Social Worker salary in Australia
ANZSCO occupation: Social Workers
Last reviewed June 2026
Source: Jobs and Skills Australia — Occupation Profiles (ABS Survey of Employee Earnings and Hours, May 2025) · 2025 data. Annual figure derived from median weekly earnings × 52.
See your take-home pay on $113,000 →At a glance
- People employed
- 47,400
- Annual employment growth
- +1,700/yr
- Median age
- 38 yrs
- Works part-time
- 32%
- Female share
- 84%
- Main industry
- —
What does a social worker do?
Social Workers assess the social needs of individuals, families and groups, assist and empower people to develop and use the skills and resources needed to resolve social and other problems, and further human wellbeing and human rights, social justice and social development.
Compiling case records and reports
How to become a social worker
Typical education for this occupation, and courses that lead to it.
Education held by people in this role
Where social workers are employed
Share of workers by state and territory (employment distribution, not pay).
Social Worker jobs
Related occupations
Similar occupations
Jobs that pay similar to a social worker
Frequently asked questions
How much does a social worker earn in Australia?
The median social worker earns $112,944 per year ($2,172 per week, or about $57/hour), based on Jobs and Skills Australia — Occupation Profiles (ABS Survey of Employee Earnings and Hours, May 2025) (2025).
What qualifications do you need to be a social worker?
Most social workers hold a bachelor degree (51.5% of workers). Pathways vary — see typical courses above.
Is social worker a job in demand in Australia?
Around 47,400 social workers are employed in Australia. Employment is changing by about +1,700 workers per year.
Earnings, employment and education data: Jobs and Skills Australia — Occupation Profiles (ABS Survey of Employee Earnings and Hours, May 2025) (2025). Used under CC BY 4.0. Annual figures derived from median weekly earnings × 52. Figures are estimates for guidance only.
