Pay, demand and where to work, from BLS data with the year on every table.
low → high: location quotient
Click a state. States: Alabama · Alaska · Arizona · Arkansas · California · Colorado · Connecticut · Delaware · District of Columbia · Florida · Georgia · Hawaii · Idaho · Illinois · Indiana · Iowa · Kansas · Kentucky · Louisiana · Maine · Maryland · Massachusetts · Michigan · Minnesota · Mississippi · Missouri · Montana · Nebraska · Nevada · New Hampshire · New Jersey · New Mexico · New York · North Carolina · North Dakota · Ohio · Oklahoma · Oregon · Pennsylvania · Rhode Island · South Carolina · South Dakota · Tennessee · Texas · Utah · Vermont · Virginia · Washington · West Virginia · Wisconsin · Wyoming.
By AtiveSite · Published 07/11/2026 · Updated 07/11/2026 · Every figure is linked to its source below.
Child, family, and school social workers (SOC 21-1021) employed 392,550 people in May 2025. The median pay is $59,550 a year ($28.63 an hour); the lowest-paid 10% earn under $42,280 and the highest-paid 10% more than $95,530. BLS projects its employment to change by +4.4% between 2025 and 2035 (about 33,900 openings a year including replacements). The typical way in: Bachelor's degree.
Highest median pay: Connecticut ($78,970), Maryland ($76,390), New Jersey ($76,280). Most jobs: California (60,310), New York (30,170), Texas (21,670).
| Measure ⇅ | Annual ⇅ | Hourly equivalent ⇅ |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $42,280 | $20.33 |
| 25th percentile | $48,270 | $23.21 |
| Median | $59,550 | $28.63 |
| Mean | $64,000 | $30.77 |
| 75th percentile | $76,070 | $36.57 |
| 90th percentile (experienced) | $95,530 | $45.93 |
Estimate for a wage earner: 2026 federal brackets and standard deduction (IRS), Social Security 6.2% up to $184,500, Medicare 1.45% (+0.9% above $200,000 single / $250,000 married), and a state rate you set. It ignores credits, pre-tax deductions, local taxes and benefits. Sources: IRS: tax year 2026 inflation adjustments · SSA wage base per Federal Register notice 2025-19763.
Hourly equivalents divide by 2,080 hours. Pay above $239,200 is shown as "≥ $239,200" (BLS top code).
| Measure ⇅ | Value ⇅ |
|---|---|
| Jobs 2025 | 405,100 |
| Jobs 2035 (projected) | 422,900 |
| Change in jobs | 17,800 |
| Percent change | +4.4% |
| Openings a year (growth + replacements) | 33,900 |
| Self-employed share | n/a |
| Typical entry education | Bachelor's degree |
| Work experience in a related occupation | None |
| Typical on-the-job training | None |
Licences and certifications are set by states and employers; the education shown is the usual entry requirement, not a legal one.
