Licensed Clinical Social Worker Salary Data

Based on 334 real salary reports from LCSW holders across the United States

$86,103

Average salary

$43,000 – $250,000

Salary range

States represented

AR, CA, CO, FL, GA, IL, IN, KY, MA, MD, MI, MO, NC, NJ, NY, OR, PA, TN, TX, VA

334

Records

Get your free LCSW salary report

Get a PDF report with data from this page, plus tips & tools to grow your career. Unsubscribe anytime.

What is a LCSW?

The Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) is the most common advanced clinical license for social workers in the United States. LCSWs can diagnose and treat mental health conditions, provide psychotherapy, and practice independently in most states. It is the credential most employers require for clinical roles.

Requirements

A master's degree in social work (MSW) from a CSWE-accredited program, 2-3 years of supervised post-graduate clinical experience (typically 3,000+ hours), and a passing score on the ASWB Clinical exam. Requirements vary by state.

LCSW salary by state

Average Licensed Clinical Social Worker salaries across US states, based on self-reported data

State	Avg salary	Range	Reports
CA	$106,644	$58,240 – $175,000	56
KY	$105,333	$64,000 – $180,000	3
OR	$88,265	$67,000 – $118,000	8
NY	$86,650	$57,000 – $140,000	20
VA	$86,600	$76,000 – $125,000	5
MI	$82,000	$55,000 – $120,000	4
MD	$81,300	$65,000 – $111,000	8
CO	$81,018	$55,000 – $105,000	12
GA	$80,200	$59,000 – $120,000	5
TX	$79,122	$57,000 – $102,500	11
NJ	$75,071	$67,500 – $85,000	7
PA	$71,802	$55,000 – $100,000	8
MA	$71,688	$48,000 – $120,000	8
FL	$71,236	$51,000 – $107,000	11
IL	$69,938	$55,000 – $105,000	16
MO	$69,317	$50,000 – $75,000	6
NC	$68,667	$45,000 – $132,000	9
IN	$66,867	$58,600 – $71,000	3
AR	$66,000	$55,500 – $80,000	3
TN	$55,400	$53,000 – $57,500	3

LCSW salary charts

Visual breakdowns of Licensed Clinical Social Worker compensation data

Where do LCSW holders earn the most?

Top states by average LCSW salary — hover for min/max range

Lighter bars indicate fewer reports — interpret with caution

How have LCSW salaries changed over time?

Average LCSW salary tracked across survey periods from 2021 to 2026

Smaller, lighter dots indicate fewer reports — interpret with caution

Does more experience mean higher LCSW pay?

Each dot is one LCSW salary report — see how pay scales with years in the field

Lighter bars indicate fewer reports — interpret with caution

Frequently asked questions

What is the average LCSW salary?

Based on our dataset of self-reported salaries, the average LCSW salary varies by state and experience level. Use the charts on this page to see current averages and ranges.

How long does it take to get an LCSW?

After completing a 2-year MSW program, most states require 2-3 years of supervised clinical experience before you can sit for the ASWB Clinical exam. Total time from starting your MSW is typically 4-5 years.

What is the difference between LCSW and LMSW?

An LMSW (Licensed Master Social Worker) is an entry-level license obtained immediately after earning an MSW. An LCSW requires additional post-graduate supervised clinical hours and passing the clinical-level exam, allowing independent clinical practice.

Can an LCSW open a private practice?

Yes. In most states, the LCSW is the minimum credential required to open an independent private practice and bill insurance directly for clinical services.

Related credentials

LICSWLicensed Independent Clinical Social Worker LISWLicensed Independent Social Worker LMSWLicensed Master Social Worker

Presented by

Powerfully Simple Case Management Software