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Social Worker Salary in Fairfax, VA

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

Median Salary
$93,395
per year in Fairfax
Entry Level
$56,705
Starting salary
Senior Level
$130,085
Experienced professionals
Cost of Living
128
28% above national avg

Salary Breakdown by Experience Level

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

PeriodEntry LevelMedianSenior
Annual$56,705$93,395$130,085
Monthly$4,725$7,783$10,840
Biweekly$2,181$3,592$5,003
Weekly$1,090$1,796$2,502
Hourly$27$45$63

Fairfax vs National Average

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

Fairfax Salary
$93,395
COL Index: 128
National Average
$67,560
COL Index: 100
Difference
+$25,835
Higher in Fairfax

Cost of Living in Fairfax

1-Bedroom Rent
$1,650
per month
Median Income
$92,821
per year
Population
24,146
residents
Rent % of Income
21.3%
median household
Cost of Living Index: 128 — A score of 100 represents the U.S. average. Salaries in Fairfax 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
-22%
Los Angeles, CA
$76,600
-18%
Chicago, IL
$64,600
-31%
Houston, TX
$50,710
-46%
Phoenix, AZ
$50,150
-46%

Financial Tools to Explore

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Cost of Living Calculator

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Social Worker Salary in Fairfax, VA — Complete Guide

Median Salary Overview

The median salary for a social worker in Fairfax, VA is $93,395 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 128. This figure reflects typical earnings for experienced professionals in this role, considering Fairfax's unique economic conditions.

Salary Range and Experience Levels

Entry-level social worker professionals in Fairfax can expect to earn around $56,705 annually. As professionals gain experience, salaries typically increase, with senior-level social workers earning approximately $130,085 per year. This represents a 129% increase from entry to senior level.

Cost of Living Adjustment

Fairfax's cost of living index of 128 significantly impacts salary comparisons. As a higher cost-of-living city, salaries in Fairfax 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 Fairfax typically goes toward housing. With a 1-bedroom apartment averaging $1,650 per month, housing represents about 21.2% 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 Fairfax, 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.