Child, Family, and School Social Workers Salary in Los Angeles, CA
BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics • May 2025 • Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA
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In Los Angeles, CA, child, family, and school social workers earn a median annual salary of $76,600, which translates to approximately $36.83 per hour. This figure stands significantly above the national median salary for this occupation, which is $58,570. When compared to the local area's median household income of $93,525, the earnings for these professionals are slightly lower but still competitive within the context of the broader Los Angeles economy. The salary range indicates considerable variation, with those at the 10th percentile earning about $47,390 and those at the 75th percentile earning up to $98,530 annually. This data suggests that while many social workers in this region earn a respectable income relative to national averages, there remains a gap when compared directly to median household earnings.
Entry-level child, family, and school social workers in Los Angeles start at approximately the 10th percentile of salary distribution, earning around $47,390 annually. In contrast, more experienced professionals can reach or exceed the 75th percentile, with salaries reaching up to $98,530 per year. This disparity is largely driven by factors such as years of experience, level of education, specialization within social work (e.g., working in schools versus clinical settings), and geographic demand for services. As these workers gain more experience, they often take on roles that require advanced skills or leadership responsibilities, which are compensated at higher rates. Additionally, the local demand for qualified social workers in Los Angeles contributes to the salary progression, reflecting both the cost of living in the area and the critical nature of their work within communities.
Salary percentile breakdown
Los Angeles economic context
Frequently asked questions
How much do Child, Family, and School Social Workers make per hour in Los Angeles?
The median hourly wage for Child, Family, and School Social Workers in Los Angeles, CA is $36.83, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $49.54 or more per hour.
Is Los Angeles above or below average for Child, Family, and School Social Workers salaries?
The median Child, Family, and School Social Workers salary in Los Angeles, CA is 30.8% above the national median of $58,570. The national figure is from BLS OEWS 2025 data covering all US metropolitan areas.
What is the entry-level salary for Child, Family, and School Social Workers in Los Angeles?
Entry-level Child, Family, and School Social Workers (10th percentile) earn around $47,390 per year in Los Angeles, CA. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $55,680.