How Much Do Social Workers Make in Texas? Real Salary Data for 2025
Social workers in Texas earn more than you might expect. The average salary has grown remarkably from $50,390 in 2021 to an impressive $77,800 in 2023.
Texas ranks among the top states employing social workers across specialties. Medical social workers typically earn $62,500 per year, while clinical and healthcare positions pay up to $87,830 for top performers. The robust Texas job market currently has 6,101 social work positions, which creates plenty of room to advance your career.
This piece breaks down the actual salary data for various social work roles in Texas. You’ll learn how your earnings can grow substantially based on your experience, certifications, and specialty areas. The guide covers everything from entry-level jobs to specialized fields.
Entry-Level Social Work Salaries in Texas
Social workers starting their careers in Texas can look forward to promising salaries. Recent data shows entry-level social workers earn an average annual salary of $68,959. Most professionals take home between $61,881 and $76,866 each year.
Starting salary with BSW degree
Texas pays well for social workers with bachelor’s degrees. BSW positions average $71,053 annually. The salary range runs from $55,000 to $85,200, and top performers can earn up to $99,221 per year.
Popular BSW roles include school social worker ($61,596), social worker assistant ($52,863), and truancy case manager ($44,480). Each position is a chance to grow professionally and specialize in specific areas.
First-year MSW earnings
A master’s degree typically leads to better starting pay. New MSW social workers earn around $69,491. MSW holders generally make $13,000 more than those with BSW degrees.
Your location in Texas plays a big role in what you’ll earn. Houston’s entry-level social workers can expect between $56,300 and $87,300, with standout performers reaching $101,657. Big cities consistently pay more than rural areas.
Common entry-level positions
Texas offers several ways to start your social work career:
- Healthcare Social Workers: $62,500 yearly ($30.05 hourly)
- Child, Family, and School Social Workers: $49,810 yearly ($23.95 hourly)
- Mental Health Social Workers: $44,100 yearly ($21.20 hourly)
Your salary grows quickly with experience – each year typically adds $419 to your annual pay. Private practices tend to pay more than nonprofit organizations.
Social workers’ salaries keep growing throughout Texas. Houston’s social service workers earn $72,798 on average. These wide salary ranges show plenty of room to advance as you build skills, choose your location, and gain experience.
Texas stands out as one of the top states hiring social workers across specialties. This strong job market helps you negotiate better starting salaries and find roles that match your interests and expertise.
Texas LCSW Salary Growth Path
Social workers who advance from Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) to Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) can expect better financial rewards in Texas. Their advanced training and specialized skills in diagnosing and treating mental, behavioral, and emotional disorders help them earn higher salaries.
LMSW to LCSW salary jump
Recent data shows LCSWs earn $82,096 on average per year, which is higher than the LMSW median of $78,999. LCSWs with 5-9 years of experience earn around $72,030 in Austin, while those in Dallas make $62,037.
Texas social workers can earn a special certification called Licensed Master Social Worker-Advanced Practice (LMSW-AP). This credential requires 3,000 supervised field work hours and opens doors to higher-level roles in various specialties.
Years of experience impact
Experience directly shapes salary growth. Social workers can expect their annual earnings to increase by $419 with each year of experience. Here’s what LCSW salaries look like in Texas based on experience:
Early Career (1-4 years):
- Austin: $58,745 annually
- Dallas: $55,496 annually
Mid-Career (5-9 years):
- Austin: $72,030 annually
- Dallas: $62,037 annually
Several elements drive salary growth. Urban areas typically offer better compensation packages. Social workers who take on leadership roles or focus on specific areas often see their salaries grow faster.
National security and international affairs ($69,000), elementary and secondary education ($60,000), and executive offices ($57,500) rank among the highest-paying environments. Hospitals and healthcare facilities also provide competitive salaries, with an average of $56,000 per year.
Rhode Island tops the national LCSW salary rankings at $84,430, with Washington ($82,220) and Oklahoma ($80,410) following closely. In spite of that, Texas remains competitive, especially in metropolitan areas where experience and specialization continue to drive salary growth.
Top-Paying Social Work Roles
Social work specialists in Texas can earn excellent salaries. Medical social workers, clinical practitioners, and government positions are the most rewarding career paths.
Texas medical social workers earn a mean annual salary of $62,500, which comes to $30.05 per hour. Top healthcare social workers can make up to $87,830 yearly. The pay gets even better for social workers in home healthcare services, who can earn up to $88,710.
Clinical practice income
Private practice LCSWs receive competitive pay packages. These licensed professionals make an average of $61,980 per year. Mental health and substance abuse specialists earn about $60,130 annually. Social workers in scientific research and development make around $78,270 per year.
