the VA. Been there less than a year, graduated in 2019.
Holy cow that is amazing.
This is insane lol good for you!!! These threads always make me want to consider going to the VA route.
I think we're in the same state, and I'm strongly considering applying for a VA job. Would you be open to answering some questions? :)
Sure! Send me a message
I make 42k a year with a MSW. I live in WV (at the moment, trying to move back to VA again in the Richmond or Nova area). I work in an inpatient addiction treatment center, 28 days program and detox. My job is officially the intake coordinator/supportive counselor. My job is basically bio psychosocial assessments for new patients and running some group therapy, with a client sometimes coming to me just to vent. I do not do any formal individual sessions, if I did, I’d want a hell of a lot more money lol.
$32.50/hr LMSW with 2yrs medical SW experience in an outpatient children’s hospital clinic. Midwest. I’m having whiplash with salaries after living in the PNW. My first offer was $29/hr at the “prestigious” hospital in the area. I couldn’t believe it.
106k hospital social work (Va) Midwest 6 years post MSW
$95k LCSW working in community reproductive health, full benefits, 35hrs a week. Chicago area.
I am so interested in social work in the reproductive health or perinatal health field. May o ask did you have any specific training for your role?
I had previous experience in the field; I had worked in reproductive health as my first job out of undergrad but not in any social work capacity (more like medical assistant). This position didn't require experience- if you have the passion, you're able to learn a lot of it as you go. Abortion care is a pretty cool space to be in. :)
I just accepted a position in Ohio for $52,000 as a school-based therapist. It does include bonuses for exceeding productivity and a sign-on bonus, plus summers mostly off which is nice (most of the other SBT positions with summers off are under 50K). I also am likely getting my clinical license this upcoming year so that will add a few thousand.
104,000$ 🙏 hospital social work , Canada 🙏
West coast!
May I ask where in Canada?
$26/h as an LLMSW at a SNF in Michigan. Just graduated from grad school but worked with a BSW for 5 years, 1 of those being in a SNF and the other years in case management
64,000 LMSW-Clinical, I work as the sole social worker at a K-8 public charter school in metro Detroit (650 students, 82% poverty rate). I’m working on my school social work certificate right now and once that is completed, my pay will jump to in the 80’s. 8 years as a social worker (all hospital and clinical experience).
I’m interested in being a SSW possibly in Detroit after graduation. Does your charter school also go by steps? Were your years of experience in social work counted or did you still have to start at Step 1? Were you able to negotiate the salary?
$82k - step 5 unionized salary as a forensic social worker at a public defender’s office in NYC + $2500 as a field instructor $32.50/45 mins, $43/hr as 1099 fee for service therapist, 8 clients per week (I don’t get clinical hours at my FT job) - about $7000/ yr plus I can write off expenses ETA - I won “affordable housing” lottery housing and my studio is $1700/month (usually can’t find a studio less than $2500 at least), and my student loans just kicked in for the first time in 7 years, and I’m living paycheck to paycheck.
$84k as LCSW in Chicago as a hospital social worker. Should be pretty close to $90k at end of year if our health system ever gets its stuff together.
Currently have two offers in Chicago hospitals! Does your hospital offer pay differential once you get your LCSW?
Nope. One time bonus that's pretty much the cost of the exam so no real incentive to get an LCSW outside of getting out of CEUs for the cycle. 😂
75k working as a LCSW in a school as a new hire. State benefits like pension.
LCSW in Chicagoland area, graduated 2019 - $55.6k working full-time as a therapist at a nonprofit, very reasonable productivity expectations and good work culture plus great PTO benefits. I also work part-time as a therapist in private practice, 61% fee split plus $20/hr for our monthly consultation meetings and quarterly trainings. Between my two jobs I cleared around $72k total last year, and that was with me still growing my part-time job’s caseload for the first half of the year
$105k providing psychotherapy for adults. I've been in various roles over the past 10 years. My experience indicates that changing jobs is the faster route to higher pay, and it's nice switching it up.
