RateOrchard
METRO DATA PROFILE · 2024

Healthcare Social Workers salary in Washington, D.C., District of Columbia

Metro-level median, range, and employment from BLS Occupational Employment Statistics for the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area. Skills and task data from O*NET. State and national figures shown for context.

Adrian Serafin, founder and editor of RateOrchardBy Adrian SerafinFounderUpdated April 30, 2026
Median annual$78,010
Mean annual$76,540
Range (10th to 90th)$41,500 to $105,750
Washington, D.C., District of Columbia employment2,530
State vs national+11.8% vs national

Salary distribution

Where Washington, D.C. healthcare social workers fall on the wage curve.

Annual wage distribution

Shaded band = interquartile range (where most full-time workers fall)

10TH$41,50025TH$57,410MEDIAN$78,01075TH$94,23090TH$105,750

The middle 50% of workers earn between $57,410 and $94,230, with a median of $78,010.

Typical entry

  • Education

    Master's degree

  • Experience

    None

  • On-the-job training

    None

Top skills (O*NET)

  • Psychology

    Knowledge

    4.9 / 5
  • Therapy and Counseling

    Knowledge

    4.7 / 5
  • English Language

    Knowledge

    4.4 / 5
  • Sociology and Anthropology

    Knowledge

    4.4 / 5
  • Social Perceptiveness

    Technical

    4.3 / 5
  • Speaking

    Basic skill

    4.1 / 5
  • Service Orientation

    Technical

    4.1 / 5
  • Oral Expression

    Ability

    4.1 / 5

Common tasks (O*NET)

  1. 01

    Advocate for clients or patients to resolve crises.

  2. 02

    Educate clients about end-of-life symptoms and options to assist them in making informed decisions.

  3. 03

    Collaborate with other professionals to evaluate patients' medical or physical condition and to assess client needs.

  4. 04

    Investigate child abuse or neglect cases and take authorized protective action when necessary.

  5. 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.

  6. 06

    Utilize consultation data and social work experience to plan and coordinate client or patient care and rehabilitation, following through to ensure service efficacy.

  7. 07

    Monitor, evaluate, and record client progress according to measurable goals described in treatment and care plan.

  8. 08

    Identify environmental impediments to client or patient progress through interviews and review of patient records.

Sponsored

Build the skills employers list for Healthcare Social Workers

Online courses from licensed providers. We may earn a commission when you enroll. The commission does not influence our rankings or wage data.

Explore courses

Frequently asked questions

What is the median salary for Healthcare Social Workers in Washington, D.C., District of Columbia?
According to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, the median annual wage for Healthcare Social Workers in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area is $78,010.
Does Washington, D.C. pay more than the District of Columbia state average for Healthcare Social Workers?
The Washington, D.C. metro median is -15.8% versus the District of Columbia state median of $92,600.
How does Washington, D.C. compare to the national median for Healthcare Social Workers?
The Washington, D.C. metro median is +11.8% versus the BLS national figure of $69,759.
What is the salary range for Healthcare Social Workers in Washington, D.C.?
BLS reports the 10th-percentile annual wage at $41,500 and the 90th-percentile at $105,750 for the Washington, D.C. 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.
Disclaimer

Information on this page is for general educational purposes only. It is not career, financial, or tax advice. BLS metro estimates reflect the Washington, D.C. 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.