Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers Salary in Tennessee
The median pay for a mental health and substance abuse social workers in Tennessee is $48,760/year ($23.44/hour), per BLS data. The range runs from $38K at the entry level to $73K for experienced workers.
Statewide average. Salary and cost of living vary significantly across Tennessee. Jump to a metro for precise data:
So what does $49K get you in Tennessee?
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Compensation breakdown
Annual earnings by percentile, Tennessee
Entry-level mental health and substance abuse social workers (10th percentile) start around $38K. Mid-career wages sit at $49K. Top earners bring in $73K or more, a $34K spread from bottom to top.
Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers salary by metro in Tennessee
8 metro areas with BLS data, ranked by median pay
| Metro area | Median salary | vs. state | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Knoxville | $51K | +4% | 300 |
| Chattanooga | $50K | +3% | 120 |
| Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin | $50K | +2% | 720 |
| Memphis | $49K | +1% | 320 |
| Kingsport-Bristol | $49K | -1% | 70 |
| Johnson City | $47K | -4% | 80 |
| Clarksville | $47K | -5% | 110 |
| Jackson | $42K | -14% | 90 |
Compare to other states
Track mental health and substance abuse social workers salary changes
BLS updates this data quarterly. We'll email you when Tennessee numbers change.
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Frequently asked questions
How much do mental health and substance abuse social workers make in Tennessee?
The median is $48,760 a year, that works out to about $23 an hour. But the range is wide: entry-level workers start around $38,480, and experienced mental health and substance abuse social workers can clear $72,660. These are BLS numbers, based on employer-reported data, not self-reported surveys.
Is $49K enough to live in Tennessee?
On that salary, you'd take home roughly $3,435/month after taxes. A 2-bedroom here rents for about $1,215/month, which eats 35.4% 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 Tennessee?
Tennessee has a Regional Price Parity of 100 (100 is the national average). That's right at the national average. After cost-of-living adjustment, the median mental health and substance abuse social workers salary is worth about $54,311 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.