Average Salary for Licensed Clinical Social Workers

Wondering “How much do LCSWs make?” If you’re interested in a behavioral health career, you may be trying to decide which clinical route to take. Finding out the average salary for licensed clinical social workers can be a helpful data point for planning your career.

This guide to clinical social work careers explains how to become a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) and provides the average salary for licensed clinical social workers. We also  share information about the best cities for social workers, according to average salary data.

How to become a licensed clinical social worker

There are several steps to becoming a licensed clinical social worker, which may vary depending on your route. 

We’ve outlined these steps below, along with the specific educational requirements and licensing process.

Educational requirements and licensing process for becoming an LCSW

Obtain a bachelor’s degree

This can be a bachelor’s in social work (BSW) or a related field. However, some graduate programs will consider applications from students with other qualifications. For instance, some applicants may have an unrelated degree but have experience working in the mental health field. 

Every program is different, and it’s worth asking about exceptions if you think you don’t meet the eligibility requirements.

Complete a master’s degree in social work (MSW)

The master’s program should be accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). 

Note: MSWs vary in duration and required credits depending on whether you have obtained a BSW. 

For example, a student graduating from a BSW program may be able to complete an advanced standing MSW in just a year. However, a student without a BSW may have to take a three-year MSW program. 

Gain the requisite clinical skills and experience

MSWs must complete post-graduate supervised clinical hours. These vary by state social work boards. However, you can typically expect to complete 2,000 to 3,000 supervised hours, or about two years of full-time supervised work. 

In Oregon, for example, the requirement is 3,500 hours, comprising a minimum of 100 clinical supervision hours and 2,000 direct client hours, and the remaining hours must be indirectly related to social work (like writing assessments and treatment plans). 

Clinical social work associates must also obtain at least 24 months of experience. During this time, social work associates must submit supervision reports to their board every six months, although this may vary by state.

Pass the clinical social work licensing exam

Once the clinician has completed most of the requisite hours, they can apply to take the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Clinical Exam to become an LCSW. 

For example, in Oregon, the Board of Licensed Social Workers may request permission to take the exam after 19 months of supervised practice and 75 hours of verified supervision. 

Apply for your license

When you have passed the exam, you can apply for licensure in your state. Each state has its own application process and fees, so it’s crucial to check on their specific requirements.

Maintain your license

Every social worker must meet continuing education requirements to maintain licensure. This may include attending workshops, taking courses, or completing specific clinical training each year. Again, check with your state’s social work board for its requirements.

Scope of practice and areas of specialization for LCSWs

Unlike other licensed therapists, social workers have a much broader scope of practice.

Social workers can assess, diagnose, and treat mental health conditions, like other therapists, but they can also get involved in mezzo and macro practice and advocacy, such as:

Healthcare and medical social work

Medical or hospital social workers often work closely with ER personnel or in other medical settings to support individuals dealing with chronic conditions, those navigating chronic health or crisis situations and needing care coordination, or families dealing with complex medical situations. 

Forensic social work

This type of focus might involve working in legal, criminal justice, or correctional settings, and providing mental healthcare, expert testimony, or advocacy services.

School social work

These social workers support students’ mental health and social development. They might deal with multiple systems, coordinate care, find resources, and provide individual and/or family support and services. 

Gerontological social workers

Working in nursing homes, specialist care settings, or family homes, these social workers help families deal with end-of-life planning, caregiving challenges, and those navigating cognitive decline. 

Working with military personnel and veterans

Sometimes working for the Veterans Administration or a specialized healthcare setting, these social workers support individuals and families to address issues like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), substance challenges, reintegration, and provide family support services.

Crisis services

These social workers often work in community settings and collaborate with other emergency services to provide immediate mental health care and assessments to people experiencing crisis.

Child welfare and family social workers 

In this type of work, social workers provide  counseling services, resources, and advocacy to ensure children live in a safe and secure home environment. They may assess and potentially remove and rehome children deemed to be exposed to or at risk of harm. 

