Licensed Master Social Worker Salary Data

Based on 280 real salary reports from LMSW holders across the United States

$66,772

Average salary

$27,000 – $147,000

Salary range

States represented

AZ, CT, GA, MD, MI, MO, NM, NV, NY, OH, SC, TN, TX

280

Records

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What is a LMSW?

The Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) is an entry-level professional license for social workers who have completed a master's degree. LMSWs can provide many social work services under supervision and often work toward their clinical license (LCSW) while gaining experience.

Requirements

A master's degree in social work (MSW) from a CSWE-accredited program and a passing score on the ASWB Master's exam. No post-graduate experience is required — the LMSW can be obtained immediately after graduation.

LMSW salary by state

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

State	Avg salary	Range	Reports
NV	$79,750	$67,000 – $90,000	4
AZ	$74,978	$47,800 – $97,000	9
NY	$72,541	$50,000 – $123,000	50
MD	$67,508	$53,000 – $90,000	12
MI	$66,597	$47,000 – $103,000	20
OH	$66,250	$60,000 – $78,000	4
TX	$65,532	$41,000 – $94,000	30
GA	$59,729	$40,000 – $99,000	11
CT	$59,224	$54,000 – $70,000	5
SC	$58,750	$53,000 – $67,000	4
NM	$55,053	$33,000 – $76,000	3
MO	$51,778	$34,944 – $71,500	7
TN	$49,600	$31,000 – $70,000	10

LMSW salary charts

Visual breakdowns of Licensed Master Social Worker compensation data

Where do LMSW holders earn the most?

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

Lighter bars indicate fewer reports — interpret with caution

How have LMSW salaries changed over time?

Average LMSW salary tracked across survey periods from 2021 to 2026

Smaller, lighter dots indicate fewer reports — interpret with caution

Does more experience mean higher LMSW pay?

Each dot is one LMSW 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 LMSW salary?

LMSW salaries vary significantly by state and setting. Our data shows LMSWs generally earn less than LCSWs, reflecting the entry-level nature of the license. See the charts on this page for current figures.

Can an LMSW do therapy?

In most states, an LMSW can provide therapy under the supervision of a licensed clinical social worker. Independent clinical practice typically requires upgrading to an LCSW or equivalent license.

How long does it take to go from LMSW to LCSW?

Most states require 2-3 years of supervised post-graduate clinical experience (around 3,000 hours) after obtaining your LMSW before you can sit for the LCSW exam.

Is an LMSW worth it?

The LMSW opens doors to professional social work positions and is typically required to begin accruing clinical hours toward an LCSW. It is a necessary step for most clinical social work career paths.

Related credentials

LCSWLicensed Clinical Social Worker MSWMaster of Social Work LSWLicensed Social Worker

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