| State ⇅ | Jobs ⇅ | Location quotient ⇅ | Median pay ⇅ | Entry (10th pct.) ⇅ | Top (90th pct.) ⇅ | Median vs US ⇅ | Yearly rent as % of median pay ⇅ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | 4,220 | 0.79 | $46,660 | $37,780 | $72,490 | -22% | 28% |
| Alaska | 1,260 | 1.53 | $62,630 | $45,330 | $91,240 | +5% | 28% |
| Arizona | 7,560 | 0.92 | $50,150 | $40,420 | $65,900 | -16% | 40% |
| Arkansas | 1,150 | 0.35 | $43,330 | $36,070 | $59,470 | -27% | 27% |
| California | 60,310 | 1.31 | $65,200 | $45,360 | $103,050 | +9% | 39% |
| Colorado | 8,200 | 1.13 | $63,720 | $45,980 | $102,990 | +7% | 34% |
| Connecticut | 5,230 | 1.22 | $78,970 | $48,660 | $109,980 | +33% | 24% |
| Delaware | 910 | 0.74 | $48,520 | $44,440 | $73,580 | -19% | 38% |
| District of Columbia | 2,430 | 1.37 | $73,550 | $53,020 | $113,440 | +24% | 32% |
| Florida | 14,000 | 0.56 | $56,550 | $39,760 | $79,580 | -5% | 38% |
| Georgia | 7,110 | 0.58 | $47,510 | $35,690 | $83,380 | -20% | 38% |
| Hawaii | 1,170 | 0.74 | $68,270 | $46,840 | $93,430 | +15% | 34% |
| Idaho | 810 | 0.38 | $59,840 | $37,990 | $81,650 | +0% | 28% |
| Illinois | 19,860 | 1.29 | $63,220 | $47,120 | $105,660 | +6% | 25% |
| Indiana | 6,690 | 0.83 | $50,470 | $38,270 | $72,140 | -15% | 26% |
| Iowa | 3,410 | 0.87 | $52,250 | $39,240 | $81,170 | -12% | 23% |
| Kansas | 3,190 | 0.88 | $54,300 | $43,690 | $69,970 | -9% | 24% |
| Kentucky | 8,470 | 1.68 | $59,100 | $39,210 | $78,660 | -1% | 20% |
| Louisiana | 1,110 | 0.23 | $56,800 | $35,260 | $75,110 | -5% | 22% |
| Maine | 2,000 | 1.24 | $63,290 | $50,110 | $84,090 | +6% | 23% |
| Maryland | 4,710 | 0.67 | $76,390 | $41,240 | $105,570 | +28% | 27% |
| Massachusetts | 10,900 | 1.19 | $75,570 | $48,140 | $104,060 | +27% | 29% |
| Michigan | 15,760 | 1.42 | $59,270 | $41,260 | $81,100 | -0% | 24% |
| Minnesota | 6,540 | 0.88 | $67,450 | $47,890 | $99,320 | +13% | 23% |
| Mississippi | 3,310 | 1.13 | $46,530 | $33,590 | $62,130 | -22% | 26% |
| Missouri | 9,620 | 1.30 | $48,520 | $37,200 | $65,230 | -19% | 26% |
| Montana | 1,250 | 0.96 | $56,780 | $39,250 | $72,000 | -5% | 25% |
| Nebraska | 4,830 | 1.87 | $47,770 | $41,620 | $64,750 | -20% | 28% |
| Nevada | 4,030 | 1.03 | $61,080 | $45,960 | $98,010 | +3% | 34% |
| New Hampshire | 1,700 | 0.99 | $71,010 | $41,150 | $101,570 | +19% | 26% |
| New Jersey | 7,360 | 0.68 | $76,280 | $47,830 | $109,420 | +28% | 28% |
| New Mexico | 2,990 | 1.36 | $56,160 | $36,920 | $101,600 | -6% | 24% |
| New York | 30,170 | 1.23 | $65,100 | $48,400 | $100,100 | +9% | 30% |
| North Carolina | 13,010 | 1.04 | $59,610 | $42,870 | $76,950 | +0% | 27% |
| North Dakota | 870 | 0.80 | $64,560 | $47,130 | $81,160 | +8% | 18% |
| Ohio | 16,050 | 1.15 | $51,520 | $39,810 | $75,850 | -13% | 25% |
| Oklahoma | 6,500 | 1.51 | $43,950 | $37,560 | $59,540 | -26% | 29% |
| Oregon | 6,630 | 1.33 | $64,130 | $47,760 | $89,220 | +8% | 30% |
| Pennsylvania | 16,200 | 1.06 | $50,820 | $38,430 | $78,470 | -15% | 30% |
| Rhode Island | 2,450 | 1.93 | $69,870 | $42,560 | $97,730 | +17% | 24% |
| South Carolina | 5,520 | 0.95 | $51,800 | $38,530 | $77,390 | -13% | 29% |
| South Dakota | 2,050 | 1.77 | $51,100 | $39,150 | $67,310 | -14% | 23% |
| Tennessee | 7,870 | 0.95 | $56,310 | $39,650 | $77,230 | -5% | 27% |
| Texas | 21,670 | 0.61 | $55,680 | $37,230 | $73,670 | -6% | 32% |
| Utah | 1,930 | 0.44 | $52,000 | $36,040 | $98,800 | -13% | 37% |
| Vermont | 640 | 0.84 | $67,340 | $47,270 | $84,140 | +13% | 24% |
| Virginia | 9,410 | 0.91 | $61,330 | $45,060 | $95,360 | +3% | 32% |
| Washington | 10,720 | 1.20 | $74,480 | $48,750 | $98,100 | +25% | 29% |
| West Virginia | 2,380 | 1.34 | $52,220 | $38,410 | $66,980 | -12% | 20% |
| Wisconsin | 5,710 | 0.77 | $59,280 | $44,400 | $80,900 | -0% | 23% |
| Wyoming | 710 | 1.00 | $56,420 | $34,280 | $74,870 | -5% | 21% |
Location quotient above 1 means the occupation is more concentrated in the state than in the nation. "n/a" means BLS suppressed the figure. Rent uses the state median gross rent (ACS).
