Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers Salary in San Luis Obispo, CA

BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics • May 2025 • San Luis Obispo-Paso Robles, CA

Median annual salary $116,630 +94.2% vs national
Median hourly $56.07
10th percentile $58,160
90th percentile $145,240
Employed locally 120
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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San Luis Obispo, CA
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    Salary percentile breakdown

    10th
    $58,160
    25th
    $74,470
    50th (median)
    $116,630
    75th
    $145,220
    90th
    $145,240

    San Luis Obispo economic context

    Unemployment rate 4.10% 2024 annual avg • BLS LAUS
    Median household income $93,398 2023 • Census ACS
    Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers salary vs area income 125% Median Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers salary is 25% above the area median household income

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

    Metro areaMedian salary
    Cheyenne, WY $118,900
    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
    Santa Rosa-Petaluma, CA $93,390

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

    Metro areaMedian salary
    San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA $102,760
    Eastern Sierra-Mother Lode Region of California nonmetropolitan area $101,100
    Vallejo, CA $98,680
    Santa Rosa-Petaluma, CA $93,390
    Hanford-Corcoran, CA $89,500
    Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA $83,710

    Related occupations in San Luis Obispo, CA

    OccupationMedian salary
    Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors$59,990
    Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors$98,280
    Social and Human Service Assistants$47,620
    Child, Family, and School Social Workers$62,400
    Health Education Specialists$59,620
    Rehabilitation Counselors$42,490

    Frequently asked questions

    How much do Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers make per hour in San Luis Obispo?

    The median hourly wage for Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers in San Luis Obispo, CA is $56.07, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $70.12 or more per hour.

    Is San Luis Obispo above or below average for Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers salaries?

    The median Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers salary in San Luis Obispo, CA is 94.2% above 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 San Luis Obispo?

    Entry-level Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers (10th percentile) earn around $58,160 per year in San Luis Obispo, CA. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $74,470.