Social Worker Salary in Tennessee
Social Worker pay in Tennessee, explained
Social workers in Tennessee earn a median of $56,310 per year ($27.07 per hour), which is 5% below the national median of $59,550. Entry-level workers earn around $39,650, while the most experienced social workers reach about $77,230. Pay varies by employer, setting, and metro area within Tennessee.
Is $56,310 good pay in Tennessee?
Adjusted for Tennessee's cost of living (which runs 92% of the U.S. average), that $56,310 is worth about $61,293 in national buying power — ranking Tennessee #23 for real pay (vs #31 on the sticker number).
Social Worker pay by experience in Tennessee
Social Worker pay in neighboring states
| State | Median / yr | Real pay | vs TN |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tennessee (here) | $56,310 | $61,293 | — |
| Virginia | $61,330 | $60,660 | −$5,020 |
| North Carolina | $59,610 | $63,196 | −$3,300 |
| Kentucky | $59,100 | $65,551 | −$2,790 |
| Missouri | $48,520 | $53,426 | +$7,790 |
| Georgia | $47,510 | $49,339 | +$8,800 |
| Alabama | $46,660 | $52,531 | +$9,650 |
| Mississippi | $46,530 | $53,512 | +$9,780 |
| Arkansas | $43,330 | $49,841 | +$12,980 |
Social Worker in Tennessee: FAQ
How much do social workers make in Tennessee?
Social workers in Tennessee earn a median of $56,310 per year ($27.07 per hour), compared with $59,550 nationally.
Does Tennessee pay social workers well?
At $56,310, Tennessee pays 5% below the national median for social workers. An estimated 7,870 work in the state.