The following page shows the career & education requirements, salary and job outlook for Medical Social Work around the country.
What We Do
Medical social workers offer psychosocial support to patients in need of medical care. They also provide the necessary support to the patients’ families. Because providing clinically based patient assessments are part of the core responsibilities that medical social workers take on, they’re sometimes also referred to as clinical social workers. They regularly work with other healthcare staff and doctors to evaluate the emotional and physical health issues and social factors that might play a part in the treatment plan for a particular patient.
Work Environment
Most medical social workers will work within hospice, home health, or a range of managed healthcare organizations. These professionals will often have an opportunity to travel to job sites, and may also be expected to work long hours during weekends. In many circumstances, the job can be quite stressful because under-staffing usually lead to larger caseloads.
How to Become a Medical Social Work
While an undergraduate major isn’t necessarily required for people who want to take part in a master of science of social work program, most of these programs will offer advanced status for medical social workers who want to achieve a better position in their chosen career. It is possible to become one with only a bachelor’s or associate’s degree but graduate degree holders have a better chance of advancing in their careers.
Training & Certification Requirements
Many state social worker boards develop and enforce various qualifications for licensure, which must be obtained for employment. After a graduate degree has been earned, social workers will need to have a minimum of around 3,000 hours of supervised experience within a clinic or have at least two years of experience working within a clinic to be eligible for the licensure exam that is administered by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB). Successful completion results in the LCSW designation. Continuing education requirements for maintaining licensure will vary according to state, and professionals may consult the ASWB to get more information on requirements for their specific state. Additionally, states will require social workers to upgrade their certifications every two years.
Medical Social Work Related Job Titles
According to Indeed.com, the following career/job titles with salary figures are most closely related to Medical Social Work.
Career/Job Title | Average Salary |
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Track Maintenance | $49,000 |
Healthcare Professional | $30,000 |
Online Trader | $20,000 |
Medical Social Worker | $55,000 |
Clinical Social Worker | $62,000 |
RN Tele Telemetry | $76,000 |
RN Specialist | $48,000 |
Medical Records Field Technician | $44,000 |
Client Development Representative | $31,000 |
CPS Investigation Worker | $39,000 |
Medical Social Work Earning Potential
The typical annual wage for social workers was approximately $45,900 in May 2015, according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
Medical Social Work Job Outlook
The BLS suggests that employment opportunities for social workers are projected grow by around 12% from 2014 to 2024, which is faster than the average expected for most occupations. This will be driven by an increased demand for social services, and will vary according to specialty.
According to Indeed.com, the average national salary of jobs for Medical Social Work was $49,000.00 with a high confidence ranking based on over 250 sources. Average Medical Social Work salaries for job postings nationwide are 15% lower than average salaries for all job postings nationwide.
Medical Social Work Salary by State
The following lists Medical 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 $62,000 while Hawaii had the smallest quoted salary of $30,000.