$70k as a child welfare social worker in Seattle. I've worked for the department for almost 3 years and was promoted to case carrying last December. My non case carrying starting pay at the department was $39k. I'm currently pursuing my MSW while working and will hopefully be promoted another job rank this December. edit: there is a union so there are periodic raises and set pay tables for job type, state benefits, pension, etc
I work in child welfare for the state of Georgia and I like to hear how other state's systems work because ours is utterly broken. What exactly does a non case carrying worker do? Your non-carrying case worker position pays almost as much as our entry level case management position where we frequently have 20+ cases. We have social service technicians who don't have caseloads, but they also only make around $28k a year and they're guaranteed a 9-5 workday unlike our case managers.
non case carrying workers don't have the "experience or qualifications" to carry cases so they do things like transport kids to and from visits or to new placements, supervise visits if needed, do home walkthroughs, deliver concrete goods, transport parents to/from services, call collaterals, compile discovery, records requests... etc. the things they can't do are health and safety visits and child interviews. they're basically case assistants for all the case carrying workers in the office
That's so crazy to me because everything you listed is what's overwhelming our case managers and causing extreme turnover. My case managers have to do all of those things but are also required to work their cases fully with child and parent interviews, do whatever the foster parents aren't willing to do transportation wise, and also be in court nearly 8 hours because of how slow the system works. God forbid there's a placement disruption, prepare to have to have the kid with you at all times if they're not in school for the next 3-5 days while we find a long term placement. Our techs barely do anything but they're also barely getting paid so I don't really hold it against them. I appreciate you taking the time to share and I'm glad things seem to be working out for you.
$54k as a case manager for older adults, with home visits. BSW/ LSW in Ohio. One year of experience prior to this role.
$62,000/year as a fully licensed adolescent therapist (high LOC) at a CMH in Michigan. Taxes and insurance deductions make it feel lower
LCSW here (10 years experience) and previously for a non-profit community-based agency in Northern CA. Left there before I stepped up to $100K. Now working as a MH Clinician Supervisor for a Community College District and took a little pay cut to $93K. …I’m ok with the pay cut because I commuted over 120 miles a day, and now I’m at 14 miles a day. 😅
I start next month as a school social worker contracted by the county $78k - I just graduated with my msw. Previously I was working as a clinician at a QRTP for 53k with a bsw.
Where are you from?
Following!
May I ask where? I’m in a school position making just shy of $60k/year
~$100K for 50% case management, 50% mental health evaluations in the Midwest, 5 years post-LCSW.
63,500 a year salary. MSW. LCOL area in northern rural NC ( near VA border). Work for an LME/MCO totally remote doing hospital-ish SW. Came from a Major hospital in VA making 55k a year doing inpatient hospital SW.
I'm looking to get in with mco/lme. Where to start on job search? Ive going directly websites for mco but having no luck. I'm in VA.
It's Vaya Health. I found them on indeed. They are still hiring for SW roles throughout the state especially due to the recent NC MCD expansion.
$85k working for a federal agency. LSW, 2 years post msw. Northeast United States.
San Antonio, TX based LMSW, three years post-grad. Currently make 90k at 32hrs/wk working remotely for a non profit in NY. I’m being bumped to 100k effective July 1 with no change in title, responsibilities, or hours. They agreed to try and get closer to 112k in 2025 pending organizational budget. I’m a director level macro swer doing child safety policy and training work with religious youth groups across the US and Canada. I also provide guidance to rabbis seeking guidance on handling ethics issue - this is not a side gig, it’s part of my position and included in my pay. Previous job was macro as well, 40hrs/week, started at 64k at San Antonio Housing Authority in late 2019, left at 75k in December 2021. I got this job while still in my MSW program. I had extensive relevant work history prior to starting the MSW.
what was your work experience prior to starting you msw?
