Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers Pay Range in Washington
Pay distribution across experience levels
- 10th Percentile — Entry Level$46,790
- 25th Percentile — Junior$56,050
- 50th Percentile — Median$70,460
- 75th Percentile — Senior$84,500
- 90th Percentile — Top Earners$102,680
Half of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers in Washington earn more than $70,460. The top 10% make $102,680 or more, while entry-level workers start around $46,790.
Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers in Washington: Key Facts
Source: BLS OEWS May 2025
- Washington ranks 12th of 51 states for Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers pay, at $71,710 per year (5.4% above the U.S. average of $68,030).
- 3,490 people work as Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers in Washington — 2.6% of all U.S. Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers jobs.
- Location quotient 1.15: Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers jobs are more concentrated in Washington than in the U.S. overall.
- Pay range: the lowest-paid 10% earn under $46,790; the top 10% earn over $102,680.
- Hourly equivalent: $34.48 per hour (2,080 hours/year).
- The highest-paying state is California at $91,050.
- Among social services jobs in Washington, Educational Guidance and Career Counselors pays the most ($87,680).
Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers Job Market in Washington
Key factors affecting compensation
Washington's key industries are Technology, Aerospace, Agriculture, and its job market is rated very strong. Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers here earn $71,710 on average, placing the state 12th nationally.
With a cost-of-living index of 1.25 (U.S. = 1.00), a Washington salary of $71,710 is roughly equivalent to $57,368 at the national average cost of living.
Compared with nearby states in the pay ranking, Minnesota ($74,420), Oregon ($73,050), Maryland ($72,980) are the closest alternatives for Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers weighing a move.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OES) · May 2025
Other Social Services Jobs in Washington
Related career salary benchmarks
- Educational Guidance and Career Counselors $87,680/yr Washington +22.3% vs this role
- Healthcare Social Workers $81,040/yr Washington +13.0% vs this role
- Health Education Specialists $77,130/yr Washington +7.6% vs this role
- Mental Health Counselors $75,020/yr Washington +4.6% vs this role
- Child Family and School Social Workers $74,100/yr Washington +3.3% vs this role
- Marriage and Family Therapists $68,080/yr Washington 5.1% vs this role
- Rehabilitation Counselors $62,270/yr Washington 13.2% vs this role
- Community Health Workers $59,800/yr Washington 16.6% vs this role
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about this salary
What is the average Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers salary in Washington?
The average Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers salary in Washington is $71,710 per year (median $70,460), which is 5.4% above the national average of $68,030.
How does Washington rank for Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers pay?
Washington ranks 12th out of 51 states. The highest-paying state is California ($91,050/yr).
How much do entry-level Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers make in Washington?
The lowest-paid 10% of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers in Washington earn about $46,790 per year and the 25th percentile is $56,050.
How much do Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers make per hour in Washington?
About $34.48 per hour, based on the $71,710 annual average and 2,080 working hours per year.
How many Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers work in Washington?
BLS counts 3,490 Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers jobs in Washington (OEWS May 2025).
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