Tennessee ranks 37th of 50 states and D.C. for mental health and substance abuse social workers pay, trailing top-paying New York ($80,230) by $31,470 — a 65% gap.
The 10th-to-90th percentile range runs from $38,480 to $72,660 — a $34,180 spread, 47% tighter than the national $64,510 range.
Tennessee employs roughly 1.7% of all mental health and substance abuse social workers in the country (2,130 workers).
Salary Range: 10th to 90th Percentile
Full Percentile Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Wage |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry-level) | $38,480 | $18.50 |
| 25th percentile | $44,990 | $21.63 |
| 50th percentile (median) | $48,760 | $23.44 |
| 75th percentile | $59,070 | $28.40 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $72,660 | $34.93 |
| Mean (average) | $53,240 | $25.60 |
How Tennessee Compares
| State | Median Annual | vs. Tennessee |
|---|---|---|
| Tennessee (current) | $48,760 | n/a |
| New York | $80,230 | +65% |
| Connecticut | $78,820 | +62% |
| Minnesota | $77,100 | +58% |
| California | $75,320 | +54% |
| District of Columbia | $72,720 | +49% |
| Oregon | $71,830 | +47% |
| New Jersey | $70,420 | +44% |
| Hawaii | $70,340 | +44% |
Showing top-paying states with available data. View all states →
Related Occupations in Tennessee
| Occupation | Median Annual | Employment |
|---|---|---|
| Coating, Painting, and Spraying Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders | $48,780 | 5,690 |
| Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operators | $48,710 | 2,210 |
| Machinists | $48,610 | 7,730 |
| Travel Agents | $48,990 | 600 |
| Tax Examiners and Collectors, and Revenue Agents | $49,000 | 1,910 |
| Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators | $49,070 | 10,190 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers salary in Tennessee?
The mean mental health and substance abuse social workers salary in Tennessee is $53,240 per year. The median (middle) salary is $48,760 per year.
What is the starting salary for a Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers in Tennessee?
Entry-level mental health and substance abuse social workerss (10th percentile) in Tennessee typically earn around $38,480 per year. Workers at the 25th percentile earn approximately $44,990 per year.
What is the highest Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers salary in Tennessee?
Top earners (90th percentile) in this occupation in Tennessee make approximately $72,660 per year. Those in the 75th percentile earn around $59,070 per year.
How does the Tennessee Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers salary compare to the national average?
The median mental health and substance abuse social workers salary in Tennessee is $48,760, which is -19% below national average of $60,060.