Salary distribution
Where San Francisco healthcare social workers fall on the wage curve.
Shaded band = interquartile range (where most full-time workers fall)
The middle 50% of workers earn between $76,880 and $135,720, with a median of $103,440.
Typical entry
Education
Master's degree
Experience
None
On-the-job training
None
Top skills (O*NET)
- 4.9 / 5
Psychology
Knowledge
- 4.7 / 5
Therapy and Counseling
Knowledge
- 4.4 / 5
English Language
Knowledge
- 4.4 / 5
Sociology and Anthropology
Knowledge
- 4.3 / 5
Social Perceptiveness
Technical
- 4.1 / 5
Speaking
Basic skill
- 4.1 / 5
Service Orientation
Technical
- 4.1 / 5
Oral Expression
Ability
Common tasks (O*NET)
- 01
Advocate for clients or patients to resolve crises.
- 02
Educate clients about end-of-life symptoms and options to assist them in making informed decisions.
- 03
Collaborate with other professionals to evaluate patients' medical or physical condition and to assess client needs.
- 04
Investigate child abuse or neglect cases and take authorized protective action when necessary.
- 05
Refer patient, client, or family to community resources to assist in recovery from mental or physical illness and to provide access to services such as financial assistance, legal aid, housing, job placement or education.
- 06
Utilize consultation data and social work experience to plan and coordinate client or patient care and rehabilitation, following through to ensure service efficacy.
- 07
Monitor, evaluate, and record client progress according to measurable goals described in treatment and care plan.
- 08
Identify environmental impediments to client or patient progress through interviews and review of patient records.
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Explore coursesOther metros in California
How the San Francisco metro compares to other major California metro areas for healthcare social workers.
- San Jose$106,000
- Sacramento$97,370
- Riverside$92,790
- Los Angeles$85,770
- San Diego$83,120
Frequently asked questions
- What is the median salary for Healthcare Social Workers in San Francisco, California?
- According to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, the median annual wage for Healthcare Social Workers in the San Francisco metropolitan area is $103,440.
- Does San Francisco pay more than the California state average for Healthcare Social Workers?
- The San Francisco metro median is +11.3% versus the California state median of $92,970.
- How does San Francisco compare to the national median for Healthcare Social Workers?
- The San Francisco metro median is +48.3% versus the BLS national figure of $69,759.
- What is the salary range for Healthcare Social Workers in San Francisco?
- BLS reports the 10th-percentile annual wage at $59,440 and the 90th-percentile at $157,930 for the San Francisco metro area.
- What education is required for Healthcare Social Workers?
- BLS lists the typical entry-level education as Master's degree. Many employers also weigh prior experience and credentials.
Information on this page is for general educational purposes only. It is not career, financial, or tax advice. BLS metro estimates reflect the San Francisco CBSA boundary for the reference year shown and may not match individual offers, employer-specific ranges, or current market conditions. Confirm with a licensed professional before making career or compensation decisions.