Alaska – $36,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 48th | ||||||||||
Average Medical Social Work salaries for job postings in Alaska are 26% lower than average Medical 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 Health Net, Inc., Southcentral Foundation, Maniilaq Association, and Fairbanks Native Association. |
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Alabama – $50,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 12th | ||||||||||
Average Medical Social Work salaries for job postings in Alabama are 1% higher than average Medical 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 KinderCare Education, Psych On Site, Inc., Curo Health Services, and SouthernCare, Inc.. |
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Arkansas – $50,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 13th | ||||||||||
Average Medical Social Work salaries for job postings in Arkansas are 2% higher than average Medical 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 MedExpress, Universal Health Services, Winrock International, and The Pointe Outpatient BHS. |
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Arizona – $40,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 44th | ||||||||||
Average Medical Social Work salaries for job postings in Arizona are 18% lower than average Medical 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 Cadence Education Inc., Phoenix Children's Hospital, Banner Health, and Arizona's Children Association. |
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California – $53,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 7th | ||||||||||
Average Medical Social Work salaries for job postings in California are 7% higher than average Medical 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 Family Health Centers of San Diego, Sutter Health, Cadence Education, and Seneca Family of Agencies. |
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Colorado – $44,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 32nd | ||||||||||
Average Medical Social Work salaries for job postings in Colorado are 11% lower than average Medical 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 KinderCare Education, Community Reach Center, Banner Health, and University of Colorado. |
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Connecticut – $57,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 4th | ||||||||||
Average Medical Social Work salaries for job postings in Connecticut are 15% higher than average Medical 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 Dungarvin, ABI Resources LLC, KinderCare Education, and Wheeler Clinic. |
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DC – $62,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 1st | ||||||||||
Average Medical Social Work salaries for job postings in Washington, DC are 25% higher than average Medical 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 KinderCare Education, Acumen Solutions, DC Prep, and Population Services International. |
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Delaware – $43,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 36th | ||||||||||
Average Medical Social Work salaries for job postings in Delaware are 12% lower than average Medical 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 Nemours, Rockford Center, Christiana Care, and Children of America. |
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Florida – $46,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 26th | ||||||||||
Average Medical Social Work salaries for job postings in Florida are 7% lower than average Medical 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 KinderCare Education, Amedisys, Inc., Catholic Hospice, and Covenant Care. |
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Georgia – $56,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 5th | ||||||||||
Average Medical Social Work salaries for job postings in Georgia are 14% higher than average Medical 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 Amedisys, Inc., Childcare Network, Dell, and Cadence Education Inc.. |
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Hawaii – $30,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 51st | ||||||||||
Average Medical Social Work salaries for job postings in Hawaii are 38% lower than average Medical 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 BAYADA Home Health Care, Health Net, Inc., Fresenius Medical Care, and UnitedHealth Group. |
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Iowa – $48,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 17th | ||||||||||
Average Medical Social Work salaries for job postings in Iowa are 2% lower than average Medical 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 Bright Horizons Family Solutions, Four Oaks, GuideOne Insurance, and HCI VNS Care Services. |
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Idaho – $32,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 50th | ||||||||||
Average Medical Social Work salaries for job postings in Idaho are 34% lower than average Medical 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 Hospice Partners, Idaho Division of Human Resources, Kootenai Health, and Saint Alphonsus Regional Medical Center – Boise. |
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Illinois – $56,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 6th | ||||||||||
Average Medical Social Work salaries for job postings in Illinois are 13% higher than average Medical 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 Northwestern University, Oak Street Health, Advocate Health Care, and Children's Home + Aid. |
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Indiana – $47,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 22nd | ||||||||||
Average Medical Social Work salaries for job postings in Indiana are 4% lower than average Medical 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 Cummins Inc., ResCare, Meridian Health Services, and KinderCare Education. |
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Kansas – $45,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 29th | ||||||||||
Average Medical Social Work salaries for job postings in Kansas are 9% lower than average Medical 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 Wichita Public Schools, TherapyTravelers, Larned State Hospital, and Kindred At Home. |
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Kentucky – $42,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 41st | ||||||||||
