Kentucky ranks 42nd of 50 states and D.C. for mental health and substance abuse social workers pay, trailing top-paying New York ($80,230) by $34,780 — a 77% gap.
The 10th-to-90th percentile range runs from $35,080 to $73,210 — a $38,130 spread, 41% tighter than the national $64,510 range.
Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers are less concentrated in Kentucky than the U.S. average — a location quotient of 0.64 means the occupation's share of local jobs is 1.56× below the national share.
Salary Range: 10th to 90th Percentile
Full Percentile Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Wage |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry-level) | $35,080 | $16.87 |
| 25th percentile | $37,330 | $17.95 |
| 50th percentile (median) | $45,450 | $21.85 |
| 75th percentile | $58,290 | $28.03 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $73,210 | $35.20 |
| Mean (average) | $50,560 | $24.31 |
How Kentucky Compares
| State | Median Annual | vs. Kentucky |
|---|---|---|
| Kentucky (current) | $45,450 | n/a |
| New York | $80,230 | +77% |
| Connecticut | $78,820 | +73% |
| Minnesota | $77,100 | +70% |
| California | $75,320 | +66% |
| District of Columbia | $72,720 | +60% |
| Oregon | $71,830 | +58% |
| New Jersey | $70,420 | +55% |
| Hawaii | $70,340 | +55% |
Showing top-paying states with available data. View all states →
Related Occupations in Kentucky
| Occupation | Median Annual | Employment |
|---|---|---|
| Inspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers | $45,470 | 12,900 |
| Printing Press Operators | $45,530 | 2,320 |
| Construction Laborers | $45,340 | 14,200 |
| Painters, Construction and Maintenance | $45,630 | 1,450 |
| Bookkeeping, Accounting, and Auditing Clerks | $45,260 | 22,780 |
| Cargo and Freight Agents | $45,100 | 2,050 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers salary in Kentucky?
The mean mental health and substance abuse social workers salary in Kentucky is $50,560 per year. The median (middle) salary is $45,450 per year.
What is the starting salary for a Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers in Kentucky?
Entry-level mental health and substance abuse social workerss (10th percentile) in Kentucky typically earn around $35,080 per year. Workers at the 25th percentile earn approximately $37,330 per year.
What is the highest Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers salary in Kentucky?
Top earners (90th percentile) in this occupation in Kentucky make approximately $73,210 per year. Those in the 75th percentile earn around $58,290 per year.
How does the Kentucky Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers salary compare to the national average?
The median mental health and substance abuse social workers salary in Kentucky is $45,450, which is -24% below national average of $60,060.