Social Worker salary in Tennessee
A strong career option in Tennessee — with programs that take 2 to 6 years to complete.
Median pay · May 2025
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
$51,460/ yr
$4,288 / mo · $24.74 / hr
Pay by experience
Entry
$31,928
Median
$51,460
Experienced
$111,571
Demand
Moderate
Program length
2 to 6 years
Job demand & outlook
Steady demand across the United States
Source: BLS Employment Projections
Where this career can take you
A clear progression path, with real salary growth at each step
- Social Worker (entry-level)$31,928
- Social Worker (mid-career)$51,460
- Social Worker (experienced)$111,571
Is this career change worth it?
A simple look at what it costs vs what you gain
What it typically costs
- Average training cost—
- Time to complete2 to 6 years
- Credential earned—
What you get back
- Starting salary$31,928
- Median salary$51,460
- Experienced salary$111,571
Many career changers recoup their certification cost within the first few months of working in their new role.
How to become a Social Worker in Tennessee
A clear path from where you are to where you want to be
Find a Social Worker program in Tennessee
Browse certified training programs. Most Social Worker tracks complete in 2 to 6 years.
Earn your certification
Complete coursework, finish required clinical or lab hours, and pass the exam required for a certification in Tennessee.
Get hired in Tennessee
With roughly thousands of Social Worker openings each year nationwide, graduates often find employment within 30–90 days in Tennessee.
People also explored
Other careers our users compared
Frequently asked questions
The median salary for a Social Worker in Tennessee is $51,460 per year, which is $24.74 per hour. Entry level positions typically start around $31,928 while experienced Social Workers can earn up to $111,571 annually.
Next step
Find Social Worker Classes Near You
Enter your ZIP code to see accredited Social Worker classes in your area.