The Average Salary of an Adoption Social Worker
The average salary of an adoption social worker in the U.S. varies by level of education, experience, employer type and location. Despite these variables, all adoption social workers receive the fulfillment of helping others.
Education
The average salary of an adoption social worker with a bachelor's degree is $31,842. Having a master's degree increases the salary to $39,114.
Experience
Salary averages start at $30,827 with less than one year of experience. They rise to $46,525 for social workers with 10 to 19 years of experience. Adoption social workers with more than 20 years of experience face a slight drop in salary to $44,978, according to PayScale.com.
Employer Type
Adoption social workers who work on contract, are self-employed or work in local or state government have lower salaries, ranging from $33,500 to $35,000. Salaries slightly increase at private practices and firms and nonprofit organizations to $35,000 to $36,725. Adoption social workers for the federal government, foundations and trusts report peak salaries at $39,100 to $45,009.
Location
PayScale.com reports slightly lower salaries, ranging from $32,031 to $34,292 in Pennsylvania, Florida and Ohio. Virginia and Texas report mid-range salaries of $35,277 to $36,129. States like New York and California report the highest salaries for adoption social workers at $39,909 to $44,748.
Considerations
Besides monetary compensation, adoption social workers have the satisfaction of improving lives when they put children in loving families-often to parents who would not otherwise be able to have children.
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