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SOC 21-1023·Community & Social ServiceGood pay · growing
Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers
Median wage
$82,408
10-yr outlook
+26.9%by 2032
Openings / year
1,752
Workers in NY
14,180
How pay grows with experience
Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers — typical pay by experience
Annual wages statewide: starting out, typical (median), and experienced.
| Category | Value |
|---|---|
| Starting out (entry) | $57,286 |
| Median (typical) | $82,408 |
| Experienced | $119,634 |
Source: Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (NYSDOL / U.S. BLS via data.ny.gov)
Where it pays most across New York
Median pay for this occupation by region. Select a region for its full profile.
Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers — median pay by region
Regional median annual wage, highest first.
| Category | Value |
|---|---|
| Long Island | $91,479 |
| New York City | $86,650 |
| Hudson Valley | $84,372 |
| Southern Tier | $75,440 |
| Mohawk Valley | $74,190 |
| Central New York | $73,669 |
| Capital Region | $73,377 |
| Finger Lakes | $70,170 |
| Western New York | $69,888 |
| North Country | $69,259 |
Source: Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (NYSDOL / U.S. BLS via data.ny.gov)
Ways in
Lower-paying roles in the same field
Jobs in the same field (Community & Social Service) that pay less than this one — often earlier-career roles or a way in.
- Probation Officers and Correctional Treatment Specialists$82,231 median (−$178) · +20.9% by 2032
- Social Workers, All Other$77,058 median (−$5,351) · +20.7% by 2032
- Educational, Guidance, School, and Vocational Counselors$71,804 median (−$10,605) · +20.4% by 2032
- Counselors, All Other$70,437 median (−$11,972) · +16.2% by 2032
- Healthcare Social Workers$69,084 median (−$13,325) · +25.3% by 2032
- Child, Family, and School Social Workers$67,207 median (−$15,201) · +21.9% by 2032
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