Mental Health50% remote-eligible+5.8% YoY growth

Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) Salary
by City (2026)

Provide clinical mental health services, therapy, and case management. National median: $68K/year. See how your city compares.

National median

$68K

Top 10% earn

$115K

Entry level

$52K

Salary growth

+5.8%/yr

Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) salary by city

Sorted by median salary

City	Entry	Median	Senior	COL	Tax
San Francisco, CA	$73K	$95K	$123K	224	9.3%
San Jose, CA	$70K	$92K	$119K	210	9.3%
New York City, NY	$69K	$90K	$117K	187	6.85%
Cambridge, MA	$69K	$90K	$116K	185	5%
Pearl City, HI	$69K	$90K	$116K	185	11%
Oakland, CA	$68K	$88K	$114K	185	9.3%
Boston, MA	$68K	$88K	$114K	162	5%
Washington, DC	$68K	$88K	$114K	152	8.5%
Irvine, CA	$66K	$87K	$112K	172	9.3%
Bellevue, WA	$67K	$87K	$113K	175	None ✓
Los Angeles, CA	$65K	$85K	$110K	163	9.3%
Yonkers, NY	$65K	$85K	$110K	165	6.85%
Jersey City, NJ	$65K	$85K	$110K	162	10.75%
Bethesda, MD	$65K	$85K	$110K	165	5.75%
Kirkland, WA	$64K	$84K	$109K	162	None ✓
San Diego, CA	$63K	$83K	$107K	148	9.3%
Seattle, WA	$63K	$83K	$107K	150	None ✓
Newark, NJ	$63K	$83K	$107K	155	10.75%
Stamford, CT	$64K	$83K	$108K	158	6.99%
Arlington, VA	$62K	$82K	$106K	148	5.75%
Honolulu, HI	$62K	$82K	$106K	192	11%
Hilo, HI	$63K	$82K	$107K	155	11%
Anaheim, CA	$62K	$81K	$105K	148	9.3%
Santa Ana, CA	$62K	$81K	$105K	150	9.3%
Rockville, MD	$62K	$81K	$105K	148	5.75%
Long Beach, CA	$61K	$80K	$104K	155	9.3%
Worcester, MA	$61K	$80K	$104K	120	5%
Alexandria, VA	$61K	$80K	$104K	145	5.75%
Baltimore, MD	$61K	$80K	$104K	115	5.75%
Elizabeth, NJ	$61K	$80K	$104K	145	10.75%
Anchorage, AK	$61K	$80K	$104K	128	None ✓
Paterson, NJ	$60K	$79K	$102K	140	10.75%
Sacramento, CA	$60K	$78K	$101K	128	9.3%
Chula Vista, CA	$60K	$78K	$101K	138	9.3%
Philadelphia, PA	$60K	$78K	$101K	110	3.07%
Portland, OR	$60K	$78K	$101K	130	9.9%
Edison, NJ	$60K	$78K	$101K	138	10.75%
Fairbanks, AK	$60K	$78K	$101K	138	None ✓
Chicago, IL	$58K	$76K	$99K	107	4.95%
Denver, CO	$58K	$76K	$99K	118	4.55%
Hartford, CT	$58K	$76K	$99K	118	6.99%
Dallas, TX	$57K	$75K	$97K	96	None ✓
Miami, FL	$57K	$75K	$97K	123	None ✓
Tacoma, WA	$57K	$75K	$97K	128	None ✓
Minneapolis, MN	$57K	$75K	$97K	106	6.8%
New Haven, CT	$57K	$74K	$96K	122	6.99%
Nashua, NH	$57K	$74K	$96K	120	None ✓
Houston, TX	$56K	$73K	$95K	91	None ✓
Plano, TX	$56K	$73K	$95K	105	None ✓
Frisco, TX	$56K	$73K	$95K	118	None ✓
Riverside, CA	$56K	$73K	$95K	118	9.3%
Hialeah, FL	$56K	$73K	$94K	115	None ✓
Hollywood, FL	$56K	$73K	$94K	115	None ✓
Naperville, IL	$56K	$73K	$95K	118	4.95%
Vancouver, WA	$56K	$73K	$95K	118	None ✓
Lakewood, CO	$56K	$73K	$94K	115	4.55%
Atlanta, GA	$56K	$73K	$95K	99	5.75%
Lowell, MA	$56K	$73K	$95K	118	5%
Durham, NC	$56K	$73K	$95K	100	4.75%
Nashville, TN	$56K	$73K	$95K	102	None ✓
Ann Arbor, MI	$56K	$73K	$94K	115	4.25%
St. Paul, MN	$56K	$73K	$95K	104	6.8%
Gresham, OR	$56K	$73K	$95K	118	9.9%
Frederick, MD	$56K	$73K	$94K	115	5.75%
Bridgeport, CT	$56K	$73K	$95K	118	6.99%
Portland, ME	$56K	$73K	$94K	115	7.15%
Manchester, NH	$56K	$73K	$95K	118	None ✓
Concord, NH	$56K	$73K	$94K	115	None ✓
Burlington, VT	$56K	$73K	$95K	118	6.6%
Providence, RI	$56K	$73K	$95K	118	5.99%
Warwick, RI	$56K	$73K	$94K	115	5.99%
Pembroke Pines, FL	$55K	$72K	$93K	112	None ✓
