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Social Worker Salary in Rochester, NY

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

Median Salary
$65,260
per year in Rochester
Entry Level
$39,623
Starting salary
Senior Level
$90,897
Experienced professionals
Cost of Living
103
3% above national avg

Salary Breakdown by Experience Level

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

PeriodEntry LevelMedianSenior
Annual$39,623$65,260$90,897
Monthly$3,302$5,438$7,575
Biweekly$1,524$2,510$3,496
Weekly$762$1,255$1,748
Hourly$19$31$44

Rochester vs National Average

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

Rochester Salary
$65,260
COL Index: 103
National Average
$67,560
COL Index: 100
Difference
-$2,300
Lower in Rochester

Cost of Living in Rochester

1-Bedroom Rent
$1,350
per month
Median Income
$52,234
per year
Population
205,362
residents
Rent % of Income
31.0%
median household
Cost of Living Index: 103 — A score of 100 represents the U.S. average. Salaries in Rochester 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
+11%
Los Angeles, CA
$76,600
+17%
Chicago, IL
$64,600
-1%
Houston, TX
$50,710
-22%
Phoenix, AZ
$50,150
-23%

Financial Tools to Explore

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Social Worker Salary in Rochester, NY — Complete Guide

Median Salary Overview

The median salary for a social worker in Rochester, NY is $65,260 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 103. This figure reflects typical earnings for experienced professionals in this role, considering Rochester's unique economic conditions.

Salary Range and Experience Levels

Entry-level social worker professionals in Rochester can expect to earn around $39,623 annually. As professionals gain experience, salaries typically increase, with senior-level social workers earning approximately $90,897 per year. This represents a 129% increase from entry to senior level.

Cost of Living Adjustment

Rochester's cost of living index of 103 significantly impacts salary comparisons. As a higher cost-of-living city, salaries in Rochester 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 Rochester typically goes toward housing. With a 1-bedroom apartment averaging $1,350 per month, housing represents about 24.8% 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 Rochester, 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.