New York pays mental health and substance abuse social workers more than any other state — its $80,230 median leads all 50 states and D.C. reporting wage data.
The 10th-to-90th percentile range runs from $49,890 to $135,690 — a $85,800 spread, 33% wider than the national $64,510 range.
Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers are more concentrated in New York than the U.S. average — a location quotient of 1.82 means the occupation's share of local jobs is 1.82× the national share.
Salary Range: 10th to 90th Percentile
Full Percentile Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Wage |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry-level) | $49,890 | $23.99 |
| 25th percentile | $63,720 | $30.63 |
| 50th percentile (median) | $80,230 | $38.57 |
| 75th percentile | $98,100 | $47.16 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $135,690 | $65.24 |
| Mean (average) | $96,240 | $46.27 |
How New York Compares
| State | Median Annual | vs. New York |
|---|---|---|
| New York (current) | $80,230 | n/a |
| Connecticut | $78,820 | -2% |
| Minnesota | $77,100 | -4% |
| California | $75,320 | -6% |
| District of Columbia | $72,720 | -9% |
| Oregon | $71,830 | -10% |
| New Jersey | $70,420 | -12% |
| Hawaii | $70,340 | -12% |
| Vermont | $69,540 | -13% |
Showing top-paying states with available data. View all states →
Related Occupations in New York
| Occupation | Median Annual | Employment |
|---|---|---|
| Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health | $80,240 | 3,500 |
| Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators | $80,260 | 14,700 |
| Food Service Managers | $80,170 | 12,260 |
| Probation Officers and Correctional Treatment Specialists | $80,060 | 4,420 |
| Executive Secretaries and Executive Administrative Assistants | $80,490 | 88,830 |
| Career/Technical Education Teachers, Secondary School | $79,800 | 6,260 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers salary in New York?
The mean mental health and substance abuse social workers salary in New York is $96,240 per year. The median (middle) salary is $80,230 per year.
What is the starting salary for a Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers in New York?
Entry-level mental health and substance abuse social workerss (10th percentile) in New York typically earn around $49,890 per year. Workers at the 25th percentile earn approximately $63,720 per year.
What is the highest Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers salary in New York?
Top earners (90th percentile) in this occupation in New York make approximately $135,690 per year. Those in the 75th percentile earn around $98,100 per year.
How does the New York Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers salary compare to the national average?
The median mental health and substance abuse social workers salary in New York is $80,230, which is +34% above national average of $60,060.