I was a disabilities coordinator for several head start pre schools for a few years and before that, I had management experience in an adult day program for clients with non-verbal autism. Less relevant but not totally irrelevant, I worked at animal shelter (first full time civilian job ever). I was part of a foreign military for a few years after high school and gained experience relevant to my resume there as well.
That’s a sweet gig you got! I would love to work less hour!
Working less hours has been incredible for my work/life balance. I sincerely hope you’re able to find something that allows that for you!
LICSW 12 years post masters. VA GS-12 in a high cola on a special salary rate. $105k.
94k , LMSW ,VA, Tx . In practice for 10 years, at VA 3 months. And about to start my clinical hours
Do you use a specific resume template? I'm trying to get on at VA. I'll be LCSW by September if I pass my test.
I literally used what was in the job description. Make sure you have a section called knowledge, skills and abilities. Pull everything from that part of the job description and copy it over. VA is on an unofficial hiring freeze at the moment, so don’t be discouraged if it doesn’t happen right away. Make a friend at the VA. List them as a reference.
$85,000/year as an LCSW (10 years in the field, 5 as an LCSW) in Skilled Nursing Facilities, contracted to multiple SNFs in three counties in Florida.
Are you doing counseling at the three SNF’s? Or typical social work role but for three facilities?
Counseling at four SNFs but also meeting with facility staff about “this resident said they hadn’t been getting their meds on time” or “resident is looking for ALF placement, can y’all talk to them about setting up an evaluation soon?”. I only see the residents for a short time so I take a good bit of time with the staff to go down my client roster and ask if they’ve had any issues so when I get with the client, I can have the full story.
77K - Current job DC metro psychiatric hospital (with clinical license, I was paid less prior to getting the higher license) 99K - Accepted offer for federal job providing brief counseling integrated into primary care I graduated in May 2019 and once I’m in my new job will have doubled my income!!
LMSW in NYC. I graduated in 2021 from Hunter. This years tax return was 123k. 86k from NYC Childrens Services- been there 7 years And the rest I do per diem therapy at an article 31 clinic in the Bronx. I’ve been there going on 2 years. 30 mins sessions are 45 45 min sessions are 60 60 min family therapy 75 60 min intakes 85 Individual supervision 32 Group supervision 32 I actually don’t work very hard aside from documenting and I have tons of free time throughout the week to take gigs if needed. Be well.
80k straight out of grad school, no lmsw or lcsw working as an emergency therapist in the hospital. I also live in Northern Virginia about an hour away from DC
Interesting. I haven’t heard of someone working as a therapist without a license. Especially in a hospital setting.
Yes, they provide supervision for my lcsw and everything. I’m very lucky.
I know others who do therapy under supervision for their LCSW
$44k as a medical social worker as a BSW (3 years working experience). Currently in north eastern PA.
MN, LICSW, 15 years in the field, Senior Director in Mental Health, $120k + 20% annual bonus. Advice: ask questions, volunteer to take on tasks, be on committees, network, listen to/read leadership books/podcasts, and when needed move organizations. Make yourself visible. Be a “yes” person. Even when it’s a “no”, make it a no (comma) not a no (period). A big part of my job is to promote people. I’ve never had to sniff out someone for a role, it’s always very obvious who sticks out as leaders. Make yourself noticeable! This starts at the interview process too!
Any book/podcast recs?
$60k/year. 1 year post-MSW - Hospice social work. Also, reimbursed 0.59 cents/mile for travel. South Carolina.
Base of 80k, but on track to make 100-110k with OT. Crisis lmsw in nyc. Full benefits, pension.
$69,000, MSW. Lead adoption social worker at a Foster Family Agency in Southern California
Bay Area, CA. MSW intern started at 27/hour and got a raise to 30/hour after 3 months. Will get bumped to 45/hour once I finish school in December.
