South Carolina ranks 50th of 50 states and D.C. for mental health and substance abuse social workers pay, trailing top-paying New York ($80,230) by $38,480 — a 92% gap.
The 10th-to-90th percentile range runs from $29,230 to $64,650 — a $35,420 spread, 45% tighter than the national $64,510 range.
Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers are less concentrated in South Carolina than the U.S. average — a location quotient of 0.35 means the occupation's share of local jobs is 2.86× below the national share.
Salary Range: 10th to 90th Percentile
Full Percentile Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Wage |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry-level) | $29,230 | $14.05 |
| 25th percentile | $33,300 | $16.01 |
| 50th percentile (median) | $41,750 | $20.07 |
| 75th percentile | $53,900 | $25.91 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $64,650 | $31.08 |
| Mean (average) | $44,380 | $21.34 |
How South Carolina Compares
| State | Median Annual | vs. South Carolina |
|---|---|---|
| South Carolina (current) | $41,750 | n/a |
| New York | $80,230 | +92% |
| Connecticut | $78,820 | +89% |
| Minnesota | $77,100 | +85% |
| California | $75,320 | +80% |
| District of Columbia | $72,720 | +74% |
| Oregon | $71,830 | +72% |
| New Jersey | $70,420 | +69% |
| Hawaii | $70,340 | +68% |
Showing top-paying states with available data. View all states →
Related Occupations in South Carolina
| Occupation | Median Annual | Employment |
|---|---|---|
| Industrial Truck and Tractor Operators | $41,770 | 13,380 |
| Secretaries and Administrative Assistants, Except Legal, Medical, and Executive | $41,720 | 27,450 |
| Medical Equipment Preparers | $41,650 | 1,250 |
| Protective Service Workers, All Other | $41,600 | 410 |
| Construction Laborers | $41,310 | 17,430 |
| Bus Drivers, School | $42,330 | 5,930 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers salary in South Carolina?
The mean mental health and substance abuse social workers salary in South Carolina is $44,380 per year. The median (middle) salary is $41,750 per year.
What is the starting salary for a Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers in South Carolina?
Entry-level mental health and substance abuse social workerss (10th percentile) in South Carolina typically earn around $29,230 per year. Workers at the 25th percentile earn approximately $33,300 per year.
What is the highest Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers salary in South Carolina?
Top earners (90th percentile) in this occupation in South Carolina make approximately $64,650 per year. Those in the 75th percentile earn around $53,900 per year.
How does the South Carolina Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers salary compare to the national average?
The median mental health and substance abuse social workers salary in South Carolina is $41,750, which is -30% below national average of $60,060.