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Community & Social · North Carolina

How to Become a Healthcare Social Workers in North Carolina

Healthcare Social Workers in North Carolina earn a median salary of $65,140/year, which is 4% below the national average. North Carolina has a state income tax of ~4.5%. After taxes and rent, a healthcare social workers takes home approximately $2,861/month. Most positions require Master's degree.

$65K
Median salary in North Carolina
-4%
vs. national average
4.5%
State income tax
4,650
Employed in North Carolina

What a healthcare social workers can afford in North Carolina

Gross annual salary$65,140
Est. monthly take-home (after fed + 4.5% state tax)$4,273/mo
Median 2BR rent (North Carolina)-$1,412/mo
Rent as % of take-home33% (above 30% guideline)
Cost-of-living adjusted salary$65,140/yr (RPP: 100)
Monthly remaining after rent$2,861/mo

Becoming a healthcare social workers in North Carolina

1

Meet education requirements

Healthcare Social Workers positions in North Carolina typically require Master's degree. Programs are available at colleges and training institutions across North Carolina. Research accredited programs in your area.

2

Gain required experience

Many healthcare social workers positions in North Carolina require hands-on experience through internships, apprenticeships, or entry-level roles. Look for training programs and mentorship opportunities in your metro area.

3

Obtain North Carolina licensure or certification

North Carolina may require specific licensing or professional certification for healthcare social workerss. Requirements vary by state — contact the North Carolina Department of Labor or relevant licensing board for current requirements, exam schedules, and application procedures.

4

Find positions in North Carolina

North Carolina employs 4,650 healthcare social workers. The highest concentrations are in Durham-Chapel Hill and Raleigh-Cary.

Healthcare Social Workers salary by metro area in North Carolina

Metro areaMedianHourlyEmployment
Durham-Chapel Hill$77K$37.24/hr500
Raleigh-Cary$69K$32.94/hr590
Goldsboro$67K$32.31/hr60
Winston-Salem$67K$32.28/hr350
Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia$67K$32.14/hr1,100
Asheville$63K$30.37/hr300
Greensboro-High Point$62K$29.93/hr290
Wilmington$62K$29.72/hr180
Greenville$62K$29.58/hr50
Burlington$61K$29.38/hr60
Fayetteville$61K$29.28/hr120
Rocky Mount$60K$28.93/hr80
Pinehurst-Southern Pines$60K$28.77/hr40
Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton$60K$28.67/hr160
Jacksonville$59K$28.17/hr30

Healthcare Social Workers salary range in North Carolina

10th percentile (entry)
$46K
25th percentile
$57K
Median (50th)
$65K
75th percentile
$77K
90th percentile (senior)
$85K
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Healthcare Social Workers careers in other states

Frequently asked questions

How much does a healthcare social workers make in North Carolina?

The median healthcare social workers salary in North Carolina is $65,140 per year ($31.32/hr). This is 4% below the national median of $68,090. Salaries range from $45,880 to $84,870.

What are the requirements to become a healthcare social workers in North Carolina?

Healthcare Social Workers positions in North Carolina typically require Master's degree. North Carolina may have specific licensing or certification requirements. Check with the North Carolina licensing board or department of labor for current requirements.

Can a healthcare social workers afford to live in North Carolina?

At the median salary of $65,140, a healthcare social workers in North Carolina would take home approximately $4,273/month after taxes. With median 2-bedroom rent at $1,412/month, that's 33% of take-home pay going to housing. This exceeds the recommended 30% guideline.

What are the best cities for healthcare social workers in North Carolina?

The highest paying metro areas for healthcare social workers in North Carolina are Durham-Chapel Hill ($77,460), Raleigh-Cary ($68,520), Goldsboro ($67,210). However, cost of living varies significantly between metros — a higher salary may not mean more purchasing power.

Does North Carolina have state income tax for healthcare social workers?

Yes, North Carolina has a state income tax rate of approximately 4.5%. On a $65,140 salary, this means roughly $2,931/year in state income tax. Use our take-home pay calculator for a detailed breakdown.