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Social Worker Salary in Bethesda, MD

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

Median Salary
$111,987
per year in Bethesda
Entry Level
$67,993
Starting salary
Senior Level
$155,982
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 Bethesda.

PeriodEntry LevelMedianSenior
Annual$67,993$111,987$155,982
Monthly$5,666$9,332$12,999
Biweekly$2,615$4,307$5,999
Weekly$1,308$2,154$3,000
Hourly$33$54$75

Bethesda vs National Average

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

Bethesda Salary
$111,987
COL Index: 148
National Average
$67,560
COL Index: 100
Difference
+$44,427
Higher in Bethesda

Cost of Living in Bethesda

1-Bedroom Rent
$2,200
per month
Median Income
$142,234
per year
Population
68,270
residents
Rent % of Income
18.6%
median household
Cost of Living Index: 148 — A score of 100 represents the U.S. average. Salaries in Bethesda 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
-35%
Los Angeles, CA
$76,600
-32%
Chicago, IL
$64,600
-42%
Houston, TX
$50,710
-55%
Phoenix, AZ
$50,150
-55%

Financial Tools to Explore

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Social Worker Salary in Bethesda, MD — Complete Guide

Median Salary Overview

The median salary for a social worker in Bethesda, MD is $111,987 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 148. This figure reflects typical earnings for experienced professionals in this role, considering Bethesda's unique economic conditions.

Salary Range and Experience Levels

Entry-level social worker professionals in Bethesda can expect to earn around $67,993 annually. As professionals gain experience, salaries typically increase, with senior-level social workers earning approximately $155,982 per year. This represents a 129% increase from entry to senior level.

Cost of Living Adjustment

Bethesda's cost of living index of 148 significantly impacts salary comparisons. As a higher cost-of-living city, salaries in Bethesda 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 Bethesda typically goes toward housing. With a 1-bedroom apartment averaging $2,200 per month, housing represents about 23.6% 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 Bethesda, this translates to increasing opportunities and potential for salary growth as demand for experienced professionals continues to rise.

Data source: Salary estimates on this page are based on Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) program, adjusted for regional cost of living differences. 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.