Social Worker Salary in Virginia
Social Worker pay in Virginia, explained
Social workers in Virginia earn a median of $61,330 per year ($29.49 per hour), which is 3% above the national median of $59,550. Entry-level workers earn around $45,060, while the most experienced social workers reach about $95,360. Pay varies by employer, setting, and metro area within Virginia.
Is $61,330 good pay in Virginia?
Adjusted for Virginia's cost of living (which runs 101% of the U.S. average), that $61,330 is worth about $60,660 in national buying power — ranking Virginia #28 for real pay (vs #20 on the sticker number).
Social Worker pay by experience in Virginia
Social Worker pay in neighboring states
| State | Median / yr | Real pay | vs VA |
|---|---|---|---|
| Virginia (here) | $61,330 | $60,660 | — |
| Maryland | $76,390 | $72,781 | −$15,060 |
| District of Columbia | $73,550 | $66,924 | −$12,220 |
| North Carolina | $59,610 | $63,196 | +$1,720 |
| Kentucky | $59,100 | $65,551 | +$2,230 |
| Tennessee | $56,310 | $61,293 | +$5,020 |
| West Virginia | $52,220 | $58,348 | +$9,110 |
Social Worker in Virginia: FAQ
How much do social workers make in Virginia?
Social workers in Virginia earn a median of $61,330 per year ($29.49 per hour), compared with $59,550 nationally.
Does Virginia pay social workers well?
At $61,330, Virginia pays 3% above the national median for social workers. An estimated 9,410 work in the state.