Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers Salary in California
Also called: Mental Health Social Workers
Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers in California earn a median of $79,000 a year, +31% compared with the U.S. median.
Updated October 2026 · Data: BLS OEWS May 2025 · How we match careers
- Median pay
- $79,000
- vs. U.S. median
- +31% ($60,280)
- Rank among states
- 2 of 51
- Jobs in the state
- 19,860
Pay range in California
The lowest-paid 10% earn under $46,450; the top 10% earn over $147,300. Nationally the range is $39,740 to $104,170.
States ranked near California
Similar jobs in California
- Healthcare Social Workers$89,660 median in California
- Clinical and Counseling Psychologists$116,000 median in California
- Child, Family, and School Social Workers$65,200 median in California
- Marriage and Family Therapists$67,300 median in California
- Rehabilitation Counselors$44,480 median in California
- School Psychologists$127,780 median in California
Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers pay in California
How much do mental health and substance abuse social workers make in California?
The median is $79,000 a year. The lowest-paid 10% earn under $46,450 and the top 10% earn over $147,300. BLS OEWS May 2025.
Is California a good state for mental health and substance abuse social workers?
On pay alone it ranks 2 of 51 (+31% vs. the national median of $60,280). Living costs are not included.