Best Social Work Careers + Social Worker Salary Outlook

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What We Do

Social workers work alongside people to help them find solutions for their common problems. In some cases, this may involve helping to protect vulnerable people from abuse or harm, or supporting people who might otherwise have trouble living independently. You will find yourself engaging with families, clients, and the people around them. An important aspect of being a social worker is finding a way to build professional relationships with your clients so that you can work to make changes together.

Work Environment

Social workers will tend to find themselves within a range of different work environments. Some may be based in a healthcare center or hospital, whereas others will work from an office, or with a team of other social workers. Wherever you are based, chances are that you will spend a lot of time visiting clients.

How to Become a Social Work

There are a number of career paths to choose from in the world of social work. For example, some social workers interact with people whereas others focus on specific demographics. The first step towards becoming a social worker is figuring out what you want your specialty to be. From there, you will need to complete a bachelor’s degree, followed by an internship within your community. Some people choose to earn a master’s degree in social work too, and some states will require social workers to be certified or licensed.

Training & Certification Requirements

To be a professional social worker, you will need to register with the correct licensure board in your state. Since regulations vary from one state to another, you will need to get your requirements from the Association of Social Work Boards. Working as a clinical social worker can also require licensing that calls for a master’s MSW degree, supervised clinical work for a minimum of two years, and a passing grade on pertinent exams. You will be expected to keep your knowledge up to date with further training courses.

Social Work Related Job Titles

According to Indeed.com, the following career/job titles with salary figures are most closely related to Social Work.

Career/Job Title	Average Salary
Social Insurance Specialist	$61,000
Inside Sales Associate Wavespot	$61,000
Social Media Representative	$20,000
Family Services Specialist	$30,000
Clinical Social Worker	$62,000
Contact Representative	$40,000
Online Trader	$20,000
Social Worker	$63,000
Promotional Model	$45,000
Sales Specialist	$22,000

Social Work Earning Potential

As of 2015, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported a median income of $51,930 a year for healthcare social workers. Popular employers for this career choice include hospitals, government agencies, nursing and residential care facilities, educational services, and more.

Social Work Job Outlook

According to the BLS, The employment opportunities for social workers is projected to grow by twelve percent from 2014 to 2024, which is faster than the growth rate for many other occupations. Employment growth will be driven by a higher demand for social services and healthcare, but may vary according to your chosen specialty.

According to Indeed.com, the average national salary of jobs for Social Work was $43,000.00 with a high confidence ranking based on over 250 sources. Average Social Work salaries for job postings nationwide are 25% lower than average salaries for all job postings nationwide.

Social Work Salary by State

The following lists Social Work salaries in each state around the country. The figures are based on the total number of job postings by employers through Indeed.com. For example, DC had the largest quoted salary of $54,000 while Hawaii had the smallest quoted salary of $27,000.

Alaska – $32,000
(High Confidence (more than 250 sources))

Rank: 48th

Average Social Work salaries for job postings in Alaska are 26% lower than average Social Work salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 48th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium, Juneau School District, Workplace Alaska, and Southcentral Foundation.

In USD as of September 1, 2016		60k	120k	180k
Social Work	$32,000	.

Alabama – $44,000
(High Confidence (more than 250 sources))

Rank: 12th

Average Social Work salaries for job postings in Alabama are 1% higher than average Social Work salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 12th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Quality Restaurant Concepts, LLC/Applebee’s Franchise Group, Amedisys, Inc., Covenant Care, and Advance America.

In USD as of September 1, 2016		60k	120k	180k
Social Work	$44,000	.

Arkansas – $44,000
(High Confidence (more than 250 sources))

Rank: 13th

Average Social Work salaries for job postings in Arkansas are 2% higher than average Social Work salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 13th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Arkansas Department of Human Services, Correct Care Solutions, Cadence Education, and Save the Children.

In USD as of September 1, 2016		60k	120k	180k
Social Work	$44,000	.

Arizona – $36,000
(High Confidence (more than 250 sources))

Rank: 42nd

Average Social Work salaries for job postings in Arizona are 18% lower than average Social Work salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 42nd among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Banner Health, St Josephs Hospital & Med Center, Arizona State University, and Arizona’s Children Association.

In USD as of September 1, 2016		60k	120k	180k
Social Work	$36,000	.

