California pays healthcare social workers more than any other state — its $92,970 median leads all 51 states and D.C. reporting wage data.
The 10th-to-90th percentile range runs from $51,720 to $141,510 — a $89,790 spread, 61% wider than the national $55,840 range.
California employs roughly 10.6% of all healthcare social workers in the country (19,680 workers).
Salary Range: 10th to 90th Percentile
Full Percentile Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Wage |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry-level) | $51,720 | $24.87 |
| 25th percentile | $67,880 | $32.64 |
| 50th percentile (median) | $92,970 | $44.70 |
| 75th percentile | $122,200 | $58.75 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $141,510 | $68.03 |
| Mean (average) | $97,090 | $46.68 |
How California Compares
| State | Median Annual | vs. California |
|---|---|---|
| California (current) | $92,970 | n/a |
| District of Columbia | $92,600 | +0% |
| Oregon | $85,150 | -8% |
| Hawaii | $84,640 | -9% |
| Connecticut | $81,900 | -12% |
| New Jersey | $81,710 | -12% |
| Rhode Island | $79,460 | -15% |
| Vermont | $78,390 | -16% |
| New Hampshire | $78,000 | -16% |
Showing top-paying states with available data. View all states →
Related Occupations in California
| Occupation | Median Annual | Employment |
|---|---|---|
| Market Research Analysts and Marketing Specialists | $92,770 | 108,460 |
| Compliance Officers | $92,350 | 47,420 |
| Telecommunications Line Installers and Repairers | $92,350 | 10,300 |
| Dietitians and Nutritionists | $93,640 | 9,630 |
| Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors | $94,320 | 44,160 |
| Property Appraisers and Assessors | $91,400 | 5,660 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Healthcare Social Workers salary in California?
The mean healthcare social workers salary in California is $97,090 per year. The median (middle) salary is $92,970 per year.
What is the starting salary for a Healthcare Social Workers in California?
Entry-level healthcare social workerss (10th percentile) in California typically earn around $51,720 per year. Workers at the 25th percentile earn approximately $67,880 per year.
What is the highest Healthcare Social Workers salary in California?
Top earners (90th percentile) in this occupation in California make approximately $141,510 per year. Those in the 75th percentile earn around $122,200 per year.
How does the California Healthcare Social Workers salary compare to the national average?
The median healthcare social workers salary in California is $92,970, which is +37% above national average of $68,090.