Aurora, CO	$55K	$72K	$93K	112	4.55%
Fort Collins, CO	$55K	$72K	$93K	112	4.55%
Cary, NC	$55K	$72K	$93K	112	4.75%
Austin, TX	$55K	$71K	$92K	110	None ✓
Fort Worth, TX	$55K	$71K	$92K	93	None ✓
Irving, TX	$55K	$71K	$92K	97	None ✓
McKinney, TX	$55K	$71K	$92K	108	None ✓
Round Rock, TX	$54K	$71K	$92K	108	None ✓
Fort Lauderdale, FL	$55K	$71K	$92K	118	None ✓
Scottsdale, AZ	$55K	$71K	$92K	118	2.5%
Gilbert, AZ	$54K	$71K	$92K	108	2.5%
Tempe, AZ	$54K	$71K	$92K	108	2.5%
Thornton, CO	$54K	$71K	$92K	108	4.55%
Raleigh, NC	$55K	$71K	$92K	102	4.75%
Pittsburgh, PA	$55K	$71K	$92K	90	3.07%
Eugene, OR	$55K	$71K	$92K	110	9.9%
Salt Lake City, UT	$55K	$71K	$92K	105	4.85%
Boise, ID	$54K	$71K	$92K	108	5.8%
Wilmington, DE	$54K	$71K	$92K	108	6.6%
Stockton, CA	$54K	$70K	$91K	105	9.3%
Springfield, MA	$54K	$70K	$91K	105	5%
Salem, OR	$54K	$70K	$91K	105	9.9%
Henderson, NV	$54K	$70K	$91K	105	None ✓
Meridian, ID	$54K	$70K	$91K	105	5.8%
San Antonio, TX	$53K	$69K	$90K	87	None ✓
Arlington, TX	$53K	$69K	$90K	94	None ✓
Garland, TX	$53K	$69K	$90K	91	None ✓
Denton, TX	$53K	$69K	$89K	100	None ✓
Carrollton, TX	$53K	$69K	$90K	102	None ✓
San Bernardino, CA	$53K	$69K	$89K	100	9.3%
Tampa, FL	$53K	$69K	$90K	102	None ✓
Cape Coral, FL	$53K	$69K	$89K	100	None ✓
Phoenix, AZ	$53K	$69K	$90K	100	2.5%
Peoria, AZ	$53K	$69K	$89K	100	2.5%
Charlotte, NC	$53K	$69K	$90K	100	4.75%
Rochester, MN	$53K	$69K	$89K	100	6.8%
West Jordan, UT	$53K	$69K	$89K	100	4.85%
Overland Park, KS	$53K	$69K	$89K	100	5.7%
Missoula, MT	$53K	$69K	$90K	102	6.75%
Dover, DE	$53K	$69K	$89K	100	6.6%
Bakersfield, CA	$52K	$68K	$88K	95	9.3%
Albany, NY	$52K	$68K	$89K	98	6.85%
Orlando, FL	$52K	$68K	$88K	100	None ✓
Port St. Lucie, FL	$52K	$68K	$89K	98	None ✓
Aurora, IL	$52K	$68K	$88K	95	4.95%
Chandler, AZ	$52K	$68K	$88K	105	2.5%
Glendale, AZ	$52K	$68K	$88K	95	2.5%
Norfolk, VA	$52K	$68K	$88K	95	5.75%
Chesapeake, VA	$52K	$68K	$89K	98	5.75%
Richmond, VA	$52K	$68K	$88K	98	5.75%
Newport News, VA	$52K	$68K	$88K	95	5.75%
Allentown, PA	$52K	$68K	$88K	95	3.07%
Madison, WI	$52K	$68K	$88K	102	5.3%
Las Vegas, NV	$52K	$68K	$88K	102	None ✓
Reno, NV	$52K	$68K	$88K	108	None ✓
North Las Vegas, NV	$52K	$68K	$89K	98	None ✓
West Valley City, UT	$52K	$68K	$89K	98	4.85%
Provo, UT	$52K	$68K	$88K	100	4.85%
Orem, UT	$52K	$68K	$89K	98	4.85%
North Charleston, SC	$52K	$68K	$88K	95	6.5%
Nampa, ID	$52K	$68K	$89K	98	5.8%
Billings, MT	$52K	$68K	$89K	98	6.75%
Lewiston, ME	$52K	$68K	$89K	98	7.15%
Grand Prairie, TX	$51K	$67K	$86K	90	None ✓
Midland, TX	$51K	$67K	$87K	92	None ✓
Fresno, CA	$51K	$67K	$86K	102	9.3%
Rochester, NY	$51K	$67K	$86K	90	6.85%
Jacksonville, FL	$51K	$67K	$86K	93	None ✓
St. Petersburg, FL	$51K	$67K	$86K	105	None ✓
Tallahassee, FL	$51K	$67K	$86K	90	None ✓
Joliet, IL	$51K	$67K	$86K	90	4.95%
Mesa, AZ	$51K	$67K	$86K	98	2.5%
Athens, GA	$51K	$67K	$87K	92	5.75%
Virginia Beach, VA	$51K	$67K	$86K	98	5.75%
Columbus, OH	$51K	$67K	$86K	90	3.99%
Sterling Heights, MI	$51K	$67K	$86K	90	4.25%
Milwaukee, WI	$51K	$67K	$86K	90	5.3%
Kenosha, WI	$51K	$67K	$86K	90	5.3%
Duluth, MN	$51K	$67K	$87K	92	6.8%
Charleston, SC	$51K	$67K	$86K	105	6.5%
Greenville, SC	$51K	$67K	$87K	92	6.5%
Cheyenne, WY	$51K	$67K	$87K	92	None ✓
Fargo, ND	$51K	$67K	$86K	90	2.5%
Pasadena, TX	$50K	$66K	$85K	88	None ✓
Mesquite, TX	$50K	$66K	$85K	88	None ✓
Syracuse, NY	$50K	$66K	$85K	88	6.85%