California – $46,000
(High Confidence (more than 250 sources))

Rank: 8th

Average Social Work salaries for job postings in California are 7% higher than average Social Work salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 8th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Kaiser Permanente, University of California Berkeley, California State University, and Knowledge Universe.

In USD as of September 1, 2016		60k	120k	180k
Social Work	$46,000	.

Colorado – $38,000
(High Confidence (more than 250 sources))

Rank: 34th

Average Social Work salaries for job postings in Colorado are 11% lower than average Social Work salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 34th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Colorado Department of Human Services, Arrow Electronics, Inc., Knowledge Universe, and Arrow Electronics.

In USD as of September 1, 2016		60k	120k	180k
Social Work	$38,000	.

Connecticut – $50,000
(High Confidence (more than 250 sources))

Rank: 4th

Average Social Work salaries for job postings in Connecticut are 15% higher than average Social Work salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 4th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like St. Vincent’s Health Services, Dungarvin, ABI Resources LLC, and Wheeler Clinic.

In USD as of September 1, 2016		60k	120k	180k
Social Work	$50,000	.

DC – $54,000
(High Confidence (more than 250 sources))

Rank: 1st

Average Social Work salaries for job postings in Washington, DC are 25% higher than average Social Work salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 1st among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Dell, ICF International, Inc., Howard University, and HSS, Inc..

In USD as of September 1, 2016		60k	120k	180k
Social Work	$54,000	.

Delaware – $38,000
(High Confidence (more than 250 sources))

Rank: 35th

Average Social Work salaries for job postings in Delaware are 12% lower than average Social Work salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 35th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like State of Delaware, Children of America, University of Delaware, and WSFS Bank.

In USD as of September 1, 2016		60k	120k	180k
Social Work	$38,000	.

Florida – $40,000
(High Confidence (more than 250 sources))

Rank: 27th

Average Social Work salaries for job postings in Florida are 7% lower than average Social Work salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 27th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Steak n Shake Corporate, PeopleFirst Florida HR, VALiNTRY Services, and Knowledge Universe.

In USD as of September 1, 2016		60k	120k	180k
Social Work	$40,000	.

Georgia – $49,000
(High Confidence (more than 250 sources))

Rank: 5th

Average Social Work salaries for job postings in Georgia are 14% higher than average Social Work salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 5th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Steak n Shake Corporate, Georgia Department of Human Services, ADP, and Amedisys, Inc..

In USD as of September 1, 2016		60k	120k	180k
Social Work	$49,000	.

Hawaii – $27,000
(High Confidence (more than 250 sources))

Rank: 51st

Average Social Work salaries for job postings in Hawaii are 38% lower than average Social Work salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 51st among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Four Seasons, State of Hawaii, Hawaii Behavioral Health, and Hawaii State Judiciary.

In USD as of September 1, 2016		60k	120k	180k
Social Work	$27,000	.

Iowa – $43,000
(High Confidence (more than 250 sources))

Rank: 16th

Average Social Work salaries for job postings in Iowa are 2% lower than average Social Work salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 16th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like UnityPoint Health, The Homestead, Cadence Education Inc., and Catholic Health Initiatives.

In USD as of September 1, 2016		60k	120k	180k
Social Work	$43,000	.

Idaho – $28,000
(High Confidence (more than 250 sources))

Rank: 50th

Average Social Work salaries for job postings in Idaho are 34% lower than average Social Work salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 50th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Embassy Management, Idaho Division of Human Resources, Community Partnerships of Idaho, and Hewlett Packard Enterprise.

In USD as of September 1, 2016		60k	120k	180k
Social Work	$28,000	.

Illinois – $49,000
(High Confidence (more than 250 sources))

Rank: 6th

Average Social Work salaries for job postings in Illinois are 13% higher than average Social Work salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 6th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Steak n Shake Corporate, Chicago Public Schools, Northwestern University, and Knowledge Universe.

In USD as of September 1, 2016		60k	120k	180k
Social Work	$49,000	.

Indiana – $42,000
(High Confidence (more than 250 sources))

Rank: 20th

Average Social Work salaries for job postings in Indiana are 4% lower than average Social Work salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 20th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Steak n Shake Corporate, Dungarvin, Accessible Medical Staffing, and Enlivant.

In USD as of September 1, 2016		60k	120k	180k
Social Work	$42,000	.