Case management and advocacy

Social workers can help individuals and families to navigate systems of care, and provide financial, health, and employment support services and resources. They may also provide advocacy services for clients.  

Administrative, policy, and research social workers

These types of social workers are involved in senior administrative roles, social service organizations, or government programs. They provide advocacy services and advance policies to support community needs. They may also work in academic settings, conducting research to understand the complexities of mental health and social challenges individuals, families, and communities face.

How much do LCSWs make?

Now that we’ve gone over the process of becoming a licensed clinical social worker, let’s dive into answering the question:“How much do LCSWs make?”
The average salary for LCSW roles varies depending on:

• Geographic location
• Experience
• Qualifications
• Work setting and job description

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median LCSW salary in the U.S. in 2023 was $58,380. 

However, other sources cite a higher average salary for licensed clinical social workers:

• Research.com states the average salary for a licensed clinical social worker in 2023 was $77,800.
• ZipRecruiter, a popular job site, states the 2024 average salary for an LCSW is as high as $94,158.
• Indeed states the average base salary for an LCSW is $55.88 per hour or roughly $87,341.

According to ZipRecruiter, the entry-level starting pay LCSWs can expect in 2024 is $76,266.

Best cities for social workers 

LCSW salary by state varies wildly. 

According to Indeed, the best-paying cities for LCSWs are:

• New York, NY, where LCWS are paid about $91,206. 
• Los Angeles, CA, where LCWS earn an average annual salary of $85,555.
• Riverside, CA, pays roughly $85,956.
• Louisville, KY, pays a salary of about $75,824.
• St. Louis, MO, pays an average of $74,085 annually.

Factors that can influence the salary for licensed clinical social workers

There are numerous factors that can influence the average salary for licensed clinical social workers, such as:

• Location: While you may be paid more as a social worker in New York, the cost of living is also much higher than in other states.
  
• Experience: A senior clinician with years of experience can command a higher salary, especially if they have specialist training.
  
• Demand for services: When there is a high demand for mental health services and low supply, sometimes this increases salaries to attract more professionals.
  
• Work setting: Going into your own therapy private practice as an LCSW can generate a higher income than working at a clinic. However, LCSWs in private practice will have a higher administrative burden, especially if they bill insurance. (However, practice management software, such as SimplePractice, can reduce the admin work for social workers in private practice.) Community mental health is lower paid as it is often a nonprofit or government sector role. However, government agencies may be able to offer better benefits.
  
• Education and specialist training: Advanced training, like EMDR therapy or postdoctoral degrees, may offer more opportunities and higher-paying salaries. 

Hopefully the information above helps to provide context into the variances in average salary for licensed clinical social workers.

Typical job responsibilities and duties of an LCSW

As mentioned above, the scope of an LCSW’s role may vary widely, depending on the type of position they’re in and the role they’re performing. 

However, in a clinical setting, an LCSW is generally responsible for:

• Clinical assessment and diagnosis
• Treatment planning
• Providing therapy and specialist interventions
• Crisis intervention and safety planning
• Case management and care coordination
• Psychoeducation
• Client empowerment and skills development
• Monitoring progress and adjusting treatment goals and objectives
• Advocacy
• Supervision
• Consultation
• Outreach and community engagement
• Research and continuing education
• Group and community work

Sources 

• Council on Social Work Education. 
• EdX. How to become a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW). Social work license map. 
• Indeed career guide. (2024) 16 Types of social workers and how they make an impact. 
• Indeed. (2024). Licensed clinical social worker salary in the United States.
• National association of social workers. Clinical social work. 
• Oregon.gov. Board of Licensed Social Workers. Clinical Social Work Associate Information. 
• US Bureau of Labor Statistics. Occupational outlook handbook. Social workers. 
• Research.com. Social worker (LCSW, MSW) salary guide by state in 2024. 
• Zip Recruiter. What is the average LCSW salary by state in 2024? 

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