Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers Salary in Western North Carolina

BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics • May 2025 • Western North Carolina nonmetropolitan area

Median annual salary $50,470 -16% vs national
Median hourly $24.26
10th percentile $36,800
90th percentile $63,290
Employed locally 200
National median $60,060

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Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers
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Western North Carolina
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    Salary percentile breakdown

    10th
    $36,800
    25th
    $42,600
    50th (median)
    $50,470
    75th
    $57,440
    90th
    $63,290

    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 Western North Carolina

    OccupationMedian salary
    Child, Family, and School Social Workers$53,940
    Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors$52,220
    Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors$50,280
    Social and Human Service Assistants$43,510
    Rehabilitation Counselors$45,980
    Healthcare Social Workers$52,720

    Frequently asked questions

    How much do Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers make per hour in Western North Carolina?

    The median hourly wage for Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers in Western North Carolina is $24.26, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $34.51 or more per hour.

    Is Western North Carolina above or below average for Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers salaries?

    The median Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers salary in Western North Carolina is 16% 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 Western North Carolina?

    Entry-level Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers (10th percentile) earn around $36,800 per year in Western North Carolina. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $42,600.