Kansas – $40,000
(High Confidence (more than 250 sources))

Rank: 28th

Average Social Work salaries for job postings in Kansas are 9% lower than average Social Work salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 28th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Textron, Summit Care, Inc., Saint Francis Community Services, and Wichita Public Schools.

In USD as of September 1, 2016		60k	120k	180k
Social Work	$40,000	.

Kentucky – $37,000
(High Confidence (more than 250 sources))

Rank: 41st

Average Social Work salaries for job postings in Kentucky are 14% lower than average Social Work salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 41st among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Steak n Shake Corporate, Catholic Health Initiatives, Seven Counties Services, and KentuckyOne Health.

In USD as of September 1, 2016		60k	120k	180k
Social Work	$37,000	.

Louisiana – $39,000
(High Confidence (more than 250 sources))

Rank: 31st

Average Social Work salaries for job postings in Louisiana are 11% lower than average Social Work salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 31st among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Ochsner Health System, Harrah’s New Orleans, Louisiana State Government, and Louisiana State University.

In USD as of September 1, 2016		60k	120k	180k
Social Work	$39,000	.

Massachusetts – $52,000
(High Confidence (more than 250 sources))

Rank: 2nd

Average Social Work salaries for job postings in Massachusetts are 20% higher than average Social Work salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 2nd among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like CROSSMARK, Cadence Education Inc., BAMSI, Inc., and Knowledge Universe.

In USD as of September 1, 2016		60k	120k	180k
Social Work	$52,000	.

Maryland – $45,000
(High Confidence (more than 250 sources))

Rank: 9th

Average Social Work salaries for job postings in Maryland are 3% higher than average Social Work salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 9th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like George Washington University, Johns Hopkins University, JOHNS HOPKINS HEALTH SYSTEM, and Y of Central Maryland.

In USD as of September 1, 2016		60k	120k	180k
Social Work	$45,000	.

Maine – $38,000
(High Confidence (more than 250 sources))

Rank: 36th

Average Social Work salaries for job postings in Maine are 12% lower than average Social Work salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 36th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Southern Maine Health Care, Living Innovations, Goodwill Industries of Northern New England, and MAS Community Health.

In USD as of September 1, 2016		60k	120k	180k
Social Work	$38,000	.

Michigan – $44,000
(High Confidence (more than 250 sources))

Rank: 14th

Average Social Work salaries for job postings in Michigan are 1% higher than average Social Work salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 14th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Steak n Shake Corporate, Whirlpool, Hope Network New Passages, and Samaritas.

In USD as of September 1, 2016		60k	120k	180k
Social Work	$44,000	.

Minnesota – $38,000
(High Confidence (more than 250 sources))

Rank: 37th

Average Social Work salaries for job postings in Minnesota are 13% lower than average Social Work salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 37th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like MENTOR NETWORK, Dungarvin, ARCH Language Network, and Knowledge Universe.

In USD as of September 1, 2016		60k	120k	180k
Social Work	$38,000	.

Missouri – $43,000
(High Confidence (more than 250 sources))

Rank: 17th

Average Social Work salaries for job postings in Missouri are 2% lower than average Social Work salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 17th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Steak n Shake Corporate, NetEffects, Inc., BJC HealthCare, and Lutheran Senior Services.

In USD as of September 1, 2016		60k	120k	180k
Social Work	$43,000	.

Mississippi – $45,000
(High Confidence (more than 250 sources))

Rank: 10th

Average Social Work salaries for job postings in Mississippi are 5% higher than average Social Work salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 10th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like TherapyTravelers, State of Mississippi, Mississippi State Personnel Board, and Quality Restaurant Concepts, LLC/Applebee’s Franchise Group.

In USD as of September 1, 2016		60k	120k	180k
Social Work	$45,000	.

Montana – $36,000
(High Confidence (more than 250 sources))

Rank: 43rd

Average Social Work salaries for job postings in Montana are 17% lower than average Social Work salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 43rd among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like TherapyTravelers, Compassus, First Interstate Bank, and Kalispell Regional Medical Center.

In USD as of September 1, 2016		60k	120k	180k
Social Work	$36,000	.

North Carolina – $41,000
(High Confidence (more than 250 sources))

Rank: 24th

Average Social Work salaries for job postings in North Carolina are 5% lower than average Social Work salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 24th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Duke University and Duke University Health System, Maxim Healthcare Services, Cadence Education Inc., and RHA Health Services.

