Social Worker Salary in Australia
Social Services • All 12 Major Cities
Social workers support individuals and families facing challenges like mental health, disability, or crisis.
Job Market Outlook
Physical or high-touch work with limited AI automation potential
More jobs than qualified candidates in Australia
Strong projected employment growth over 5 years
Sources: Microsoft Research 2025, Jobs and Skills Australia 2025 Occupation Shortage List
Social Worker Salary by City
Detailed City Comparison
| City | Average | Take-Home |
|---|---|---|
| 1SydneyNSW | $90,200 | $70,548 |
| 2CanberraACT | $88,560 | $69,433 |
| 3MelbourneVIC | $86,100 | $67,760 |
| 4DarwinNT | $86,100 | $67,760 |
| 5PerthWA | $83,640 | $66,088 |
| 6BrisbaneQLD | $77,900 | $62,184 |
| 7Gold CoastQLD | $75,440 | $60,512 |
| 8AdelaideSA | $73,800 | $59,396 |
| 9WollongongNSW | $72,160 | $58,281 |
| 10NewcastleNSW | $72,160 | $58,281 |
| 11GeelongVIC | $71,340 | $57,724 |
| 12HobartTAS | $69,700 | $56,608 |
Cost of Living Index: Sydney = 100. Lower values indicate lower cost of living.
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Hourly Rate
Based on a standard 38-hour work week (Australian full-time hours):
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Social Worker earn in Australia?
The average Social Worker salary in Australia is $78,925 per year, or approximately $40 per hour. Salaries typically range from $52,700 for entry-level positions to $115,500 for senior roles.
What is the take-home pay for a Social Worker?
A Social Worker earning the average salary of $78,925 takes home approximately $62,881 per year after income tax and Medicare levy, or $5,240 per month.
Where do Social Workers earn the most in Australia?
Sydney offers the highest Social Worker salaries at $90,200 on average, followed by Canberra at $88,560.
Is Social Worker a good career in Australia?
Social Worker is a stable career choice in Australia. The job market is stable, and the average salary of $78,925 is around the national median.
How much do Social Workers make per hour?
Social Workers earn approximately $40 per hour on average in Australia, based on a 38-hour work week. Hourly rates range from $27 for entry-level positions to $58 for experienced professionals.
About Social Worker Salaries in Australia
The average Social Worker salary in Australia is $78,925 per year, or approximately $40 per hour. Salaries range from $52,700 for entry-level positions to $115,500 for senior roles with extensive experience.
Sydney offers the highest average Social Worker salary at $90,200, while Hobart has the lowest at $69,700.
After tax, a Social Worker earning the average salary takes home $62,881 per year, or $5,240 per month.
Key Factors Affecting Social Worker Salaries
- Location: Major cities like Sydney and Melbourne typically offer higher salaries but also have higher costs of living.
- Experience Level: Entry-level positions start around $52,700, while senior roles can reach $115,500.
- Industry: Different industries offer varying compensation for Social Worker roles.
- Company Size: Larger companies typically offer higher salaries and more benefits.
Salary data is based on industry reports, job postings, and government statistics. Individual salaries may vary based on experience, qualifications, and employer. Tax calculations are estimates for the 2024-25 financial year.