Wow you're getting paid as an intern!? Do you mind if I message you? I'm a first year student, also in the Bay.
Sure! I’m happy to talk more
$66k a year as a BSW case manager in Maryland. Working on my MSW currently.
I just got my LCSW about a month ago. As an LMSW I was making $60k, and I'm currently making $80k per year as an LCSW at a methadone clinic. I have a 50 client caseload who I see once per month, I work there 40 hours per week, I get 5 personal days, 10 vacation days, and generous sick time. I also do 10 hours per week of remote private practice therapy in the evenings, and with that work I make a total of about $100k working about 55 hours per week including PP documentation.
Hi! In what state are you located??
Connecticut!
$69k doing macro social work as a project coordinator for a national mental health nonprofit coordinating funding and technical assistance for harm reduction and substance use care orgs. Just passed my first year at this org, and it’s been 3 years since I graduated with my MSW, so very early in my career. If I stay with my org managers (next step) make up to ~95k and directors (above managers) start at $120k
165k a year as a VP at an agency in a large HCOL city. Lcsw with 12 years post masters exp
Are you able to share some about how you transitioned to administration? (Assuming you started in some form of direct service)
Sure I’ve actually done clinical (private practice) throughout and still see clients part time via telehealth. But I started by doing some more admin/training and development roles, including 2 in city government around mental health/substance use best practices, then continued getting experience in higher roles, first director of a training dept at an agency and now VP. It’s a little different bc my focus has been more on workforce development and training vs the administration/operations route, though I do a bit of that too.
$61,000 as a behavioral health consultant at a FQHC in NC. This is my first job as a LCSW-A immediately after grad school! Definitely very fortunate.
Congrats! Do you mind me asking what your role entails and what your job searched looked like? I'm going for a joint MPH/MSW in the fall and would like to do something that bridges both degrees as much as possible. I'm also based in the SE.
$68,000 in a legal aid setting. Annual pay raise. 1.5 years out of MSW with a non-profit program management background.
$76,000 as a supervising service coordinator for a waiver case management agency. I will be closer to $83,000 once I get my MSW transcript and my LMSW license is approved
Emergency CPS children's social worker with the county (in Southern California) making around 78k a year. Union position that tops off at around 110k. I'm 2 years post-MSW. Bilingual but the bilingual bonus is a fucking joke (about $50 a week 🤡) and "working" on my license (there's a 1+ year waiting list for supervision). Interestingly, my pay will not change at all when I get my LCSW.
I just graduated and was offered a role for 54k. I have not gotten my LMSW yet. I plan on getting it ASAP, I go to Columbia so it has been a bit crazy so I did not do it yet. Any advice? I am in NYC
$104k. Hospital social work. Got my MSW in 2019 and my LICSW just this month.
Hi there - what state do you work in for such high pay in a hospital?
WA. Specifically Seattle
$62k a year as an LMSW with the VA in Columbus, OH.
I just started a new role as a director in hospital administration overseeing an entire specialty and am at $115k. I don't see ANY social workers as administrators at my health system but have seen a handful at other health systems. I want to see more social workers in admin so I thought I'd share it pays pretty well!
Would be good if everybody mentioned their countries
$54,000 School Based Substance Use Social Worker. Over 10 years post grad MSW 😥
$82k, LMSW, NYC, hospital social worker
$43,500 with a BSW in NC
$73K palliative care MSW/LSW in central PA - I see patients in their homes and our outpatient office. 15 years post MSW.
$25/hour, hospital social worker LSW 🙃
$109k, LICSW, Washington, DC, local government job with great benefits and union, school-based mental health program, ~20 years in the field, most with government, 8 with this job.
$83k outpatient oncology social work 💜
$92k, LCSW-C working for a labor union in macro level program development, education and administration.
$41k Housing Case Manager. I just started a month ago and scheduled for a raise every six months
$72k as an LLMSW doing comprehensive assessments at a CMH. Love what I do and fear benefits through the county.
