Social worker salary in Australia

If you're considering a career in social work, or wondering how to boost your earning potential as a social worker, you might be curious about the salary variations of professionals in this field in Australia.

Social workers help people through challenging personal events, provide services like counselling, and facilitate financial aid and housing resources. The benefits of social workers are far-reaching, both on an individual and societal level, as they advocate for human rights, social justice and community wellbeing.

There are a range of career paths social workers can pursue, from working in school systems to community-level support work to policy advisor roles. Social workers can make a difference in many settings, adapting to their work environment and client needs. Their demand is rising, with an annual growth in employment of 2,100 social workers in Australia over the last year.

The variety of roles means that the average salary for social workers also ranges depending on skill set, qualifications, location and experience. So, how do the salaries of these compassionate professionals reflect the essential work they do?

This article will explore what social workers make in Australia and the factors influencing their earnings.

Social and community services award for social workers

The Social, Community, Home Care and Disability Services Industry (SCHADS) Award is an industrial award that sets out the minimum pay rates and employment conditions for social workers and other comparable workers in the community services sector in Australia. It provides a framework for fair and equitable remuneration, ensuring that social workers receive fair compensation for their valuable contributions to the community.

The SCHADS Award covers various aspects such as minimum wages, work hours, leave entitlements and other employment conditions. It provides a guideline for employers and employees in the industry. Adherence to the SCHADS Award helps maintain adequate standards across the industry and ensures that social workers are appropriately recognised for their important work in advocating for vulnerable individuals and communities.

How much do social workers earn in Australia?

Apart from the SCHADS award setting a guideline for social worker salaries, there are other factors that contribute to salary including distinct variations within each specialisation, work sector, years of experience, education level and location in Australia.

According to data from SEEK and Indeed, social worker salaries generally range from $85,000 to $105,000 annually.

Below are the average salaries in Australia’s capital cities to highlight the differences depending on location.

Entry level social worker salary in Australia

Social workers are among the highest graduate earners in Australian healthcare. Data from the 2024 National Graduate Outcomes Survey revealed that social workers fall just behind dentistry and medicine graduates, with an average entry-level salary of $77,300 annually. This figure may vary depending on the organisation and location. However, it remains above the average entry-level salary for many professional industries.

Factors affecting a social worker’s salary

There are several factors influencing how much a social worker earns, including:

Experience

As mentioned, entry-level social workers earn well compared to other healthcare fields. It follows, then, that salaries for social workers increase with experience and seniority. Many senior-level roles relate to specific areas of expertise, such as mental health, crisis support or child protection. Reflecting their substantial experience and credentials, the average senior social worker salary in Australia can be upwards of $109,000 per year.

Location

The differences in urban and other locations may impact social worker salaries across Australia. Regional, rural and remote areas have reduced access to healthcare services, increased rates of complex health conditions and higher populations of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. These factors drive a growing need for skilled social workers to deliver vital services in these communities.

Furthermore, the government has introduced a range of healthcare workforce incentives aimed at attracting and retaining skilled professionals, including social workers, to address the ongoing shortage in these fields.

As a result, data from Indeed demonstrates that social worker salaries are higher in remote locations compared to metropolitan areas and capital cities. For example, the average social worker salary in Chinchilla, located in rural Queensland, is $103,000 per year. Similarly, in Katherine, located in the Northern Territory, social worker salaries average $93,000 per year, while in Bourke, New South Wales, the average annual social worker salary is $102,000.

These salaries are significantly higher compared to their nearest major city, which may incentivise social workers to these areas for more lucrative careers.

Qualifications

Completing an accredited bachelor’s degree in social work qualifies you as a social worker in Australia. The previously mentioned 2024 National Graduate Outcomes Survey showed that 85 per cent of social work graduates reported that their bachelor’s degree prepared them well for their current job, reflecting the high education standard that most graduates receive at university.

However, pursuing advanced qualifications can significantly increase your earning potential beyond the current averages and propel your social work career. Postgraduate programs, such as the University of Canberra’s Master of Social Work (Qualifying), can enhance your experience and open doors to higher salary opportunities. This course can help you make a greater impact on individuals, families and communities in need. You’ll gain leadership skills, advanced knowledge and better career prospects as a social worker.

Sector

Social workers employed by government, non-government organisations (NGOs) and private organisations may earn varying salaries. One reason for this difference is the variability in funding sources and organisational structures.

Government agencies usually have standardised salary scales, which means pay rates remain consistent and increase in line with the specific job requirements. Some NGOs receive government funding, while others operate individually. As a result, salaries for social workers in different NGOs will vary. On the other hand, social workers in the private sector may work for profit-driven organisations where salaries may be influenced by market demand and competition, potentially increasing salary rates.

The average social worker salaries for different industries are as follows:

• Government and defence: $97,000 per year
• Healthcare and medical: $96,000 per year
• Education and training: $86,000 per year
• Community services and development: $85,000 per year

Specialisation

Each specialisation within social work requires different responsibilities, expertise and advanced qualifications in each practice area. These types of social workers may range from case managers to school social workers to policy advisors and may attract diverse salaries related to the specific role.

For example, the average mental health social worker’s salary is $68,000. This figure may vary depending on whether they are employed by an organisation or in private practice. Mental health social workers in private practice can set their own fees and therefore may have a higher likelihood of a financially rewarding career. A youth worker may earn $75,000 annually, while a policy advisor typically earns an average annual salary of $108,000.

If you’re considering a career in social work, it’s helpful to take into account your interests, strengths and career goals. Choosing the specialisation that aligns with your needs can ensure you’re pursuing a rewarding path, which can influence your job satisfaction and earning potential.

Social work courses to boost salary potential

Pursuing postgraduate studies can be a powerful step toward advancing your career and increasing your earning potential. With advanced qualifications, you enhance your prospects of securing a higher salary and achieving professional growth.

The Master of Social Work (Qualifying) from the University of Canberra is delivered online and equips you with industry-relevant knowledge and helps you hone your critical analysis skills. During the course, you’ll learn evidence-based intervention tools and be supported through field education placements to apply your learning in real-world scenarios.

With a postgraduate qualification, you can confidently navigate the social work profession, better position yourself for senior clinical, case management or policy advisor roles and make a meaningful difference in people’s lives across Australia.

Make an impact and begin a rewarding career as a social worker

Social work can be a financially and professionally rewarding career that positively impacts lives and supports communities. Whether you're discovering the field for the first time, newly graduated or looking to take the next step in your career, understanding salary expectations and the pathways to growth is vital to your success in the long term.

Explore social work courses and enquire with a Student Enrolment Advisor for more information and enrolment guidance. They’ll give advice on how to get ahead in your social work career.

Are you curious about postgraduate study? Explore courses from GlobalHealth Education's university partners in social work, public health, counselling, nursing, psychology, leadership and mental health.

Salary information is accurate as of January 2025.