Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers pay in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria
In Washington-Arlington-Alexandria (DC), the median pay for mental health and substance abuse social workers is $37.60 an hour ($78,210 a year). About 2,180 people work in this job there.
That is 30% higher than the U.S. median ($60,280). It is 7% higher than the District of Columbia median ($73,310).
Pay range for mental health and substance abuse social workers in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria (DC)
| Earns more than | Hourly | Yearly |
|---|---|---|
| 10% of workers | $27.31 | $56,810 |
| 25% of workers | $31.42 | $65,360 |
| Half of workers (median) | $37.60 | $78,210 |
| 75% of workers | $47.45 | $98,690 |
| 90% of workers | $57.56 | $119,720 |
Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers pay in District of Columbia metro areas
| Metro area | Median yearly pay | People in this job |
|---|---|---|
| Washington-Arlington-Alexandria (this page) | $78,210 | 2,180 |
District of Columbia unemployment rate: 5.7% (August 2026), U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Education, experience and outlook for mental health and substance abuse social workers
- Typical education to start: Master's degree (BLS)
- Related work experience most have: 2 to 4 years (O*NET)
- Training on the job: Internship/residency (BLS)
- Job outlook: +10.3% over ten years, much faster than average · about 12,500 openings a year (BLS)
Related jobs in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria (DC)
| Job | Median yearly pay |
|---|---|
| Registered Nurses | $102,710 |
| Child, Family, and School Social Workers | $75,550 |
| Rehabilitation Counselors | $48,290 |
| Healthcare Social Workers | $80,710 |
| Clinical and Counseling Psychologists | $101,670 |
| Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors | $65,270 |
| Social and Human Service Assistants | $48,370 |
| Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors | $77,420 |
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Post a job freeFind jobsCheck pay for any jobSource: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025 estimates. Figures are for wage and salary workers and do not include the self-employed. The median is the middle wage: half earn more, half earn less. Other job titles: O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license; O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. JAI Bot has modified this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.