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Salary · California · BLS OEWS May 2024

Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers Salary in California

In California, mental health and substance abuse social workers earn a median of $75,320 per year.

Median (California)
$75,320
Bottom 10%
$43,350
Top 10%
$136,310
Employed in California
18,020

How California compares

Refit analysis ·In California, mental health and substance abuse social workers earn a median of $75,320 — 25% above the national median of $60,060. Locally the range runs $43,350 to $136,310. About 18,020 people hold this role in the state.
Refit analysis ·California ranks #4 of 51 states for mental health and substance abuse social workers pay — roughly the 94th percentile among states. That trails the top-paying state (New York, $80,230) by 7%. State employment of about 18,020 also shapes how competitive local openings are.

National benchmark

US median
$60,060
US bottom 10%
$39,620
US top 10%
$104,130

Skills that move pay in this role

  • Active Listening
  • Speaking
  • Reading Comprehension
  • Critical Thinking
  • Monitoring
  • Writing
  • Learning Strategies
  • Active Learning

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