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Hiring a social worker: the market today

The short answer ·

807 open postings ask for a social worker as of Sep 25, 2026, from 127 employers. The median advertised minimum is $76,804. 411 of those postings are new in the last 30 days, so expect competition.

807open postings
127employers hiring
$76,804median advertised minimum
411new in 30 days

Who you're competing with

Veterans Health Administration229
California Correctional Health Care Services68
State of Michigan46
State of Hawaii33
Military Treatment Facilities under DHA26

Open postings · Ayla, 2026-09-25

What it pays

Lower quartile$66,893
Median$76,804
Upper quartile$102,024
Federal average, series 0185$112,201

Advertised minimum, 635 postings with pay · OPM actual pay, Jul 2026

Questions buyers ask

How hard is it to hire a social worker?

Hard. 127 employers are hiring the role right now, led by Veterans Health Administration with 229 open postings.

What should I pay a social worker?

Advertised minimums center on $76,804. Federal staff in series 0185 average $112,201 in actual pay.