Social Worker salary
Updated Updated for 2026 tax law
A social worker earns a median of $71,900 a year ($34.57 an hour) in the US, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (May 2025). The average is $75,910. About 62,930 people work in this job.
Take-home pay on $71,900
- Gross pay
- $2,765.38
- Federal income tax
- −$268.77
- Social Security (6.2%)
- −$171.45
- Medicare (1.45%)
- −$40.10
- Texas income tax
- $0.00No state income tax on wages
- Take-home pay
- $2,285.06
Annual breakdown
- Gross
- $71,900
- Federal
- $6,988
- FICA
- $5,500
- State + local
- $0
- Net
- $59,412
- Marginal federal rate
- 22.0%
- Marginal state rate
- 0.0%
2026 federal brackets (Rev. Proc. 2025-32) and 2026 state rules. Estimates assume wages are your only income and use annual liability, so your actual withholding can differ slightly.
Similar jobs
- Healthcare Social Worker: $67,880
- Marriage and Family Therapist: $66,940
- Probation Officer and Correctional Treatment Specialist: $66,270
- Educational: $64,330
- Health Education Specialist: $64,070
- Clergy: $60,810
- Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Worker: $60,280
- Social Worker: $59,550
BLS occupation: Social Workers, All Other. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 (SOC 21-1029). Excludes the self-employed.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a social worker make an hour?
The median hourly wage is $34.57; the average is $36.50.
What is the salary range for a social worker?
The bottom 10% earn under $43,620 and the top 10% earn over $115,610 a year.
How much is $71,900 after taxes?
About $59,412 a year in Texas (no state income tax) or $55,950 in California for a single filer in 2026.
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Estimates for information only — not tax, legal or financial advice.