RateOrchard
State comparison · 2025

Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers salary: California vs Michigan

Occupation

Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers in California earn a median of $79,000. In Michigan, $60,830. After cost-of-living, the gap is 12.9% — not 29.9%.

Nominal pay gap
+29.9%
California vs Michigan
COL-adjusted gap
+12.9%
After BEA Regional Price Parities

California

Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers

Median
$79,000
p25
$57,800
p75
$118,860
p10
$46,450
p90
$147,300
COL index (BEA RPP)100 = US average
110.7
Hiring velocity (180d)
-29%
See full breakdown for California

Michigan

Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers

Median
$60,830
p25
$50,140
p75
$74,350
p10
$42,150
p90
$82,750
COL index (BEA RPP)100 = US average
96.2
See full breakdown for Michigan

BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025. Cost-of-living adjustment from BEA Regional Price Parities (overall index). Hiring velocity from DOL OFLC public disclosure data, recent 180 days vs prior. See methodology.