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Social Worker Salary in Boston, MA

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

Median Salary
$68,450
per year in Boston
Entry Level
$41,559
Starting salary
Senior Level
$95,341
Experienced professionals
Cost of Living
158
58% above national avg

Salary Breakdown by Experience Level

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

PeriodEntry LevelMedianSenior
Annual$41,559$68,450$95,341
Monthly$3,463$5,704$7,945
Biweekly$1,598$2,633$3,667
Weekly$799$1,316$1,833
Hourly$20$33$46

Boston vs National Average

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

Boston Salary
$68,450
COL Index: 158
National Average
$67,560
COL Index: 100
Difference
+$890
Higher in Boston

Cost of Living in Boston

1-Bedroom Rent
$2,250
per month
Median Income
$76,321
per year
Population
692,600
residents
Rent % of Income
35.4%
median household
Cost of Living Index: 158 — A score of 100 represents the U.S. average. Salaries in Boston 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
+6%
Los Angeles, CA
$76,600
+12%
Chicago, IL
$64,600
-6%
Houston, TX
$50,710
-26%
Phoenix, AZ
$50,150
-27%

Financial Tools to Explore

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Social Worker Salary in Boston, MA — Complete Guide

Median Salary Overview

The median salary for a social worker in Boston, MA is $68,450 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 158. This figure reflects typical earnings for experienced professionals in this role, considering Boston's unique economic conditions.

Salary Range and Experience Levels

Entry-level social worker professionals in Boston can expect to earn around $41,559 annually. As professionals gain experience, salaries typically increase, with senior-level social workers earning approximately $95,341 per year. This represents a 129% increase from entry to senior level.

Cost of Living Adjustment

Boston's cost of living index of 158 significantly impacts salary comparisons. As a higher cost-of-living city, salaries in Boston 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 Boston typically goes toward housing. With a 1-bedroom apartment averaging $2,250 per month, housing represents about 39.4% 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 Boston, 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.