Healthcare Social Workers Salary in Santa Cruz, CA

BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics • May 2025 • Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA

Median annual salary $93,230 +36.9% vs national
Median hourly $44.82
10th percentile $56,190
90th percentile $132,170
Employed locally 110
National median $68,090

Compare Healthcare Social Workers salary & buying power

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Healthcare Social Workers
in
Santa Cruz, CA
vs

    Salary percentile breakdown

    10th
    $56,190
    25th
    $66,550
    50th (median)
    $93,230
    75th
    $120,480
    90th
    $132,170

    Santa Cruz economic context

    Unemployment rate 5.90% 2024 annual avg • BLS LAUS
    Median household income $109,266 2023 • Census ACS
    Healthcare Social Workers salary vs area income 85% Median Healthcare Social Workers salary is 15% below the area median household income

    Top-paying metros for Healthcare Social Workers

    Metro areaMedian salary
    Napa, CA $141,490
    San Luis Obispo-Paso Robles, CA $132,790
    Vallejo, CA $115,930
    Santa Rosa-Petaluma, CA $114,480
    Chico, CA $110,030
    San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA $106,000

    Nearby metros — Healthcare Social Workers salary comparison

    Metro areaMedian salary
    Napa, CA $141,490
    San Luis Obispo-Paso Robles, CA $132,790
    Vallejo, CA $115,930
    Santa Rosa-Petaluma, CA $114,480
    Chico, CA $110,030
    San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA $106,000

    Related occupations in Santa Cruz, CA

    OccupationMedian salary
    Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors $83,300
    Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors $58,310
    Social and Human Service Assistants $51,590
    Child, Family, and School Social Workers $61,310
    Rehabilitation Counselors $50,400
    Community and Social Service Specialists, All Other $61,910

    Frequently asked questions

    How much do Healthcare Social Workers make per hour in Santa Cruz?

    The median hourly wage for Healthcare Social Workers in Santa Cruz, CA is $44.82, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $66.85 or more per hour.

    Is Santa Cruz above or below average for Healthcare Social Workers salaries?

    The median Healthcare Social Workers salary in Santa Cruz, CA is 36.9% above the national median of $68,090. The national figure is from BLS OEWS 2025 data covering all US metropolitan areas.

    What is the entry-level salary for Healthcare Social Workers in Santa Cruz?

    Entry-level Healthcare Social Workers (10th percentile) earn around $56,190 per year in Santa Cruz, CA. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $66,550.