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Social Worker Salary in Houston, TX

How much does a social worker make in Houston? Explore median, entry-level, and senior salaries adjusted for Houston's cost of living.

Median Salary
$50,710
per year in Houston
Entry Level
$30,789
Starting salary
Senior Level
$70,631
Experienced professionals
Cost of Living
99
1% below national avg

Salary Breakdown by Experience Level

See how social worker salaries break down across different pay periods in Houston.

PeriodEntry LevelMedianSenior
Annual$30,789$50,710$70,631
Monthly$2,566$4,226$5,886
Biweekly$1,184$1,950$2,717
Weekly$592$975$1,358
Hourly$15$24$34

Houston vs National Average

How Houston's social worker salaries compare to national figures.

Houston Salary
$50,710
COL Index: 99
National Average
$67,560
COL Index: 100
Difference
-$16,850
Lower in Houston

Cost of Living in Houston

1-Bedroom Rent
$1,400
per month
Median Income
$56,203
per year
Population
2,320,268
residents
Rent % of Income
29.9%
median household
Cost of Living Index: 99 — A score of 100 represents the U.S. average. Salaries in Houston have been adjusted to account for local cost differences.

About Social Worker

Overview

Help individuals and families address social and personal issues.

Education

Bachelor's degree in Social Work; Master's degree often required

Key Skills

CounselingCase ManagementCommunicationProblem Solving

Growth Rate

Expected job growth: +14% over the next decade

Compare Cities: Social Worker Salary

See Social Worker salaries in other top cities.

New York, NY
$72,750
+43%
Los Angeles, CA
$76,600
+51%
Chicago, IL
$64,600
+27%
Phoenix, AZ
$50,150
-1%
Philadelphia, PA
$57,580
+14%

Financial Tools to Explore

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Social Worker Salary in Houston, TX — Complete Guide

Median Salary Overview

The median salary for a social worker in Houston, TX is $50,710 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 99. This figure reflects typical earnings for experienced professionals in this role, considering Houston's unique economic conditions.

Salary Range and Experience Levels

Entry-level social worker professionals in Houston can expect to earn around $30,789 annually. As professionals gain experience, salaries typically increase, with senior-level social workers earning approximately $70,631 per year. This represents a 129% increase from entry to senior level.

Cost of Living Adjustment

Houston's cost of living index of 99 significantly impacts salary comparisons. As a lower cost-of-living city, salaries in Houston are adjusted accordingly. This means that while the nominal salary may appear higher or lower than the national average of $67,560, the actual purchasing power must be considered in context.

Housing and Affordability

A significant portion of a social worker's salary in Houston typically goes toward housing. With a 1-bedroom apartment averaging $1,400 per month, housing represents about 33.1% of median salary. Financial experts generally recommend keeping housing expenses below 30% of gross income.

Career Growth and Opportunities

Social Workers are in growing demand across the United States, with an expected job growth of 14% over the next decade. In Houston, this translates to increasing opportunities and potential for salary growth as demand for experienced professionals continues to rise.

Source: BLS OEWS May 2024Metro-level wage data for this occupation and area
Data source: Salary data on this page are sourced from Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) program May 2024 estimates. Figures are approximate and intended for informational purposes only. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, education, certifications, and local market conditions. This page does not constitute financial or career advice. For the most current wage data, visit bls.gov.