Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers pay in Columbus
In Columbus (OH), the median pay for mental health and substance abuse social workers is $22.99 an hour ($47,820 a year). About 1,050 people work in this job there.
That is 21% lower than the U.S. median ($60,280). It is 4% higher than the Ohio median ($46,080).
Pay range for mental health and substance abuse social workers in Columbus (OH)
| Earns more than | Hourly | Yearly |
|---|---|---|
| 10% of workers | $17.73 | $36,870 |
| 25% of workers | $19.36 | $40,260 |
| Half of workers (median) | $22.99 | $47,820 |
| 75% of workers | $31.46 | $65,440 |
| 90% of workers | $52.34 | $108,870 |
Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers pay in Ohio metro areas
| Metro area | Median yearly pay | People in this job |
|---|---|---|
| Sandusky | $57,470 | 50 |
| Canton-Massillon | $49,700 | 190 |
| Lima | $47,910 | 50 |
| Columbus (this page) | $47,820 | 1,050 |
| Akron | $46,760 | 330 |
| Toledo | $46,600 | 350 |
| Cincinnati | $45,390 | 970 |
| Cleveland | $45,390 | 1,230 |
| Springfield | $45,120 | 60 |
| Dayton-Kettering-Beavercreek | $44,100 | 400 |
| Mansfield | $43,980 | 70 |
| Youngstown-Warren | $43,640 | 230 |
Ohio unemployment rate: 3.3% (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 Columbus (OH)
| Job | Median yearly pay |
|---|---|
| Registered Nurses | $83,900 |
| Child, Family, and School Social Workers | $58,460 |
| Healthcare Social Workers | $65,280 |
| Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors | $59,370 |
| Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors | $62,080 |
| Social and Human Service Assistants | $42,190 |
Other job titles for this job
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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.