Social Worker Salaries in United Kingdom

The average salary for a Social Worker is £46,216 per year in United Kingdom. Salaries estimates are based on 2841 salaries submitted anonymously to Glassdoor by a Social Worker employees in United Kingdom.

The highest salary for a Social Worker in United Kingdom is £60,603 per year.

The lowest salary for a Social Worker in United Kingdom is £35,723 per year.

Social workers are paid similarly to child protection officers, mental health nurses and counsellors. Those working in the East and South East of England are typically paid the most, while those in the West Midlands are paid the lowest. Social workers looking to increase their take home pay can earn a master's or doctoral degree, and progress into managerial or senior roles like head of service, principle social worker, or senior team manager.

One good way to advance in your career as a social worker is by considering specific qualifications and certifications in your field. The Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) is responsible for regulating and registering social workers. You can become registered with the HCPC by completing a qualifying degree in social work, which is typically a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) or a Master of Social Work (MSW). Additional certifications that can increase your salary include the Approved Mental Health Professional (AMHP) qualification, which enables you to carry out Mental Health Act assessments.

Consider specialising in certain areas of social work to increase your earning potential, such as child and family social work, mental health, substance abuse, or gerontology. Continuing professional development (CPD) is also crucial for staying up-to-date with the latest developments in social work and expanding your skill set.

Whether you're applying for a job at a new organisation or asking for a rise in your current role, start your negotiations by sticking to the facts about average pay for social workers in your area. Having this information at hand demonstrates that you've done your research. You should also emphasise concrete ways you've exceeded performance expectations with your current employer, such as taking on leadership responsibilities or mentoring new social workers on your team. If you've pursued continuing education opportunities or conducted research, these assets add to your value as an employee and should come into play when you ask for your target salary.

About 55.62% of Social Worker professionals feel satisfied with their salary, according to anonymous Glassdoor ratings. An additional £2,509 in potential pay per year, among other factors, can qualify the annual pay of a Social Worker in United Kingdom as a good salary.

Social Worker professionals in United Kingdom have a wide total pay range, between £28,546 and £78,719 depending on experience, with an estimated total pay of £46,222 following the average career path of a Social Worker.