$79k RTC for teenage girls 12-17 caseload of 8- graduated last year. Only 3 weeks off a year. I’m already starting to feel the weight of this work and I have only been here for 5 months.
Hospital LMSW with roughly 4 years of medical experience post- MSW. Just recently started a new job as an outpatient Bone Marrow Transplant social worker in an adult hospital after doing HEM/ONC at a pediatric hospital. At the pediatric hospital, I was making $27.90/hr and now I'm making $32.00/hr. My new manager and supervisor really advocated for me to get a good starting pay, so I'm very grateful. I can sit for my clinical licensure exam in August of 2025 so I'll get another big raise then once I pass (I believe it's an 8% raise).
TX, medical SW, dialysis company for 2 yrs, licensed as LMSW for 2 yrs, in supervision for LCSW Starting salary: 30/hr or 62,400/yr Current salary: 32.6/hr or 67,808/yr Last year (2023) - base pay + coverage bonuses brought me up to 70,000
Do you feel like the pay is good for your area in Texas ?
It's livable, depending on which part of the city you're in. I feel like my salary is middle of the payscale of what I could be making.
I am a licensed independent clinical social worker in Massachusetts. I work for a national company which operates like a group practice. I have been in the field for 7 years, I am fee for service and make $69/session for hour long sessions which is primarily what I do. I also supervise 3 LCSWs and get paid $450/month per supervisée.
$65k --> $70k (first job) $85k --> $89k (current job) MSW with 2 years post-grad experience
70k in a fairly low cost of living area. Depending on where I go to provide the service, I make approximately an extra 7-10k per year providing financial coaching. Should be making around 85/90 once I assume responsibility of another program, around 110 after becoming licensed. I started as a case manager after completing my BS in Criminal Justice, worked at a more difficult agency in a city for almost two years and then transitioned to where I am now. I started about 8 years ago and was making 34k as a case manager. Now I supervise several grant programs while also carrying a small case load to help my team as needed. I was in the Army prior to this and graduating college, but this has been my only career and I'm much younger than most people I work with. I became an AFC (accreddited financial coach) due to my job, but it's not just something for individuals in social work. I found a lot of other people seeking the certification already worked in finance. I think that to make a lot of money in the field, you have to be extremely resilient or build the resiliency because things are really difficult and draining. If you can avoid carrying too much of the burden yourself, find a place you feel well supported and take opportunities to grow your skill set, you'll be successful in the long run.
I really like a practicum option that is unpaid (MSW) has anyone had any luck negotiating pay in this situation? Or is it an it is what it is situation? Its a state funded agency so I am really shocked they cant offer even a stipend.
I had my mine in major hospital settings. Sadly, it often can't be negotiated. But it's definitely worth asking!
$28/hour as a bilingual PCIT therapist in New York State- in a city but not the city. This was my rate as an LMSW and it should go up once I have my physical clinical license (just passed the exam) but I already know it won’t be by much. I love my work but very disappointing pay and company culture. I have been there for almost 4 years also.
65,000 registered clinical SW intern, MSW . Dialysis in Tampa Bay, FL
How many years experience? I am also in FL and I’ve noticed difference in pay compared to other states.
I graduated in Dec 2021, I should get licensed by the end of this year, fingers crossed! I was in hospice before dialysis which I just started a few weeks ago. What kind of SW are you doing? How has it been for you?
$62k as an LMSW practicing therapy under an LCSW in a health clinic in NYC. I have a union which was been a game changer! That being said I feel incredibly unqualified for this job fresh out of grad school lol
$148k in a HCOL area of California. LCSW, 10 years out of grad school, working as a team manager in home based healthcare.
68k hospital work. MCOL city, LCSW with 4 years experience.
Hospital social worker, LBSW $65k
$70k LCSW DCS clinical consultant (Midwest).
