Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers pay in Boston-Cambridge-Newton
In Boston-Cambridge-Newton (MA), the median pay for mental health and substance abuse social workers is $30.69 an hour ($63,830 a year). About 4,660 people work in this job there.
That is 6% higher than the U.S. median ($60,280). It is 2% higher than the Massachusetts median ($62,500).
Pay range for mental health and substance abuse social workers in Boston-Cambridge-Newton (MA)
| Earns more than | Hourly | Yearly |
|---|---|---|
| 10% of workers | $23.69 | $49,280 |
| 25% of workers | $27.93 | $58,090 |
| Half of workers (median) | $30.69 | $63,830 |
| 75% of workers | $37.70 | $78,420 |
| 90% of workers | $49.44 | $102,830 |
Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers pay in Massachusetts metro areas
| Metro area | Median yearly pay | People in this job |
|---|---|---|
| Amherst Town-Northampton | $69,960 | 210 |
| Boston-Cambridge-Newton (this page) | $63,830 | 4,660 |
| Barnstable Town | $62,990 | 170 |
| Worcester | $60,480 | 960 |
| Springfield | $60,250 | 510 |
| Pittsfield | $56,660 | 170 |
Massachusetts unemployment rate: 4.3% (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 Boston-Cambridge-Newton (MA)
| Job | Median yearly pay |
|---|---|
| Registered Nurses | $106,180 |
| Child, Family, and School Social Workers | $77,420 |
| Healthcare Social Workers | $78,410 |
| Rehabilitation Counselors | $47,440 |
| Clinical and Counseling Psychologists | $121,270 |
| Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors | $62,130 |
| Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors | $80,760 |
| Social and Human Service Assistants | $47,530 |
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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.