Healthcare Social Worker Salary in Tennessee (2026)

Official state-level BLS pay data for Healthcare Social Workers in Tennessee, plus how it compares with the rest of the country.

Official BLS state wage data · Unknown vintage
Tennessee Median
$61,240
per year
Hourly Rate
$29.44
based on 2,080 hrs/yr
vs National
-10% vs US median
US median $67,880
State Rank
#42 of 51
5,970 employed here

How much does a Healthcare Social Worker make in Tennessee?

Healthcare Social Workers in Tennessee take home a median of $61,240 annually — roughly $29.44 an hour — which runs 10% below the national median of $67,880.

Within Tennessee, entry-level pay starts around $41,120 while the top 10% make $83,280 or more. The middle 50% of earners fall between $48,820 and $76,200 a year.

Healthcare Social Worker salary range in Tennessee

Pay levelAnnual salaryHourly rate
10th percentile (entry level)$41,120$19.77
25th percentile (early career)$48,820$23.47
50th percentile (median)$61,240$29.44
75th percentile (experienced)$76,200$36.63
90th percentile (top earners)$83,280$40.04

How Tennessee compares

Tennessee ranks 42nd out of 51 states and territories for Healthcare Social Worker pay. The top 5 best-paying states:

RankStateMedian salary
1District of Columbia$94,100
2California$89,660
3Hawaii$85,420
4Oregon$84,350
5New Jersey$82,690

Working as a Healthcare Social Worker in Tennessee

Nationally, about 188,000 people work as Healthcare Social Workers in the United States. A master's degree (usually 5 to 6 years of college) is typically required.

Considering a move? Compare Tennessee pay ($61,240) against the highest-paying state above, and weigh the difference against housing and everyday costs — a smaller paycheck in a cheaper state can stretch further.

Frequently asked questions

How much does a Healthcare Social Worker make in Tennessee?
The median Healthcare Social Worker salary in Tennessee is $61,240 per year, or about $29.44 per hour, per official BLS state wage estimates. Salaries typically range from $41,120 at the entry level to $83,280 for the top 10% of earners.
How does Tennessee pay compare to the national average?
Tennessee pays Healthcare Social Workers about 10% less than the national median of $67,880. Tennessee ranks 42nd out of 51 states and territories reporting this occupation.
Is Tennessee a good state for Healthcare Social Workers?
Pay runs below the national median here, at $61,240 a year. About 5,970 Healthcare Social Workers are employed in Tennessee. A lower cost of living can offset the smaller paycheck, so compare take-home value, not just salary.
What are the highest-paying jobs in Tennessee?
The highest-paying occupations in Tennessee include Cardiologist ($610,080), Dermatologist ($433,630), Surgeon, All Other ($373,510), based on median annual pay in official BLS state estimates.

← See the national Healthcare Social Worker salary report

Related salaries

Counselor, All Other

$50,860
median pay · 29,000 employed

Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers

$60,280
median pay · 133,000 employed

Health Education Specialist

$64,070
median pay · 66,000 employed

Community Health Worker

$51,850
median pay · 62,000 employed

Directors, Religious Activities and Education

$52,100
median pay · 22,000 employed

Rehabilitation Counselor

$46,850
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Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), Unknown vintage. Education requirements: O*NET (U.S. Department of Labor). State figures are official BLS state-level wage estimates. Where BLS suppresses a state percentile, it is scaled from the official national distribution. Individual pay varies by employer, metro area, and experience.