The 60 highest-paying metropolitan areas among those with at least 300 jobs in this occupation.
| Metropolitan area ⇅ | Jobs ⇅ | Median pay ⇅ | Entry (10th pct.) ⇅ | Top (90th pct.) ⇅ | Location quotient ⇅ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA | 2,120 | $87,600 | $57,430 | $130,210 | 0.74 |
| Norwich-New London-Willimantic, CT | 450 | $81,830 | $51,130 | $108,530 | 1.40 |
| Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater, WA | 580 | $80,430 | $48,820 | $100,160 | 1.75 |
| Hartford-West Hartford-East Hartford, CT | 2,200 | $79,920 | $47,810 | $108,530 | 1.45 |
| Bridgeport-Stamford-Danbury, CT | 1,140 | $78,970 | $50,030 | $110,170 | 1.12 |
| New Haven, CT | 810 | $78,970 | $48,400 | $108,530 | 1.15 |
| Springfield, MA | 1,190 | $78,250 | $49,650 | $98,480 | 2.34 |
| Waterbury-Shelton, CT | 430 | $77,710 | $46,590 | $110,170 | 1.06 |
| Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH | 7,070 | $77,420 | $49,970 | $108,810 | 1.04 |
| Kiryas Joel-Poughkeepsie-Newburgh, NY | 870 | $77,260 | $48,240 | $101,570 | 1.27 |
| Springfield, IL | 830 | $76,330 | $40,890 | $115,190 | 3.28 |
| Oxnard-Thousand Oaks-Ventura, CA | 830 | $75,580 | $48,910 | $96,400 | 1.01 |
| Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV | 6,490 | $75,550 | $50,280 | $112,200 | 0.82 |
| Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA | 5,540 | $75,280 | $54,800 | $99,430 | 1.05 |
| Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD | 2,790 | $74,960 | $38,740 | $102,670 | 0.81 |
| Trenton-Princeton, NJ | 420 | $72,730 | $44,600 | $113,690 | 0.70 |
| San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA | 5,840 | $72,020 | $52,830 | $124,320 | 0.97 |
| Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA | 26,220 | $71,250 | $44,230 | $103,050 | 1.66 |
| Providence-Warwick, RI-MA | 3,520 | $70,900 | $42,930 | $98,480 | 1.95 |
| Worcester, MA | 1,170 | $70,900 | $47,420 | $98,480 | 1.33 |
| Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI | 4,150 | $70,530 | $48,560 | $99,890 | 0.84 |
| Kennewick-Richland, WA | 390 | $69,960 | $47,320 | $97,180 | 1.20 |
| Spokane-Spokane Valley, WA | 1,110 | $69,570 | $44,320 | $95,370 | 1.72 |
| San Luis Obispo-Paso Robles, CA | 400 | $68,560 | $47,010 | $95,250 | 1.31 |
| Urban Honolulu, HI | 820 | $68,270 | $45,070 | $93,450 | 0.73 |
| Yakima, WA | 450 | $67,650 | $43,410 | $95,370 | 1.83 |
| Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO | 4,240 | $67,560 | $47,820 | $110,620 | 1.04 |
| Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA | 4,330 | $66,910 | $48,670 | $89,220 | 1.42 |
