📊 BLS Official Data · May 2025 Release

Mental Health Social Worker Salary in North Carolina (2026)

North Carolina · 9.0% below national average · Very High Demand

Average
$53,126
per year
Median
$51,142
per year
Hourly
$25.54
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$35,325
25th Percentile — Junior$44,563
50th Percentile — Median$51,142
75th Percentile — Senior$65,349
90th Percentile — Top Earners$72,870
💡 Top-earning Mental Health Social Workers in North Carolina make up to $72,870 per year. The job market in North Carolina is rated strong, with key industries including Technology, Finance, Agriculture.
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Salary Growth Trend (2021–2026)
Six-year compensation trajectory
$42.6k
2021
$44.5k
2022
$46.6k
2023
$48.6k
2024
$50.8k
2025
$53.1k
2026
📈 Mental Health Social Worker salaries in North Carolina have followed the national trend with 4.5% annual growth. The strong demand in North Carolina's job market supports continued salary increases.
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Mental Health Social Worker Salary by City in North Carolina
Geographic salary comparison
CityAvg Salaryvs NationalDemand
Charlotte $51,001 -4.0% Very High
Raleigh $52,063 -2.0% Very High
Greensboro $47,813 -10.0% Very High
Durham $51,532 -3.0% Very High
Winston-Salem $46,220 -13.0% Very High
🔍
Mental Health Social Worker Job Market in North Carolina
Key factors affecting compensation

North Carolina is home to a strong job market for Mental Health Social Workers. The state's key industries — Technology, Finance, Agriculture — generate significant demand for skilled professionals. At $53,126 per year, North Carolina's Mental Health Social Worker salaries are 9.0% lower than the national average.

The cost of living in North Carolina (index: 0.91) makes salaries stretch further than in higher-cost states. Entry-level professionals in North Carolina can expect to earn $35,325–$44,563, while experienced Mental Health Social Workers can command $65,349–$72,870.

Looking ahead, the Mental Health Social Worker profession in North Carolina is projected to grow at 4.5% annually. Major employers are actively hiring, and the state's investment in Technology 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
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about this salary
  • The average Mental Health Social Worker salary in North Carolina is $53,126 per year in 2026, which is 9.0% below the national average of $58,380.
  • Major metro areas typically pay Mental Health Social Workers the highest wages in North Carolina due to higher costs of living and competitive job markets.
  • North Carolina has a strong job market with major industries in Technology, Finance, Agriculture. This makes it one of the better states for Mental Health Social Worker employment.
  • At $53,126/year, North Carolina Mental Health Social Worker salaries are 9.0% lower than the national average of $58,380/year.