Home / City Job Salaries / Social Worker in Alexandria

Social Worker Salary in Alexandria, VA

How much does a social worker make in Alexandria? Explore median, entry-level, and senior salaries adjusted for Alexandria's cost of living.

Median Salary
$75,780
per year in Alexandria
Entry Level
$46,010
Starting salary
Senior Level
$105,550
Experienced professionals
Cost of Living
148
48% above national avg

Salary Breakdown by Experience Level

See how social worker salaries break down across different pay periods in Alexandria.

PeriodEntry LevelMedianSenior
Annual$46,010$75,780$105,550
Monthly$3,834$6,315$8,796
Biweekly$1,770$2,915$4,060
Weekly$885$1,457$2,030
Hourly$22$36$51

Alexandria vs National Average

How Alexandria's social worker salaries compare to national figures.

Alexandria Salary
$75,780
COL Index: 148
National Average
$67,560
COL Index: 100
Difference
+$8,220
Higher in Alexandria

Cost of Living in Alexandria

1-Bedroom Rent
$1,900
per month
Median Income
$100,842
per year
Population
159,467
residents
Rent % of Income
22.6%
median household
Cost of Living Index: 148 — A score of 100 represents the U.S. average. Salaries in Alexandria have been adjusted to account for local cost differences.

About Social Worker

Overview

Help individuals and families address social and personal issues.

Education

Bachelor's degree in Social Work; Master's degree often required

Key Skills

CounselingCase ManagementCommunicationProblem Solving

Growth Rate

Expected job growth: +14% over the next decade

Compare Cities: Social Worker Salary

See Social Worker salaries in other top cities.

New York, NY
$72,750
-4%
Los Angeles, CA
$76,600
+1%
Chicago, IL
$64,600
-15%
Houston, TX
$50,710
-33%
Phoenix, AZ
$50,150
-34%

Financial Tools to Explore

Use these Pulsafi calculators to understand your finances based on a social worker salary in Alexandria.

Salary Breakdown Calculator

See exactly how your salary breaks down into taxes and take-home pay.

Cost of Living Calculator

Understand your expenses and purchasing power in Alexandria.

Budget Calculator

Create a personalized budget based on your income and expenses.

Rent vs Buy Calculator

Compare the true costs of renting versus buying in Alexandria.

Social Worker Salary in Alexandria, VA — Complete Guide

Median Salary Overview

The median salary for a social worker in Alexandria, VA is $75,780 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 148. This figure reflects typical earnings for experienced professionals in this role, considering Alexandria's unique economic conditions.

Salary Range and Experience Levels

Entry-level social worker professionals in Alexandria can expect to earn around $46,010 annually. As professionals gain experience, salaries typically increase, with senior-level social workers earning approximately $105,550 per year. This represents a 129% increase from entry to senior level.

Cost of Living Adjustment

Alexandria's cost of living index of 148 significantly impacts salary comparisons. As a higher cost-of-living city, salaries in Alexandria are adjusted accordingly. This means that while the nominal salary may appear higher or lower than the national average of $67,560, the actual purchasing power must be considered in context.

Housing and Affordability

A significant portion of a social worker's salary in Alexandria typically goes toward housing. With a 1-bedroom apartment averaging $1,900 per month, housing represents about 30.1% of median salary. Financial experts generally recommend keeping housing expenses below 30% of gross income.

Career Growth and Opportunities

Social Workers are in growing demand across the United States, with an expected job growth of 14% over the next decade. In Alexandria, this translates to increasing opportunities and potential for salary growth as demand for experienced professionals continues to rise.

Source: BLS OEWS May 2024Metro-level wage data for this occupation and area
Data source: Salary data on this page are sourced from Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) program May 2024 estimates. Figures are approximate and intended for informational purposes only. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, education, certifications, and local market conditions. This page does not constitute financial or career advice. For the most current wage data, visit bls.gov.