Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers Salary in East Tennessee

BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics • May 2025 • East Tennessee nonmetropolitan area

Median annual salary $45,640 -24% vs national
Median hourly $21.94
10th percentile $33,330
90th percentile $91,720
Employed locally 60
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
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East Tennessee
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    Salary percentile breakdown

    10th
    $33,330
    25th
    $37,980
    50th (median)
    $45,640
    75th
    $55,800
    90th
    $91,720

    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

    Related occupations in East Tennessee

    OccupationMedian salary
    Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors $54,380
    Child, Family, and School Social Workers $61,500
    Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors $47,090
    Social and Human Service Assistants $37,810
    Healthcare Social Workers $56,240
    Probation Officers and Correctional Treatment Specialists $58,010

    Frequently asked questions

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

    The median hourly wage for Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers in East Tennessee is $21.94, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $44.10 or more per hour.

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

    The median Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers salary in East Tennessee is 24% 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 East Tennessee?

    Entry-level Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers (10th percentile) earn around $33,330 per year in East Tennessee. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $37,980.