How to Become a Healthcare Social Workers in Virginia
Healthcare Social Workers in Virginia earn a median salary of $64,200/year, which is 6% below the national average. Virginia has a state income tax of ~4.9%. After taxes and rent, a healthcare social workers takes home approximately $2,786/month. Most positions require Master's degree.
What a healthcare social workers can afford in Virginia
Becoming a healthcare social workers in Virginia
Meet education requirements
Healthcare Social Workers positions in Virginia typically require Master's degree. Programs are available at colleges and training institutions across Virginia. Research accredited programs in your area.
Gain required experience
Many healthcare social workers positions in Virginia require hands-on experience through internships, apprenticeships, or entry-level roles. Look for training programs and mentorship opportunities in your metro area.
Obtain Virginia licensure or certification
Virginia may require specific licensing or professional certification for healthcare social workerss. Requirements vary by state — contact the Virginia Department of Labor or relevant licensing board for current requirements, exam schedules, and application procedures.
Find positions in Virginia
Virginia employs 2,680 healthcare social workers. The highest concentrations are in Charlottesville and Harrisonburg.
Healthcare Social Workers salary by metro area in Virginia
| Metro area | Median | Hourly | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Charlottesville | $68K | $32.6/hr | 150 |
| Harrisonburg | $66K | $31.56/hr | 30 |
| Richmond | $65K | $31.13/hr | 470 |
| Blacksburg-Christiansburg-Radford | $61K | $29.56/hr | 40 |
| Virginia Beach-Chesapeake-Norfolk | $61K | $29.56/hr | 510 |
| Lynchburg | $61K | $29.31/hr | 90 |
| Winchester | $61K | $29.28/hr | 70 |
| Roanoke | $61K | $29.19/hr | 160 |
Healthcare Social Workers salary range in Virginia
Healthcare Social Workers careers in other states
Frequently asked questions
How much does a healthcare social workers make in Virginia?▼
The median healthcare social workers salary in Virginia is $64,200 per year ($30.86/hr). This is 6% below the national median of $68,090. Salaries range from $46,580 to $89,380.
What are the requirements to become a healthcare social workers in Virginia?▼
Healthcare Social Workers positions in Virginia typically require Master's degree. Virginia may have specific licensing or certification requirements. Check with the Virginia licensing board or department of labor for current requirements.
Can a healthcare social workers afford to live in Virginia?▼
At the median salary of $64,200, a healthcare social workers in Virginia would take home approximately $4,198/month after taxes. With median 2-bedroom rent at $1,412/month, that's 33.6% of take-home pay going to housing. This exceeds the recommended 30% guideline.
What are the best cities for healthcare social workers in Virginia?▼
The highest paying metro areas for healthcare social workers in Virginia are Charlottesville ($67,810), Harrisonburg ($65,640), Richmond ($64,750). However, cost of living varies significantly between metros — a higher salary may not mean more purchasing power.
Does Virginia have state income tax for healthcare social workers?▼
Yes, Virginia has a state income tax rate of approximately 4.9%. On a $64,200 salary, this means roughly $3,175/year in state income tax. Use our take-home pay calculator for a detailed breakdown.