Gainesville, FL	$50K	$66K	$85K	88	None ✓
Greensboro, NC	$50K	$66K	$85K	88	4.75%
Chattanooga, TN	$50K	$66K	$85K	88	None ✓
Green Bay, WI	$50K	$66K	$85K	88	5.3%
Lexington, KY	$50K	$66K	$85K	88	5%
Great Falls, MT	$50K	$66K	$85K	88	6.75%
Casper, WY	$50K	$66K	$85K	88	None ✓
Bismarck, ND	$50K	$66K	$85K	88	2.5%
Sioux Falls, SD	$50K	$66K	$85K	88	None ✓
Rapid City, SD	$50K	$66K	$85K	88	None ✓
Corpus Christi, TX	$49K	$65K	$84K	84	None ✓
Amarillo, TX	$49K	$65K	$84K	82	None ✓
Waco, TX	$49K	$65K	$84K	82	None ✓
Beaumont, TX	$50K	$65K	$84K	85	None ✓
Odessa, TX	$50K	$65K	$84K	85	None ✓
Tyler, TX	$50K	$65K	$84K	85	None ✓
Buffalo, NY	$49K	$65K	$84K	88	6.85%
Spokane, WA	$50K	$65K	$84K	95	None ✓
Colorado Springs, CO	$50K	$65K	$84K	102	4.55%
Pueblo, CO	$49K	$65K	$84K	82	4.55%
Columbus, GA	$49K	$65K	$84K	82	5.75%
Augusta, GA	$49K	$65K	$84K	82	5.75%
Winston-Salem, NC	$50K	$65K	$84K	85	4.75%
Fayetteville, NC	$49K	$65K	$84K	82	4.75%
Clarksville, TN	$49K	$65K	$84K	82	None ✓
Cleveland, OH	$49K	$65K	$84K	82	3.99%
Cincinnati, OH	$50K	$65K	$84K	88	3.99%
Detroit, MI	$50K	$65K	$84K	82	4.25%
Warren, MI	$50K	$65K	$84K	85	4.25%
Lansing, MI	$50K	$65K	$84K	85	4.25%
Kansas City, MO	$50K	$65K	$84K	90	5.3%
St. Louis, MO	$50K	$65K	$84K	86	5.3%
Independence, MO	$50K	$65K	$84K	85	5.3%
Indianapolis, IN	$50K	$65K	$84K	88	3.23%
South Bend, IN	$49K	$65K	$84K	82	3.23%
Louisville, KY	$50K	$65K	$84K	85	5%
Huntsville, AL	$49K	$65K	$84K	88	5%
Mobile, AL	$49K	$65K	$84K	82	5%
Broken Arrow, OK	$49K	$65K	$84K	82	4.75%
New Orleans, LA	$49K	$65K	$84K	92	6%
Lafayette, LA	$50K	$65K	$84K	85	6%
Des Moines, IA	$49K	$65K	$84K	88	4.82%
Cedar Rapids, IA	$50K	$65K	$84K	85	4.82%
Davenport, IA	$49K	$65K	$84K	82	4.82%
Kansas City, KS	$50K	$65K	$84K	85	5.7%
Omaha, NE	$49K	$65K	$84K	88	5.84%
Lincoln, NE	$50K	$65K	$84K	85	5.84%
Rio Rancho, NM	$50K	$65K	$84K	85	5.9%
Fayetteville, AR	$50K	$65K	$84K	85	4.9%
Killeen, TX	$49K	$64K	$83K	80	None ✓
Abilene, TX	$49K	$64K	$82K	78	None ✓
Rockford, IL	$49K	$64K	$83K	80	4.95%
Macon, GA	$49K	$64K	$83K	80	5.75%
Toledo, OH	$49K	$64K	$82K	78	3.99%
Akron, OH	$49K	$64K	$83K	80	3.99%
Dayton, OH	$49K	$64K	$83K	80	3.99%
Erie, PA	$49K	$64K	$83K	80	3.07%
Springfield, MO	$49K	$64K	$83K	80	5.3%
Fort Wayne, IN	$49K	$64K	$83K	80	3.23%
Evansville, IN	$49K	$64K	$82K	78	3.23%
Bowling Green, KY	$49K	$64K	$83K	80	5%
Montgomery, AL	$49K	$64K	$83K	80	5%
Norman, OK	$49K	$64K	$83K	80	4.75%
Shreveport, LA	$49K	$64K	$82K	78	6%
Las Cruces, NM	$49K	$64K	$83K	80	5.9%
Jackson, MS	$49K	$64K	$82K	78	5%
Gulfport, MS	$49K	$64K	$83K	80	5%
Charleston, WV	$49K	$64K	$82K	78	6.5%
El Paso, TX	$48K	$63K	$81K	82	None ✓
Brownsville, TX	$48K	$63K	$81K	75	None ✓
Tucson, AZ	$48K	$63K	$81K	90	2.5%
Savannah, GA	$48K	$63K	$81K	92	5.75%
Memphis, TN	$48K	$63K	$81K	82	None ✓
Grand Rapids, MI	$48K	$63K	$81K	90	4.25%
Birmingham, AL	$48K	$63K	$81K	82	5%
Columbia, SC	$48K	$63K	$81K	88	6.5%
Oklahoma City, OK	$48K	$63K	$81K	82	4.75%
Baton Rouge, LA	$48K	$63K	$81K	88	6%
Albuquerque, NM	$48K	$63K	$81K	88	5.9%
Fort Smith, AR	$48K	$63K	$81K	75	4.9%
Huntington, WV	$48K	$63K	$81K	75	6.5%
Lubbock, TX	$47K	$61K	$79K	78	None ✓
Knoxville, TN	$47K	$61K	$79K	85	None ✓
Tulsa, OK	$47K	$61K	$79K	80	4.75%
Wichita, KS	$47K	$61K	$79K	82	5.7%
Laredo, TX	$46K	$60K	$77K	76	None ✓
Little Rock, AR	$46K	$60K	$77K	82	4.9%

