Licensed Independent Social Worker Salary Data
Based on 14 real salary reports from LISW holders across the United States
$70,440
Average salary
$50,000 – $100,000
Salary range
2
States represented
OH
14
Records
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What is a LISW?
The Licensed Independent Social Worker (LISW) is an advanced-level license used in states like Ohio, Iowa, and Kansas. It permits independent social work practice and, depending on the state, may include clinical privileges or require a separate clinical endorsement.
Requirements
A master's degree in social work (MSW), supervised post-graduate experience (typically 2-4 years), and passing the relevant ASWB exam. Some states require the LISW before pursuing additional clinical endorsements.
LISW salary by state
Average Licensed Independent Social Worker salaries across US states, based on self-reported data
| State | Avg salary | Reports |
|---|---|---|
| OH | $68,771 | 10 |
LISW salary charts
Visual breakdowns of Licensed Independent Social Worker compensation data
Where do LISW holders earn the most?
Top states by average LISW salary — hover for min/max range
Lighter bars indicate fewer reports — interpret with caution
How have LISW salaries changed over time?
Average LISW salary tracked across survey periods from 2021 to 2026
Smaller, lighter dots indicate fewer reports — interpret with caution
Does more experience mean higher LISW pay?
Each dot is one LISW salary report — see how pay scales with years in the field
Lighter bars indicate fewer reports — interpret with caution
Frequently asked questions
Is LISW the same as LCSW?
Not exactly. In some states, LISW allows independent non-clinical practice, and a separate clinical endorsement (like LISW-S in Ohio) is needed for clinical work. In other states, LISW includes clinical privileges similar to LCSW.
What states use the LISW credential?
The LISW credential is used in Ohio, Iowa, Kansas, and several other states. Each state defines its own scope of practice for the license.
How do LISW salaries compare to LCSW salaries?
Salaries for LISW and LCSW holders are generally comparable, since both are advanced-level licenses. Differences depend more on state, setting, and experience than on the credential name itself.
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