| Buffalo-Cheektowaga, NY | 1,570 | $66,620 | $47,360 | $85,630 | 1.17 |
| Albany-Schenectady-Troy, NY | 1,980 | $66,540 | $49,270 | $97,300 | 1.75 |
| New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ | 24,350 | $66,540 | $49,820 | $108,720 | 1.02 |
| Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN | 13,550 | $64,790 | $48,460 | $110,390 | 1.19 |
| Salem, OR | 480 | $64,700 | $47,310 | $98,110 | 1.00 |
| Boulder, CO | 520 | $64,660 | $46,540 | $102,590 | 1.07 |
| Anchorage, AK | 680 | $64,640 | $46,800 | $92,120 | 1.52 |
| Bowling Green, KY | 320 | $64,050 | $39,240 | $94,140 | 1.52 |
| Lexington-Fayette, KY | 1,030 | $63,780 | $39,840 | $88,430 | 1.43 |
| Portland-South Portland, ME | 670 | $63,700 | $48,960 | $90,760 | 0.92 |
| Eugene-Springfield, OR | 580 | $63,520 | $47,270 | $89,220 | 1.46 |
| Fayetteville, NC | 500 | $63,320 | $44,070 | $74,740 | 1.52 |
| Sacramento-Roseville-Folsom, CA | 3,550 | $63,270 | $47,410 | $94,820 | 1.30 |
| Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA | 5,810 | $63,230 | $43,960 | $93,620 | 1.34 |
| Bellingham, WA | 360 | $63,130 | $50,590 | $95,660 | 1.57 |
| Syracuse, NY | 1,080 | $63,120 | $47,690 | $82,640 | 1.42 |
| Atlantic City-Hammonton, NJ | 320 | $63,070 | $43,470 | $108,410 | 0.76 |
| Harrisburg-Carlisle, PA | 890 | $62,810 | $43,650 | $83,410 | 1.05 |
| Bend, OR | 320 | $62,760 | $49,530 | $89,220 | 1.16 |
| Manchester-Nashua, NH | 610 | $62,720 | $39,690 | $84,660 | 1.21 |
| Wilmington, NC | 530 | $62,710 | $43,100 | $84,370 | 1.11 |
| Raleigh-Cary, NC | 1,460 | $62,700 | $44,700 | $76,950 | 0.78 |
| Stockton-Lodi, CA | 870 | $62,610 | $44,950 | $95,810 | 1.19 |
| Salinas, CA | 450 | $62,520 | $48,820 | $97,300 | 0.95 |
| Durham-Chapel Hill, NC | 780 | $62,370 | $44,800 | $78,040 | 0.89 |
| Virginia Beach-Chesapeake-Norfolk, VA-NC | 1,970 | $62,360 | $46,730 | $92,250 | 1.02 |
| Binghamton, NY | 380 | $62,160 | $42,950 | $103,860 | 1.54 |
| Fort Collins-Loveland, CO | 590 | $62,140 | $45,010 | $94,130 | 1.37 |
| Fresno, CA | 1,920 | $62,080 | $46,630 | $81,000 | 1.59 |
| Rochester, NY | 1,560 | $62,030 | $45,270 | $82,690 | 1.25 |
| Madison, WI | 790 | $62,020 | $41,600 | $90,970 | 0.76 |
| Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA | 400 | $61,960 | $41,840 | $93,100 | 1.62 |
The median is $59,550 a year ($28.63 an hour); the lowest-paid tenth earn under $42,280 and the highest-paid tenth over $95,530 (BLS OEWS, May 2025).
392,550 in May 2025, and BLS projects +4.4% growth to 2035.
The typical entry education is: Bachelor's degree (BLS).
Connecticut, with a median of $78,970 (among states with published figures).