Social Worker Salary in Missouri
Social Worker pay in Missouri, explained
Social workers in Missouri earn a median of $48,520 per year ($23.33 per hour), which is 19% below the national median of $59,550. Entry-level workers earn around $37,200, while the most experienced social workers reach about $65,230. Pay varies by employer, setting, and metro area within Missouri.
Is $48,520 good pay in Missouri?
Adjusted for Missouri's cost of living (which runs 91% of the U.S. average), that $48,520 is worth about $53,426 in national buying power — ranking Missouri #42 for real pay (vs #45 on the sticker number).
Social Worker pay by experience in Missouri
Social Worker pay in neighboring states
| State | Median / yr | Real pay | vs MO |
|---|---|---|---|
| Missouri (here) | $48,520 | $53,426 | — |
| Illinois | $63,220 | $63,247 | −$14,700 |
| Kentucky | $59,100 | $65,551 | −$10,580 |
| Tennessee | $56,310 | $61,293 | −$7,790 |
| Kansas | $54,300 | $60,288 | −$5,780 |
| Iowa | $52,250 | $59,536 | −$3,730 |
| Nebraska | $47,770 | $53,017 | +$750 |
| Oklahoma | $43,950 | $50,032 | +$4,570 |
| Arkansas | $43,330 | $49,841 | +$5,190 |
Social Worker in Missouri: FAQ
How much do social workers make in Missouri?
Social workers in Missouri earn a median of $48,520 per year ($23.33 per hour), compared with $59,550 nationally.
Does Missouri pay social workers well?
At $48,520, Missouri pays 19% below the national median for social workers. An estimated 9,620 work in the state.