Social Worker Salary in North Carolina
Social Worker pay in North Carolina, explained
Social workers in North Carolina earn a median of $59,610 per year ($28.66 per hour), in line with the national median of $59,550. Entry-level workers earn around $42,870, while the most experienced social workers reach about $76,950. Pay varies by employer, setting, and metro area within North Carolina.
Is $59,610 good pay in North Carolina?
Adjusted for North Carolina's cost of living (which runs 94% of the U.S. average), that $59,610 is worth about $63,196 in national buying power — ranking North Carolina #16 for real pay (vs #23 on the sticker number).
Social Worker pay by experience in North Carolina
Social Worker pay in neighboring states
| State | Median / yr | Real pay | vs NC |
|---|---|---|---|
| North Carolina (here) | $59,610 | $63,196 | — |
| Virginia | $61,330 | $60,660 | −$1,720 |
| Tennessee | $56,310 | $61,293 | +$3,300 |
| South Carolina | $51,800 | $55,254 | +$7,810 |
| Georgia | $47,510 | $49,339 | +$12,100 |
Social Worker in North Carolina: FAQ
How much do social workers make in North Carolina?
Social workers in North Carolina earn a median of $59,610 per year ($28.66 per hour), compared with $59,550 nationally.
Does North Carolina pay social workers well?
At $59,610, North Carolina pays about the same as the national median for social workers. An estimated 13,010 work in the state.