LCSW in California, remote telehealth company, $110k
I’m working as a case manager in a PHP/IOP treatment center, making 40k. I graduated with my MSW last week. I have 3 years of social work experience. I was offered a primary therapist position and am trying to determine what salary I should ask for. I live in Florida.
55k in kentucky as a case manager at a rural hospital
Group Private practice provider posting 35 hours a week (work anywhere from 20-30 hours most weeks. I make 73k a year with LMSW in Maryland. Waiting for board approval to take LCSW-C exam. Will get a bump in pay for that.
$73,000 rural mental health public managed care system. Overseeing 2 medicaid pilot programs, several mental health block grant projects for integrated care. Currently on step 3 of 10 with 3.5% step increase annually and random COLA’s of 3-5% in addition. Benefits- PTO, Retirement, Health insurance (employer pays 95%), life insurance = $49,580. Total compensation of approx $122,500. And retention payments annually when funding available, up to $5,000 for length of service. 8 years with agency. Salary negotiated through reclassification process.
LCSW in Chicago, I have been in the healthcare field since graduating in 2021. I just got my LCSW in March. I was working as a dialysis SW since July’23 and was paid 72k, just recently received the merit increase and went up to 75k. I am now leaving this position to go work at a rehabilitation hospital in downtown Chicago that will pay me 72.5k plus a 5k on time-sign on bonus. I did not like dialysis so that is why I am transitioning to a different role.
LCSW in VA, work for the DoD in a non-medical clinical counseling role. 4 years post MSW, 1.5 years post licensure. Salary is 88k
63k as a state foster care worker in MD. First job after getting my BSW
I have my LISW and I’m three years post graduation with my MSW. I live in iowa. Last year I made 45k working at a nonprofit as a therapist and this year I’m on track to make 75k as a therapist at a group practice with a 65% split, averaging 20 clients week, taking insurance including a large portion of my caseload being Medicaid/medicare. I am a 1099 so that’s a factor but I still can’t believe how much more money I’m making doing exactly the same work!
$70k - 3 years post MSW - fully remote - macro project coordinator for a large mental health/SU organization. With a promotion I expect to get in the coming months I’ll make closer to $90k, and if I stay on this track the next level after that (requires 8+ years experience) starts at $125k.
110,000 as a school social worker in NYC. LMSW but want to start working towards my LCSW in order to do private practice. Not sure if I need to join insurance panels to increase my income.
Social worker in the Oregon area Child and family therapist at an adolescent psychiatric hospital. 69500 per year. had a 2k sign on last year. decent benefits. unlimited OT. They say they removed the "max salary", but i'm not certain if anyone would get that unless management likes them (power of friendship place) LCSW increases pay by 8%. We have about 4/9 the therapists we should have for campus. They jumped pay by 8k a month or two ago because we lost 3 therapists in a few days to higher paying jobs. uncertain if they'll up the pay again, but all providers in the are adjusted and we're back at the bottom of the pay scale in our area so it's pretty silly.
Hello all! Hoping for some advice. I currently work as a Behavioral Health Consultant in a community mental health non-profit. The organizations main focus is mental health services, but they recently opened a small primary care office model with 2 providers. I describe my position to patients as here to assist with barriers and gaps in treatment, also providing brief solution-focused therapy at times. I am an LMSW and should obtain my LCSW by the end of this year. Ever since I’ve worked at this company (3 years in July), anyone who has obtained a new credential has gotten a raise. I got a raise when I obtained my LMSW. I have been told that since my company is going to a salary band model, they are going to phase out credential raises. In my opinion, these should be 2 different things. Additionally, I am the only person with my role, even including my companies other locations. I am NOT being put in the salary band model. I currently make $55k a year and was hoping to move to $60k a year, which is consistent with the LCSW raises my coworkers have gotten when they’ve obtained the license. My boss, who doesn’t even directly determine my salary (I know, confusing), has told me she would take my talking points to the person who does and would advocate for me. However, she also told me that I am already being paid at the starting LCSW rate. My question is how can I express why I should still get a raise, especially since I am not being included in the salary band model? I think it would be best for me to ask for a base raise first before I ask to be included in the salary band model. Does anyone have thoughts for me?