COL-adjusted: where does your salary go furthest?

A $68K Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) salary in Houston (COL 91, no tax) has significantly more purchasing power than the same salary in San Francisco (COL 224, 9.3% state tax). Use our calculator to see the real numbers.

Try COL Calculator →

Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) Salary Guide (2026)

The national median salary for a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) is $68,000 per year. Entry-level positions typically start at $52,000, while experienced professionals in the top 25% earn $88,000 or more. The highest-paid 10% of Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)s nationally earn $115,000+.

Education and requirements

Master's in Social Work; LCSW license. This role is 50% remote-eligible nationally, which significantly expands the geographic job market for workers in lower cost-of-living cities.

Salary growth outlook

Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) compensation is growing at 5.8% annually, well above the national average wage growth rate. Demand for qualified Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)s significantly outpaces supply in most major metros.

Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) salary FAQ

How much does a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) make?

The median Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) salary in the US is $68,000 per year — about $33/hour. Most earn between $52,000 (25th percentile) and $88,000 (75th percentile).

What is the starting salary for a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)?

Entry-level Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) positions typically start around $52,000 per year. Pay rises with experience, specialization, and location.

How much do the highest-paid Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)s earn?

The top 10% of Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)s earn $115,000 or more per year — usually senior, lead, or specialized professionals in high-cost or high-demand markets.

Which city pays Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)s the most?

San Francisco has the highest median Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) salary at $95K among the cities we track. But high-cost metros like San Francisco and New York often have lower real purchasing power once cost of living and taxes are factored in.

Are Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) salaries going up?

Yes — Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) pay is growing about 5.8% year over year, above the US average wage-growth rate.

Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) Salaryby City (2026)