In USD as of September 1, 2016		60k	120k	180k
Social Work	$41,000	.

North Dakota – $38,000
(High Confidence (more than 250 sources))

Rank: 38th

Average Social Work salaries for job postings in North Dakota are 11% lower than average Social Work salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 38th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Sanford Health, North Dakota State Government, Supervalu, and Missouri Valley Family YMCA.

In USD as of September 1, 2016		60k	120k	180k
Social Work	$38,000	.

Nebraska – $32,000
(High Confidence (more than 250 sources))

Rank: 49th

Average Social Work salaries for job postings in Nebraska are 27% lower than average Social Work salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 49th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Catholic Health Initiatives, State of Nebraska, Children’s Hospital & Medical Center – Omaha, and Dell.

In USD as of September 1, 2016		60k	120k	180k
Social Work	$32,000	.

New Hampshire – $43,000
(High Confidence (more than 250 sources))

Rank: 18th

Average Social Work salaries for job postings in New Hampshire are 1% lower than average Social Work salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 18th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Maxim Healthcare Services, Elliot Hospital, Easter Seals New Hampshire, and Living Innovations.

In USD as of September 1, 2016		60k	120k	180k
Social Work	$43,000	.

New Jersey – $47,000
(High Confidence (more than 250 sources))

Rank: 7th

Average Social Work salaries for job postings in New Jersey are 8% higher than average Social Work salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 7th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Oaks Integrated Care, Rutgers University, ADP, and Knowledge Universe.

In USD as of September 1, 2016		60k	120k	180k
Social Work	$47,000	.

New Mexico – $38,000
(High Confidence (more than 250 sources))

Rank: 39th

Average Social Work salaries for job postings in New Mexico are 13% lower than average Social Work salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 39th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like New Mexico State Personnel Office, Presbyterian Healthcare Services, University of New Mexico, and Goodwill Industries of New Mexico.

In USD as of September 1, 2016		60k	120k	180k
Social Work	$38,000	.

Nevada – $33,000
(High Confidence (more than 250 sources))

Rank: 46th

Average Social Work salaries for job postings in Nevada are 24% lower than average Social Work salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 46th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Newmont Mining, Renown Regional Medical Center, Fundamental, and Arrow Electronics.

In USD as of September 1, 2016		60k	120k	180k
Social Work	$33,000	.

New York – $52,000
(High Confidence (more than 250 sources))

Rank: 3rd

Average Social Work salaries for job postings in New York State are 21% higher than average Social Work salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 3rd among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like CROSSMARK, VISITING NURSE SERVICE OF NEW YORK, SCO Family of Services, and Institute for Community Living.

In USD as of September 1, 2016		60k	120k	180k
Social Work	$52,000	.

Ohio – $41,000
(High Confidence (more than 250 sources))

Rank: 25th

Average Social Work salaries for job postings in Ohio are 4% lower than average Social Work salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 25th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Steak n Shake Corporate, Knowledge Universe, Advance America, and Maxim Healthcare Services.

In USD as of September 1, 2016		60k	120k	180k
Social Work	$41,000	.

Oklahoma – $40,000
(High Confidence (more than 250 sources))

Rank: 29th

Average Social Work salaries for job postings in Oklahoma are 8% lower than average Social Work salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 29th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Oklahoma City Public Schools, Gifted Healthcare, State of Oklahoma, and Oklahoma State University.

In USD as of September 1, 2016		60k	120k	180k
Social Work	$40,000	.

Oregon – $42,000
(High Confidence (more than 250 sources))

Rank: 21st

Average Social Work salaries for job postings in Oregon are 3% lower than average Social Work salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 21st among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like State of Oregon, Jack In The Box, St. Charles Health System, and Cascadia Behavioral Health.

In USD as of September 1, 2016		60k	120k	180k
Social Work	$42,000	.

Pennsylvania – $42,000
(High Confidence (more than 250 sources))

Rank: 22nd

Average Social Work salaries for job postings in Pennsylvania are 4% lower than average Social Work salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 22nd among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Applebees, Lehigh Valley Health Network, Applebee’s, and UPMC.

In USD as of September 1, 2016		60k	120k	180k
Social Work	$42,000	.