Government position salaries
Federal jobs pay the highest salaries in social work. Social workers in Federal Executive Government can earn up to $86,030. The Texas Health and Human Services Commission offers clear paths for advancement:
Social Worker III positions feature:
- Median salary: $76,028
- Average salary: $72,324
- Salary range: $48,158 to $77,477
Social Worker IV roles pay:
- Median salary: $87,045
- Average salary: $83,484
Religious organizations also pay well at around $71,570. Veterans Affairs jobs offer competitive salaries averaging $74,628 per year.
Some specialized areas of social work pay more than others. Social workers in scientific research healthcare earn $78,270 yearly. Religious organizations pay their child, family, and school social workers $71,570. Administrative social workers typically make $58,673 per year.
Your location in Texas affects how much you can earn. Urban areas usually pay better than rural regions. Texas has many healthcare facilities, government agencies, and private practices. These create opportunities for social workers to boost their income through specialized and advanced roles.
Boost Your Social Work Income
Career planning helps maximize your social work earnings in Texas. You just need to take steps toward professional development to tap into higher income potential throughout your career.
Additional certifications value
The Licensed Master Social Worker-Advanced Practice (LMSW-AP) certification is a valuable credential in Texas. This certification qualifies social workers for advanced roles with higher compensation after completing 3,000 supervised field work hours.
Social workers with doctoral degrees (DSW or PhD) earn $20,000 to $25,000 more than those with MSW degrees. Your annual earnings increase by $419 with each year of experience. Private practice yields higher income compared to nonprofit organizations.
Professional development goes beyond simple requirements. Certifications in trauma-informed care, DBT, or specialized therapeutic approaches can boost your market value. Many employers set aside separate budgets for professional development during performance reviews. This makes certification requests easier to approve than direct salary negotiations.
Specialization benefits
Your earning potential increases when you focus on high-demand areas. Healthcare social workers earn mean wages of $62,760, which is higher than mental health specialists at $60,130. Clinical social workers become more competitive candidates when they develop expertise in family therapy, substance abuse counseling, or gerontology.
Private practice is a chance for social workers to set their own fees and maintain flexible schedules. Supervisory and administrative positions offer premium salaries through program and staff oversight responsibilities.
The highest median incomes belong to social workers in:
- National security and international affairs ($69,000)
- Elementary and secondary education ($60,000)
- Executive offices and legislative bodies ($57,500)
- Insurance carriers ($57,000)
- Hospitals ($56,000)
Networking and professional visibility are vital for career advancement. Building relationships with field experts creates opportunities for referrals, project collaborations, and leadership roles. Social workers can create clear paths to higher-paying positions through smart career moves and continuous skill development.
Getting Started
Social work careers in Texas can be financially rewarding, and professional development makes them even better. Your annual earnings will grow by adding approximately $419 with each year of experience. Healthcare social work and clinical practice are some of the most profitable specialties, and top performers can earn up to $87,830 per year.
Advanced degrees and extra certifications will boost your earnings by a lot. LCSW certification leads to better pay, and a doctoral degree can boost your income by $20,000 or more annually. Your work location is a vital factor too. Urban centers pay more than rural areas consistently.
A balanced mix of professional development and hands-on experience paves the way to success in social work. You can maximize your earnings by focusing on in-demand specialties and getting relevant certifications. Every step you take through training or specialized experience brings you closer to the higher-paying social work positions in Texas.
FAQs
Q1. What is the average salary for social workers in Texas? The average salary for social workers in Texas has seen significant growth, reaching $77,800 in 2023. Salaries can vary based on factors such as experience, specialization, and location within the state.
Q2. How does experience affect a social worker’s salary in Texas? Experience plays a crucial role in salary progression for social workers in Texas. On average, each year of experience typically adds about $419 to annual earnings, with more experienced professionals earning significantly higher salaries.
Q3. Which social work specializations offer the highest salaries in Texas? Healthcare social workers and clinical practitioners tend to earn higher salaries in Texas. Medical social workers earn a mean annual salary of $62,500, with top performers reaching up to $87,830 annually. Clinical social workers and those in private practice also command competitive compensation.
Q4. How can social workers increase their earning potential in Texas? Social workers can boost their income by obtaining additional certifications, such as the LMSW-AP, pursuing advanced degrees like a DSW or PhD, specializing in high-demand areas, and considering private practice. Continuous professional development and strategic networking are also key to advancing one’s career and earning potential.
Q5. Do urban areas in Texas offer higher salaries for social workers? Yes, urban centers in Texas generally offer higher compensation for social workers compared to rural areas. Metropolitan areas consistently provide more competitive salaries, with cities like Houston, Dallas, and Austin offering higher pay scales for various social work positions.