Hiring a social worker: the market today
The short answer ·
741 open postings ask for a social worker as of Oct 8, 2026, from 141 employers. The median advertised pay is $91,303, taking the midpoint of each posted range. 385 of those postings are new in the last 30 days, so expect competition.
741open postings
141employers hiring
$91,303median advertised pay
385new in 30 days
Who you're competing with
Open postings · Ayla, 2026-10-08
What it pays
Advertised pay (range midpoints), 588 postings with pay · OPM actual pay, Aug 2026
Questions buyers ask
How hard is it to hire a social worker?
Hard. 141 employers are hiring the role right now, led by Veterans Health Administration with 136 open postings.
What should I pay a social worker?
Advertised pay centers on $91,303. Federal staff in series 0185 average $111,341 in actual pay.