Average Medical Social Work salaries for job postings in Kentucky are 14% lower than average Medical 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 Catholic Health Initiatives, KentuckyOne Health, Home Instead Senior Care, and TherapyTravelers. |
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Louisiana – $44,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 33rd | ||||||||||
Average Medical Social Work salaries for job postings in Louisiana are 11% lower than average Medical 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 General Health System, TherapyTravelers, Peoples Health, Inc., and KIPP New Orleans Schools. |
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Massachusetts – $59,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 2nd | ||||||||||
Average Medical Social Work salaries for job postings in Massachusetts are 20% higher than average Medical 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 Brigham & Women's Hospital(BWH), LAHEY CLINIC, Bright Horizons Family Solutions, and Massachusetts General Hospital(MGH). |
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Maryland – $51,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 9th | ||||||||||
Average Medical Social Work salaries for job postings in Maryland are 3% higher than average Medical 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 Johns Hopkins University, George Washington University, KinderCare Education, and The Arc of Southern Maryland, Inc.. |
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Maine – $43,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 37th | ||||||||||
Average Medical Social Work salaries for job postings in Maine are 12% lower than average Medical 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 Motivational Services, Inc., Dell, MaineHealth Corporate, and MaineGeneral Health. |
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Michigan – $50,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 14th | ||||||||||
Average Medical Social Work salaries for job postings in Michigan are 1% higher than average Medical 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 Hope Network Behavioral Health, KinderCare Education, Samaritas, and Dell. |
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Minnesota – $43,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 38th | ||||||||||
Average Medical Social Work salaries for job postings in Minnesota are 13% lower than average Medical 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 KinderCare Education, Nystrom & Associates, Ltd., State of Minnesota, and Elite Medical Scribes. |
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Missouri – $48,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 18th | ||||||||||
Average Medical Social Work salaries for job postings in Missouri are 2% lower than average Medical 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 Mercy, Southeast Mo Behavioral Health, Cadence Education, and KinderCare Education. |
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Mississippi – $51,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 10th | ||||||||||
Average Medical Social Work salaries for job postings in Mississippi are 5% higher than average Medical 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 Kindred At Home, State of Mississippi, Mississippi State Personnel Board, and Mississippi Behavioral Health Services, LLC. |
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Montana – $41,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 42nd | ||||||||||
Average Medical Social Work salaries for job postings in Montana are 17% lower than average Medical 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 Providence Health & Services, Kalispell Regional Medical Center, RiverStone Health, and Compassus. |
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North Carolina – $47,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 23rd | ||||||||||
Average Medical Social Work salaries for job postings in North Carolina are 5% lower than average Medical 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 Cadence Education Inc., Maxim Healthcare Services, RHA Health Services, and Speechcenter, Inc.. |
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North Dakota – $44,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 34th | ||||||||||
Average Medical Social Work salaries for job postings in North Dakota are 11% lower than average Medical 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 Medical Business Service, TherapyTravelers, Capital Professional Staffing LLC, and Essentia Health. |
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Nebraska – $36,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 49th | ||||||||||
Average Medical Social Work salaries for job postings in Nebraska are 27% lower than average Medical 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 Immanuel, The Nebraska Medical Center, Lindsay Corporation, and Think Wholeperson Healthcare. |
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New Hampshire – $48,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 19th | ||||||||||
Average Medical Social Work salaries for job postings in New Hampshire are 1% lower than average Medical 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 Elliot Hospital, Amedisys, Inc., Gateways Community Services, and KinderCare Education. |
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New Jersey – $53,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 8th | ||||||||||
Average Medical Social Work salaries for job postings in New Jersey are 8% higher than average Medical 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 KinderCare Education, Dungarvin, Rutgers University, and Bright Horizons Family Solutions. |
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New Mexico – $43,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 39th | ||||||||||
Average Medical Social Work salaries for job postings in New Mexico are 13% lower than average Medical 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 Sandia National Laboratories, Sunshine Haven at Lordsburg, Kindred At Home, and Dungarvin. |
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Nevada – $37,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 46th | ||||||||||
Average Medical Social Work salaries for job postings in Nevada are 24% lower than average Medical 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 Strategic Behavioral Health, LLC, University Medical Center of Southern Nevada, Banner Health, and University of Nevada Las Vegas. |
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New York – $59,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 3rd | ||||||||||
