Iowa ranks 31st of 50 states and D.C. for mental health and substance abuse social workers pay, trailing top-paying New York ($80,230) by $29,890 — a 59% gap.
The 10th-to-90th percentile range runs from $36,430 to $78,400 — a $41,970 spread, 35% tighter than the national $64,510 range.
Iowa employs roughly 1.0% of all mental health and substance abuse social workers in the country (1,260 workers).
Salary Range: 10th to 90th Percentile
Full Percentile Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Wage |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry-level) | $36,430 | $17.52 |
| 25th percentile | $39,360 | $18.92 |
| 50th percentile (median) | $50,340 | $24.20 |
| 75th percentile | $65,520 | $31.50 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $78,400 | $37.69 |
| Mean (average) | $56,910 | $27.36 |
How Iowa Compares
| State | Median Annual | vs. Iowa |
|---|---|---|
| Iowa (current) | $50,340 | n/a |
| New York | $80,230 | +59% |
| Connecticut | $78,820 | +57% |
| Minnesota | $77,100 | +53% |
| California | $75,320 | +50% |
| District of Columbia | $72,720 | +44% |
| Oregon | $71,830 | +43% |
| New Jersey | $70,420 | +40% |
| Hawaii | $70,340 | +40% |
Showing top-paying states with available data. View all states →
Related Occupations in Iowa
| Occupation | Median Annual | Employment |
|---|---|---|
| Separating, Filtering, Clarifying, Precipitating, and Still Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders | $50,260 | 850 |
| Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operators | $50,250 | 4,710 |
| Automotive Body and Related Repairers | $50,170 | 1,930 |
| Hazardous Materials Removal Workers | $50,140 | 370 |
| Producers and Directors | $50,130 | 630 |
| Interpreters and Translators | $50,110 | 510 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers salary in Iowa?
The mean mental health and substance abuse social workers salary in Iowa is $56,910 per year. The median (middle) salary is $50,340 per year.
What is the starting salary for a Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers in Iowa?
Entry-level mental health and substance abuse social workerss (10th percentile) in Iowa typically earn around $36,430 per year. Workers at the 25th percentile earn approximately $39,360 per year.
What is the highest Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers salary in Iowa?
Top earners (90th percentile) in this occupation in Iowa make approximately $78,400 per year. Those in the 75th percentile earn around $65,520 per year.
How does the Iowa Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers salary compare to the national average?
The median mental health and substance abuse social workers salary in Iowa is $50,340, which is -16% below national average of $60,060.