Registered Nurse vs Social Worker: Which Pays More?
Side-by-side salary comparison by city, experience level, and career growth outlook. Data reflects current market rates.
Registered Nurse
Provide patient care, administer medications, and support physicians.
Social Worker
Support individuals and families through mental health, poverty, and social challenges.
Registered Nurse earns more on average — the national median is $34,182/year (54%) higher than a Social Worker. However, salaries vary significantly by city, employer, and experience level — see the city-by-city breakdown below.
Registered Nurse vs Social Worker — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | Registered Nurse | Social Worker | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $138,630 | $90,241 | Registered +$48,389 |
| New York, NY | $115,773 | $77,533 | Registered +$38,240 |
| Seattle, WA | $138,867 | $87,845 | Registered +$51,022 |
| Austin, TX | $107,039 | $70,990 | Registered +$36,049 |
| Chicago, IL | $102,780 | $68,037 | Registered +$34,743 |
| Boston, MA | $129,765 | $84,261 | Registered +$45,504 |
| London, UK | £52,037 | £50,174 | Registered +$1,863 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$94,614 | CA$84,837 | Registered +$9,777 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Registered Nurse or Social Worker earn more?+
A Registered Nurse earns more on average. The national median salary for a Registered Nurse is $97,550/year, compared to $63,368/year for a Social Worker — a difference of $34,182 (54%).
Which has better career growth — Registered Nurse or Social Worker?+
Registered Nurse roles are growing at 6% YoY while Social Worker demand is growing at 9% YoY. Social Worker has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from Registered Nurse to Social Worker?+
Yes. Many professionals transition between these roles, especially since both are in the same category. Shared skills include: analytical thinking, communication, and industry knowledge.
Which is harder to automate — Registered Nurse or Social Worker?+
Social Worker has a lower AI automation risk (12% vs 15%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.