Rhode Island – $39,000
(High Confidence (more than 250 sources))

Rank: 32nd

Average Social Work salaries for job postings in Rhode Island are 9% lower than average Social Work salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 32nd among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Seven Hills Foundation, Lifespan, Dell, and Hasbro.

In USD as of September 1, 2016		60k	120k	180k
Social Work	$39,000	.

South Carolina – $43,000
(High Confidence (more than 250 sources))

Rank: 19th

Average Social Work salaries for job postings in South Carolina are 1% lower than average Social Work salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 19th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like State of South Carolina, Early Autism Project, Inc., Cadence Education Inc., and TherapyTravelers.

In USD as of September 1, 2016		60k	120k	180k
Social Work	$43,000	.

South Dakota – $33,000
(High Confidence (more than 250 sources))

Rank: 47th

Average Social Work salaries for job postings in South Dakota are 25% lower than average Social Work salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 47th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Regional Health, Unlisted Company, South Dakota State Government, and TherapyTravelers.

In USD as of September 1, 2016		60k	120k	180k
Social Work	$33,000	.

Tennessee – $40,000
(High Confidence (more than 250 sources))

Rank: 30th

Average Social Work salaries for job postings in Tennessee are 7% lower than average Social Work salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 30th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Shelby Co. Schools, State of Tennessee, Steak n Shake Corporate, and Maxim Healthcare Services.

In USD as of September 1, 2016		60k	120k	180k
Social Work	$40,000	.

Texas – $42,000
(High Confidence (more than 250 sources))

Rank: 23rd

Average Social Work salaries for job postings in Texas are 3% lower than average Social Work salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 23rd among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Dell, CROSSMARK, Goodwill Central Texas, and Dept of Family & Protectve Svc.

In USD as of September 1, 2016		60k	120k	180k
Social Work	$42,000	.

Utah – $34,000
(High Confidence (more than 250 sources))

Rank: 45th

Average Social Work salaries for job postings in Utah are 22% lower than average Social Work salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 45th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Salt Lake City School District, University of Utah, Intermountain Healthcare, and Premier Health Partners.

In USD as of September 1, 2016		60k	120k	180k
Social Work	$34,000	.

Virginia – $44,000
(High Confidence (more than 250 sources))

Rank: 15th

Average Social Work salaries for job postings in Virginia are 1% higher than average Social Work salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 15th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like YMCA of Greater Richmond, Intercept Youth Services, Dell, and Capital One.

In USD as of September 1, 2016		60k	120k	180k
Social Work	$44,000	.

Vermont – $38,000
(High Confidence (more than 250 sources))

Rank: 40th

Average Social Work salaries for job postings in Vermont are 12% lower than average Social Work salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 40th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Brattleboro Retreat, HowardCenter, Washington County Mental Health Services Inc., and State of Vermont.

In USD as of September 1, 2016		60k	120k	180k
Social Work	$38,000	.

Washington – $45,000
(High Confidence (more than 250 sources))

Rank: 11th

Average Social Work salaries for job postings in Washington State are 3% higher than average Social Work salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 11th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like State of Washington, Amazon Web Services, Inc., Knowledge Universe, and Highline Public Schools.

In USD as of September 1, 2016		60k	120k	180k
Social Work	$45,000	.

Wisconsin – $39,000
(High Confidence (more than 250 sources))

Rank: 33rd

Average Social Work salaries for job postings in Wisconsin are 11% lower than average Social Work salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 33rd among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Aurora HealthCare, Dungarvin, Wisconsin Hospitality Group (Applebee’s), and Lutheran Social Services of Wisconsin and Upper Michigan, Inc..

In USD as of September 1, 2016		60k	120k	180k
Social Work	$39,000	.

West Virginia – $41,000
(High Confidence (more than 250 sources))

Rank: 26th

Average Social Work salaries for job postings in West Virginia are 6% lower than average Social Work salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 26th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like MENTOR NETWORK, ResCare, WVU Healthcare, and Jan-Care Ambulance Service Inc..

In USD as of September 1, 2016		60k	120k	180k
Social Work	$41,000	.

Wyoming – $36,000
(High Confidence (more than 250 sources))

Rank: 44th

Average Social Work salaries for job postings in Wyoming are 17% lower than average Social Work salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 44th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like State of Wyoming, Wyoming Child & Family Development, Inc, Cheyenne Regional Medical Center, and Banner Health.