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METRO DATA PROFILE · 2024

Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers salary in Kansas City, Missouri

Metro-level median, range, and employment from BLS Occupational Employment Statistics for the Kansas City 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$56,110
Mean annual$56,610
Range (10th to 90th)$38,450 to $77,120
Kansas City, Missouri employment1,120
State vs national-8.0% vs national

Salary distribution

Where Kansas City mental health and substance abuse social workers fall on the wage curve.

Annual wage distribution

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

10TH$38,45025TH$46,940MEDIAN$56,11075TH$65,41090TH$77,120

The middle 50% of workers earn between $46,940 and $65,410, with a median of $56,110.

Typical entry

  • Education

    Master's degree

  • Experience

    None

  • On-the-job training

    None

Top skills (O*NET)

  • Therapy and Counseling

    Knowledge

    4.8 / 5
  • Psychology

    Knowledge

    4.7 / 5
  • Oral Comprehension

    Ability

    4.5 / 5
  • Oral Expression

    Ability

    4.3 / 5
  • Social Perceptiveness

    Technical

    4.3 / 5
  • Written Comprehension

    Ability

    4.1 / 5
  • Active Listening

    Basic skill

    4.1 / 5
  • Speaking

    Basic skill

    4.1 / 5

Common tasks (O*NET)

  1. 01

    Counsel clients in individual or group sessions to assist them in dealing with substance abuse, mental or physical illness, poverty, unemployment, or physical abuse.

  2. 02

    Collaborate with counselors, physicians, or nurses to plan or coordinate treatment, drawing on social work experience and patient needs.

  3. 03

    Monitor, evaluate, and record client progress with respect to treatment goals.

  4. 04

    Interview clients, review records, conduct assessments, or confer with other professionals to evaluate the mental or physical condition of clients or patients.

  5. 05

    Supervise or direct other workers who provide services to clients or patients.

  6. 06

    Modify treatment plans according to changes in client status.

  7. 07

    Assist clients in adhering to treatment plans, such as setting up appointments, arranging for transportation to appointments, or providing support.

  8. 08

    Educate clients or community members about mental or physical illness, abuse, medication, or available community resources.

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Other metros in Missouri

How the Kansas City metro compares to other major Missouri metro areas for mental health and substance abuse social workers.

Frequently asked questions

What is the median salary for Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers in Kansas City, Missouri?
According to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, the median annual wage for Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers in the Kansas City metropolitan area is $56,110.
Does Kansas City pay more than the Missouri state average for Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers?
The Kansas City metro median is +21.3% versus the Missouri state median of $46,250.
How does Kansas City compare to the national median for Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers?
The Kansas City metro median is -8.0% versus the BLS national figure of $61,012.
What is the salary range for Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers in Kansas City?
BLS reports the 10th-percentile annual wage at $38,450 and the 90th-percentile at $77,120 for the Kansas City metro area.
What education is required for Mental Health and Substance Abuse 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 Kansas City 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.