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Social Worker Salary in Buffalo, NY

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

Median Salary
$64,380
per year in Buffalo
Entry Level
$39,088
Starting salary
Senior Level
$89,672
Experienced professionals
Cost of Living
102
2% above national avg

Salary Breakdown by Experience Level

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

PeriodEntry LevelMedianSenior
Annual$39,088$64,380$89,672
Monthly$3,257$5,365$7,473
Biweekly$1,503$2,476$3,449
Weekly$752$1,238$1,724
Hourly$19$31$43

Buffalo vs National Average

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

Buffalo Salary
$64,380
COL Index: 102
National Average
$67,560
COL Index: 100
Difference
-$3,180
Lower in Buffalo

Cost of Living in Buffalo

1-Bedroom Rent
$1,400
per month
Median Income
$48,234
per year
Population
252,399
residents
Rent % of Income
34.8%
median household
Cost of Living Index: 102 — A score of 100 represents the U.S. average. Salaries in Buffalo 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
+13%
Los Angeles, CA
$76,600
+19%
Chicago, IL
$64,600
+0%
Houston, TX
$50,710
-21%
Phoenix, AZ
$50,150
-22%

Financial Tools to Explore

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Social Worker Salary in Buffalo, NY — Complete Guide

Median Salary Overview

The median salary for a social worker in Buffalo, NY is $64,380 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 102. This figure reflects typical earnings for experienced professionals in this role, considering Buffalo's unique economic conditions.

Salary Range and Experience Levels

Entry-level social worker professionals in Buffalo can expect to earn around $39,088 annually. As professionals gain experience, salaries typically increase, with senior-level social workers earning approximately $89,672 per year. This represents a 129% increase from entry to senior level.

Cost of Living Adjustment

Buffalo's cost of living index of 102 significantly impacts salary comparisons. As a higher cost-of-living city, salaries in Buffalo 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 Buffalo typically goes toward housing. With a 1-bedroom apartment averaging $1,400 per month, housing represents about 26.1% 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 Buffalo, 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.