Hiring a social worker: the market today
The short answer ·
872 open postings ask for a social worker as of Nov 11, 2026, from 160 employers. The median advertised pay is $92,483, taking the midpoint of each posted range. 459 of those postings are new in the last 30 days, so expect competition.
Who you're competing with
Open postings · Ayla, Nov 11, 2026
What it pays
Advertised pay (range midpoints), 650 postings with pay · OPM actual pay, Sep 2026
Questions buyers ask
How hard is it to hire a social worker?
Hard. 160 employers are hiring the role right now, led by Veterans Health Administration with 175 open postings.
What should I pay a social worker?
Advertised pay centers on $92,483. Federal staff in series 0185 average $110,155 in actual pay.
Where is a social worker being hired?
As of Nov 11, 2026, the most open postings for the role are in California (161), New York (56) and Florida (55). Together they hold 31% of its 872 open postings.
Who can help me hire a social worker?
Ayla's recruiters, for government agencies and contractors. Send the role for a free market brief within two business days, then interview the people we find; you pay a placement fee when you hire.