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Social Worker Salary in Chico, CA

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

Median Salary
$99,448
per year in Chico
Entry Level
$60,380
Starting salary
Senior Level
$138,517
Experienced professionals
Cost of Living
115
15% above national avg

Salary Breakdown by Experience Level

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

PeriodEntry LevelMedianSenior
Annual$60,380$99,448$138,517
Monthly$5,032$8,287$11,543
Biweekly$2,322$3,825$5,328
Weekly$1,161$1,912$2,664
Hourly$29$48$67

Chico vs National Average

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

Chico Salary
$99,448
COL Index: 115
National Average
$67,560
COL Index: 100
Difference
+$31,888
Higher in Chico

Cost of Living in Chico

1-Bedroom Rent
$1,700
per month
Median Income
$51,234
per year
Population
92,155
residents
Rent % of Income
39.8%
median household
Cost of Living Index: 115 — A score of 100 represents the U.S. average. Salaries in Chico 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
-27%
Los Angeles, CA
$76,600
-23%
Chicago, IL
$64,600
-35%
Houston, TX
$50,710
-49%
Phoenix, AZ
$50,150
-50%

Financial Tools to Explore

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Social Worker Salary in Chico, CA — Complete Guide

Median Salary Overview

The median salary for a social worker in Chico, CA is $99,448 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 115. This figure reflects typical earnings for experienced professionals in this role, considering Chico's unique economic conditions.

Salary Range and Experience Levels

Entry-level social worker professionals in Chico can expect to earn around $60,380 annually. As professionals gain experience, salaries typically increase, with senior-level social workers earning approximately $138,517 per year. This represents a 129% increase from entry to senior level.

Cost of Living Adjustment

Chico's cost of living index of 115 significantly impacts salary comparisons. As a higher cost-of-living city, salaries in Chico 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 Chico typically goes toward housing. With a 1-bedroom apartment averaging $1,700 per month, housing represents about 20.5% 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 Chico, 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.