📊 BLS Official Data · May 2025 Release

Mental Health Social Worker Salary in District of Columbia (2026)

District of Columbia · 52.0% above national average · Very High Demand

Average
$88,738
per year
Median
$85,424
per year
Hourly
$42.66
per hour
🏛️ Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
📅 Dataset: OES May 2025
🔄 Published: May 2026
📍 Coverage: All 50 States + DC
📊
Salary Range & Percentiles
Pay distribution across experience levels
10th Percentile — Entry Level$59,004
25th Percentile — Junior$74,435
50th Percentile — Median$85,424
75th Percentile — Senior$109,154
90th Percentile — Top Earners$121,717
💡 Top-earning Mental Health Social Workers in District of Columbia make up to $121,717 per year. The job market in District of Columbia is rated very strong, with key industries including Government, Finance, Technology.
📈
Salary Growth Trend (2021–2026)
Six-year compensation trajectory
$71.2k
2021
$74.4k
2022
$77.8k
2023
$81.3k
2024
$84.9k
2025
$88.7k
2026
📈 Mental Health Social Worker salaries in District of Columbia have followed the national trend with 4.5% annual growth. The strong demand in District of Columbia's job market supports continued salary increases.
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Mental Health Social Worker Salary by City in District of Columbia
Geographic salary comparison
CityAvg Salaryvs NationalDemand
Washington $134,882 +52.0% Very High
🔍
Mental Health Social Worker Job Market in District of Columbia
Key factors affecting compensation

District of Columbia is home to a very strong job market for Mental Health Social Workers. The state's key industries — Government, Finance, Technology — generate significant demand for skilled professionals. At $88,738 per year, District of Columbia's Mental Health Social Worker salaries are 52.0% higher than the national average.

The cost of living in District of Columbia (index: 1.52) justifies the higher pay scale. Entry-level professionals in District of Columbia can expect to earn $59,004–$74,435, while experienced Mental Health Social Workers can command $109,154–$121,717.

Looking ahead, the Mental Health Social Worker profession in District of Columbia is projected to grow at 4.5% annually. Major employers are actively hiring, and the state's investment in Government continues to drive new opportunities for qualified candidates.

🏛️ U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OES) · May 2025
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Compare with Similar Jobs
Related career salary benchmarks
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about this salary
  • The average Mental Health Social Worker salary in District of Columbia is $88,738 per year in 2026, which is 52.0% above the national average of $58,380.
  • Major metro areas typically pay Mental Health Social Workers the highest wages in District of Columbia due to higher costs of living and competitive job markets.
  • District of Columbia has a very strong job market with major industries in Government, Finance, Technology. This makes it one of the better states for Mental Health Social Worker employment.
  • At $88,738/year, District of Columbia Mental Health Social Worker salaries are 52.0% higher than the national average of $58,380/year.