Salary distribution
Where Tennessee mental health and substance abuse social workers fall on the wage curve.
Shaded band = interquartile range (where most full-time workers fall)
The middle 50% of workers earn between $44,990 and $59,070, with a median of $48,760.
Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers pay by experience level in Tennessee
Each band reflects DOL Wage Levels I-IV mapped onto a four-step ladder. Click a level to see the disclosed-wage range for that segment.
Wage trend
Median annual wage in Tennessee over the past 2 BLS OES releases. Real values are CPI-adjusted to 2024 dollars.
Typical entry
Education
Master's degree
Experience
None
On-the-job training
None
Top skills (O*NET)
- 4.8 / 5
Therapy and Counseling
Knowledge
- 4.7 / 5
Psychology
Knowledge
- 4.5 / 5
Oral Comprehension
Ability
- 4.3 / 5
Oral Expression
Ability
- 4.3 / 5
Social Perceptiveness
Technical
- 4.1 / 5
Written Comprehension
Ability
- 4.1 / 5
Active Listening
Basic skill
- 4.1 / 5
Speaking
Basic skill
Common tasks (O*NET)
- 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.
- 02
Collaborate with counselors, physicians, or nurses to plan or coordinate treatment, drawing on social work experience and patient needs.
- 03
Monitor, evaluate, and record client progress with respect to treatment goals.
- 04
Interview clients, review records, conduct assessments, or confer with other professionals to evaluate the mental or physical condition of clients or patients.
- 05
Supervise or direct other workers who provide services to clients or patients.
- 06
Modify treatment plans according to changes in client status.
- 07
Assist clients in adhering to treatment plans, such as setting up appointments, arranging for transportation to appointments, or providing support.
- 08
Educate clients or community members about mental or physical illness, abuse, medication, or available community resources.
10-year outlook
Growth 2024 → 2034
+9.7%
Projected annual openings
—
BLS outlook
Growing faster than average
Source: BLS Employment Projections, 2024–2034 cycle.
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Frequently asked questions
- What is the median salary for Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers in Tennessee?
- According to BLS Occupational Employment Statistics, the median annual wage for Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers in Tennessee is $48,760.
- How does Tennessee compare to the national median for Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers?
- The Tennessee median is -20.1% versus the BLS national figure of $61,012.
- What is the salary range for Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers in Tennessee?
- BLS reports the 10th-percentile annual wage at $38,480 and the 90th-percentile at $72,660, which captures most full-time workers in the role.
- Is Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers a growing field?
- BLS Employment Projections show employment growing by 9.7% over the projection cycle. See the 10-year outlook section above for details.
- 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.
Information on this page is for general educational purposes only. It is not career, financial, or tax advice. Wage data reflects BLS estimates 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.