HealthcareOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/10010+ years
Staff / Lead Social Worker Salary in Boston
2026 · Staff, lead, and principal-level professionals in the top 10% of earners.
$118,848/yr
Typical range: $111,382 – $131,253
P90 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Social Worker salary by experience level in Boston
Social Worker Salary Progression in Boston
From entry-level through staff — based on BLS OEWS percentile data
| Experience Level | Years | Percentile | Annual Salary | Monthly | vs Entry |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry | 0 yrs | 0 yrs | $64,995 | $5,416 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $79,851 | $6,654 | +23% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $88,517 | $7,376 | +36% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $98,050 | $8,171 | +51% |
| StaffThis page | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $118,848 | $9,904 | +83% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $136,675 | $11,390 | +110% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $141,132 | $11,761 | +117% |
Current Salary
$118,848
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $57/hr
Next Level Target
$136,675
Principal · 14
+$18Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
48/100
Below Average
+9% demand · Low AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the staff / lead Social Worker salary in Boston, MA?
Staff / Lead Social Workers in Boston, MA earn approximately $119K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P90 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a staff / lead Social Worker make per hour in Boston, MA?
Based on $119K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $57/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from staff / lead to senior Social Worker in Boston, MA?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Social Worker in Boston, MA earns $111K–$131K/yr.