Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers Salary in Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA
The median pay for a mental health and substance abuse social workers in Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA is $83,710/year ($40.24/hour), per BLS data. The range runs from $48K at the entry level to $141K for experienced workers. Prices run high here (RPP 106.44), so that salary is closer to $78,645 in real purchasing power. A 2-bedroom apartment runs $2,201/month — about 41.9% of take-home, which is tight.
AffordMap analysis of BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (latest release, May 2024)
So what does $84K get you in Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario?
About mental health and substance abuse social workers
Compensation breakdown
Annual earnings by percentile, Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA
Entry-level mental health and substance abuse social workers (10th percentile) start around $48K. Mid-career wages sit at $84K.Top earners bring in $141K or more - a $93K spread from bottom to top.
Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers pay across states
Median income ranked highest to lowest, compared to the national figure
| State | Median salary | vs. national | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| New York | $80K | +34% | 14,180 |
| Connecticut | $79K | +31% | 1,350 |
| Minnesota | $77K | +28% | 3,430 |
| California | $75K | +25% | 18,020 |
| District of Columbia | $73K | +21% | 640 |
| Oregon | $72K | +20% | 2,160 |
| New Jersey | $70K | +17% | 3,140 |
| Hawaii | $70K | +17% | 410 |
| Vermont | $70K | +16% | 370 |
| Washington | $69K | +15% | 3,490 |
| Maine | $68K | +13% | 1,120 |
| New Mexico | $66K | +9% | 620 |
| Massachusetts | $65K | +8% | 6,790 |
| New Hampshire | $64K | +6% | 460 |
| Virginia | $64K | +6% | 3,130 |
Track mental health and substance abuse social workers salary changes
BLS updates this data quarterly. We'll email you when Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario numbers change.
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Frequently asked questions
How much do mental health and substance abuse social workers make in Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA?
The median is $83,710 a year - that works out to about $40.24 an hour. The range is wide: entry-level workers start around $47,620, and experienced mental health and substance abuse social workers can clear $140,570. These are BLS numbers, based on employer-reported data, not self-reported surveys.
Is $84K enough to live in Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario?
On that salary, you'd take home roughly $5,279/month after taxes. A 2-bedroom here rents for about $2,201/month (HUD Fair Market Rent), which eats 41.7% of your paycheck. That's above the 30% rule of thumb - housing will be a stretch at the median salary, though you can manage with roommates or a smaller place.
How far does a mental health and substance abuse social workers salary go in Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario?
Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario has a Regional Price Parity of 106.44 (100 is the national average). Prices are above average here, so your dollar buys less than the same salary would in a cheaper metro. After cost-of-living adjustment, the median mental health and substance abuse social workers salary is worth about $78,645 in national-average purchasing power.
Where do mental health and substance abuse social workers get paid the most?
The table above ranks every state by median pay for this role. Keep in mind that the highest-paying states tend to have the highest costs of living, so the top salary doesn't always mean the most money in your pocket.