Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers Salary in Austin, TX

BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics • May 2025 • Austin-Round Rock-San Marcos, TX

Median annual salary $47,470 -21% vs national
Median hourly $22.82
10th percentile $38,180
90th percentile $78,660
Employed locally 530
National median $60,060

Compare Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers salary & buying power

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Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers
in
Austin, TX
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    Salary percentile breakdown

    10th
    $38,180
    25th
    $44,380
    50th (median)
    $47,470
    75th
    $65,570
    90th
    $78,660

    Austin economic context

    Unemployment rate 3.50% 2024 annual avg • BLS LAUS
    Median household income $97,638 2023 • Census ACS
    Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers salary vs area income 49% Median Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers salary is 51% below the area median household income

    Top-paying metros for Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers

    Metro areaMedian salary
    Cheyenne, WY $118,900
    San Luis Obispo-Paso Robles, CA $116,630
    San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA $102,760
    Eastern Sierra-Mother Lode Region of California nonmetropolitan area $101,100
    Vallejo, CA $98,680
    Las Cruces, NM $97,490

    Nearby metros — Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers salary comparison

    Metro areaMedian salary
    San Angelo, TX $74,730
    Killeen-Temple, TX $64,630
    Wichita Falls, TX $63,770
    Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX $52,430
    College Station-Bryan, TX $49,190
    Abilene, TX $48,310

    Related occupations in Austin, TX

    OccupationMedian salary
    Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors$60,730
    Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors$62,440
    Social and Human Service Assistants$48,740
    Child, Family, and School Social Workers$53,370
    Healthcare Social Workers$75,650
    Probation Officers and Correctional Treatment Specialists$57,460

    Frequently asked questions

    How much do Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers make per hour in Austin?

    The median hourly wage for Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers in Austin, TX is $22.82, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $37.32 or more per hour.

    Is Austin above or below average for Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers salaries?

    The median Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers salary in Austin, TX is 21% below the national median of $60,060. The national figure is from BLS OEWS 2025 data covering all US metropolitan areas.

    What is the entry-level salary for Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers in Austin?

    Entry-level Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers (10th percentile) earn around $38,180 per year in Austin, TX. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $44,380.