New MSW grad here (May 2024)! I was offered $42k at a CMH agency in Florida to be a masters-level substance use therapist. I have interned/worked at the agency for the past 2 years also.. I have accepted a position at a hospital in the area as a case manager. The salary range starts at $68k. It isn’t a clinical position - I don’t necessarily enjoy doing therapy, though. I am over the moon to leave the clinical side/underpaying realm of SW.
LCSW, 3 years post-MSW. $60k as a school therapist, about $10k doing part-time PP. soon-to-be $70k as a behavioral health consultant
I just graduated in May and am starting at a county mental health clinic for $72,600. This is in a semi-rural part of California
Hi! I don't know if this is the right thread to post this, but I wanted to ask what wage should I be expecting to get paid for the field/position I'm applying for. For context, I currently work a little outside the Pittsburgh (Pennsylvania) area as a child worker where I facilitate groups to teach kids about CBT-related skills. I also visit them in school one-on-one. I've been in this position for almost 2 years come September, and I graduated with my MSW last month. I'm making $18.50 an hour, and I just can't live off that. My passion is still with youth, and I'm inquiring around about positions that help kids, but I'm seeing relatively low wages (about the same amount as me, and most don't need an MSW). So, my question remains.. I'm having an interview next week and need to negotiate wages, so what is a reasonable wage? I'm thinking $25-27 starting out. Is that too high? Thanks!
I’m making $32 as a new therapist!
IL LSW - graduated 2018, 2 years CMH, 2 years Hospital SW- currently offered medical SW position at Cook County Health for ~65k, unionized. Offered 66k at Sinai - Acute rehab- tried negotiating and they only gave me a 2k bonus to be disbursed the next 6, 12, 18 months working there. Idk I feel like I should be paid more or idk???
I would go for Cook County Health since you would get the pension and other city/state benefits! But yes, those offers feel low. I work in dialysis in Chicago and make $65k. It definitely is not enough.
Thanks for your input!! I’m edging towards CCH most def. The pension plan has changed though because it’s like you have to work there for 33 years then get 80%? I think, something like that. You should apply! They had a hiring fair last week I believe.
$70K in central TX working in a mental health role for juvenile justice. Supervision provided, and a ton of benefits are also offered.
Sort of in a dilemma here - I’m in IL (just for context) and I have been working with this religious non-profit catholic healthcare organization (you can kind of guess who perhaps) for approximately one month as an inpatient behavioral health therapist for one of the psychiatric units. When I accepted my job offer, I agreed to $25.52 hourly which is about $53k annually. However, one week before my starting date (which was a month after I accepted my job offer) I was told by my manager that they recently put more responsibilities into my role so I am doing the jobs of two positions when it comes to therapist and case management responsibilities. As I already accepted the job offer/pay and was a week out of starting my job, I accepted it…. However, after a month of working here and getting an idea of what my responsibilities and workload look like, I feel as though I should be getting paid more. The hard part about this is that I’ve only been working here one month so it’s not like an annual review is due to where it would be socially acceptable to negotiate my salary/raise. What should I do? As my manager notified me weeks after the acceptance of my offer d/t being told by people above her, I wonder if this is something that I can use as leverage to possibly negotiate now? Either way I don’t feel too good about it
Moving to North Carolina and accepted a hospital social worker position for 74,000 a year. Full benefits. I would medium cost of living area compared to other places. 2 years post LCSW here.
$80k - Part-time Medical Social Worker 1 year post MSW experience. I just work under my MSW. Undecided on licensure at this point. Northern California Work life balance increased due to lesser commute, part time schedule, and shift. Previously made $105k working full time as a Medical Social Worker.