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Social Worker Salary in Dubuque, IA

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

Median Salary
$47,089
per year in Dubuque
Entry Level
$28,590
Starting salary
Senior Level
$65,588
Experienced professionals
Cost of Living
85
15% below national avg

Salary Breakdown by Experience Level

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

PeriodEntry LevelMedianSenior
Annual$28,590$47,089$65,588
Monthly$2,383$3,924$5,466
Biweekly$1,100$1,811$2,523
Weekly$550$906$1,261
Hourly$14$23$32

Dubuque vs National Average

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

Dubuque Salary
$47,089
COL Index: 85
National Average
$67,560
COL Index: 100
Difference
-$20,471
Lower in Dubuque

Cost of Living in Dubuque

1-Bedroom Rent
$720
per month
Median Income
$48,234
per year
Population
59,667
residents
Rent % of Income
17.9%
median household
Cost of Living Index: 85 — A score of 100 represents the U.S. average. Salaries in Dubuque 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
+54%
Los Angeles, CA
$76,600
+63%
Chicago, IL
$64,600
+37%
Houston, TX
$50,710
+8%
Phoenix, AZ
$50,150
+7%

Financial Tools to Explore

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Social Worker Salary in Dubuque, IA — Complete Guide

Median Salary Overview

The median salary for a social worker in Dubuque, IA is $47,089 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 85. This figure reflects typical earnings for experienced professionals in this role, considering Dubuque's unique economic conditions.

Salary Range and Experience Levels

Entry-level social worker professionals in Dubuque can expect to earn around $28,590 annually. As professionals gain experience, salaries typically increase, with senior-level social workers earning approximately $65,588 per year. This represents a 129% increase from entry to senior level.

Cost of Living Adjustment

Dubuque's cost of living index of 85 significantly impacts salary comparisons. As a lower cost-of-living city, salaries in Dubuque 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 Dubuque typically goes toward housing. With a 1-bedroom apartment averaging $720 per month, housing represents about 18.3% 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 Dubuque, 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.