Average Medical Social Work salaries for job postings in New York State are 21% higher than average Medical 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 Mount Sinai Health System, Northwell Health, Columbia University, and Graham Windham. |
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Ohio – $47,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 24th | ||||||||||
Average Medical Social Work salaries for job postings in Ohio are 4% lower than average Medical 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 Maxim Healthcare Services, Vocalink Language Services, Dungarvin, and Mercy Health. |
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Oklahoma – $45,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 30th | ||||||||||
Average Medical Social Work salaries for job postings in Oklahoma are 8% lower than average Medical 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 ResCare, Amedisys, Inc., American Cancer Society, and Mercy. |
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Oregon – $48,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 20th | ||||||||||
Average Medical Social Work salaries for job postings in Oregon are 3% lower than average Medical 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 Jack In The Box, St. Charles Health System, KinderCare Education, and Chemeketa Community College. |
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Pennsylvania – $47,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 25th | ||||||||||
Average Medical Social Work salaries for job postings in Pennsylvania are 4% lower than average Medical 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 Grade A Development, Inc., St. Luke's Hospital & Health Network, Lifesteps Inc, and WellSpan Health Services. |
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Rhode Island – $45,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 31st | ||||||||||
Average Medical Social Work salaries for job postings in Rhode Island are 9% lower than average Medical 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 Meeting Street, Neighborhood Health Plan of Rhode Island, East Bay Community Action Program, and TherapyTravelers. |
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South Carolina – $49,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 16th | ||||||||||
Average Medical Social Work salaries for job postings in South Carolina are 1% lower than average Medical 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 Telos Corporation, Curo Health Services, SouthernCare, Inc., and Anytime Fitness – Florence, SC. |
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South Dakota – $37,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 47th | ||||||||||
Average Medical Social Work salaries for job postings in South Dakota are 25% lower than average Medical 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 Deer Oaks Mental Health Associates, TherapyTravelers, Bright Horizons Family Solutions, and ARCH Language Network. |
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Tennessee – $46,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 27th | ||||||||||
Average Medical Social Work salaries for job postings in Tennessee are 7% lower than average Medical 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 Maxim Healthcare Services, Amedisys, Inc., TherapyTravelers, and Dell. |
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Texas – $48,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 21st | ||||||||||
Average Medical Social Work salaries for job postings in Texas are 3% lower than average Medical 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 Dept of State Health Services, TherapyTravelers, MHMR, and Fresenius Medical Care. |
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Utah – $38,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 45th | ||||||||||
Average Medical Social Work salaries for job postings in Utah are 22% lower than average Medical 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 State of Utah, Copper Hills Youth Center KBH, Castle & Cooke Mortgage, LLC, and Bright Horizons Family Solutions. |
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Virginia – $50,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 15th | ||||||||||
Average Medical Social Work salaries for job postings in Virginia are 1% higher than average Medical 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 KinderCare Education, Cadence Education Inc., Children of America, and Acumen Solutions. |
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Vermont – $43,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 40th | ||||||||||
Average Medical Social Work salaries for job postings in Vermont are 12% lower than average Medical 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 Becket Family of Services, Porter Medical Center, State of Vermont, and Capstone Community Action, Inc.. |
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Washington – $51,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 11th | ||||||||||
Average Medical Social Work salaries for job postings in Washington State are 3% higher than average Medical 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 Providence Health & Services, Cadence Education, PeaceHealth, and Pioneer Human Services. |
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Wisconsin – $44,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 35th | ||||||||||
Average Medical Social Work salaries for job postings in Wisconsin are 11% lower than average Medical 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 KinderCare Education, TherapyTravelers, Dungarvin, and Lutheran Social Services of Wisconsin and Upper Michigan, Inc.. |
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West Virginia – $46,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 28th | ||||||||||
Average Medical Social Work salaries for job postings in West Virginia are 6% lower than average Medical 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 Buffalo Wild Wings, Acadia Healthcare Comprehensive Treatment Centers, WVU Research Corporation, and Keystone Peer Review. |
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Wyoming – $41,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 43rd | ||||||||||
Average Medical Social Work salaries for job postings in Wyoming are 17% lower than average Medical 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 State of Wyoming, Wyoming Medical Center, TherapyTravelers, and St. Johns Medical Center. |
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