Salary distribution
Where Nashville 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 $47,750 and $65,140, with a median of $49,580.
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.
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Explore coursesOther metros in Tennessee
How the Nashville metro compares to other major Tennessee metro areas for mental health and substance abuse social workers.
- Memphis$49,160
Frequently asked questions
- What is the median salary for Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers in Nashville, Tennessee?
- According to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, the median annual wage for Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers in the Nashville metropolitan area is $49,580.
- Does Nashville pay more than the Tennessee state average for Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers?
- The Nashville metro median is +1.7% versus the Tennessee state median of $48,760.
- How does Nashville compare to the national median for Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers?
- The Nashville metro median is -18.7% versus the BLS national figure of $61,012.
- What is the salary range for Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers in Nashville?
- BLS reports the 10th-percentile annual wage at $41,790 and the 90th-percentile at $73,800 for the Nashville 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.
Information on this page is for general educational purposes only. It is not career, financial, or tax advice. BLS metro estimates reflect the Nashville 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.