verified BLS-Verified Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) May 2025 release

Social Worker Salary in District of Columbia

Median Annual in District of Columbia
$73,550/yr
Median Hourly Wage
$35.36/hr
▲ 24% above U.S. median

Salary Distribution in District of Columbia

groups Employed in DC
2,430
public U.S. Median
$59,550
savings Real pay (cost-adjusted)
$66,924 #11 of 51

Social Worker pay in District of Columbia, explained

Social workers in District of Columbia earn a median of $73,550 per year ($35.36 per hour), which is 24% above the national median of $59,550. Entry-level workers earn around $53,020, while the most experienced social workers reach about $113,440. Pay varies by employer, setting, and metro area within District of Columbia.

Is $73,550 good pay in District of Columbia?

Adjusted for District of Columbia's cost of living (which runs 110% of the U.S. average), that $73,550 is worth about $66,924 in national buying power — ranking District of Columbia #11 for real pay (vs #6 on the sticker number).

See the full Social Worker Real Pay Index arrow_forward

Social Worker pay by experience in District of Columbia

Entry level (10th pct)
$53,020
$25.49/hr
Median
Mid-career (50th pct)
$73,550
$35.36/hr
Experienced (90th pct)
$113,440
$54.54/hr

Social Worker pay in neighboring states

StateMedian / yrReal payvs DC
District of Columbia (here) $73,550 $66,924
Maryland $76,390 $72,781 −$2,840
Virginia $61,330 $60,660 +$12,220

Social Worker in District of Columbia: FAQ

How much do social workers make in District of Columbia?

Social workers in District of Columbia earn a median of $73,550 per year ($35.36 per hour), compared with $59,550 nationally.

Does District of Columbia pay social workers well?

At $73,550, District of Columbia pays 24% above the national median for social workers. An estimated 2,430 work in the state.

Social Worker salary in other states

All 51 states ranked arrow_forward

Related careers in District of Columbia