Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers Salary in Washington
The median pay for a mental health and substance abuse social workers in Washington is $69,060/year ($33.2/hour), per BLS data. The range runs from $45K at the entry level to $104K for experienced workers.
AffordMap analysis of BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (latest release, May 2024)
So what does $69K get you in Washington?
About mental health and substance abuse social workers
Compensation breakdown
Annual earnings by percentile, Washington
Entry-level mental health and substance abuse social workers (10th percentile) start around $45K. Mid-career wages sit at $69K.Top earners bring in $104K or more - a $59K 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 Washington numbers change.
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Frequently asked questions
How much do mental health and substance abuse social workers make in Washington?
The median is $69,060 a year - that works out to about $33.2 an hour. The range is wide: entry-level workers start around $45,000, and experienced mental health and substance abuse social workers can clear $104,430. These are BLS numbers, based on employer-reported data, not self-reported surveys.
Is $69K enough to live in Washington?
On that salary, you'd take home roughly $4,748/month after taxes. A 2-bedroom in this state rents for about $1,550/month (median of metro areas), which eats 32.6% 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 Washington?
Washington 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 $69,060 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.