Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers Salary in California (2025)
Official BLS OEWS data · May 2025 · 19,860 employed
Salary Percentile Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual |
|---|---|
10th Percentile Bottom 10% | $46,450 |
25th Percentile Lower quarter | $57,800 |
50th PercentileMedian Median | $79,000 |
75th Percentile Upper quarter | $118,860 |
90th Percentile Top 10% | $147,300 |
Salary Distribution
Annual Salary Range
10th
$46K
25th
$58K
Median
$79K
75th
$119K
90th
$147K
California has a large Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers workforce with approximately 19,860 positions, indicating strong demand for this occupation in the region.
In California, Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers salaries range from $46,450 at the 10th percentile to $147,300 at the 90th percentile — a spread of $100,850 (128% of the median). This wide range suggests significant variation based on experience and employer in this area.
Top Paying Cities in California
Metro areas with highest Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers wages
How Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers Compares in California
The average Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers salary of $91,050 in California ranks above the national average of $68,030. There are approximately 19,860 Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workerss employed in California.