Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers Salary in Washington, DC-VA-MD-WV

BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics • May 2025 • Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV

Median annual salary $77,600 +29.2% vs national
Median hourly $37.31
10th percentile $51,120
90th percentile $119,990
Employed locally 2,310
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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    Salary percentile breakdown

    10th
    $51,120
    25th
    $60,320
    50th (median)
    $77,600
    75th
    $98,210
    90th
    $119,990

    Washington economic context

    Unemployment rate 3.00% 2024 annual avg • BLS LAUS
    Median household income $123,896 2023 • Census ACS
    Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers salary vs area income 63% Median Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers salary is 37% 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

    Related occupations in Washington, DC-VA-MD-WV

    OccupationMedian salary
    Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors $63,170
    Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors $76,230
    Child, Family, and School Social Workers $75,780
    Social and Human Service Assistants $47,990
    Rehabilitation Counselors $46,600
    Healthcare Social Workers $78,010

    Frequently asked questions

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

    The median hourly wage for Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers in Washington, DC-VA-MD-WV is $37.31, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $57.56 or more per hour.

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

    The median Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers salary in Washington, DC-VA-MD-WV is 29.2% 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 Washington?

    Entry-level Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers (10th percentile) earn around $51,120 per year in Washington, DC-VA-MD-WV. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $60,320.