HealthcareOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/10010+ years
Staff / Lead Social Worker Salary in Los Angeles
2026 · Staff, lead, and principal-level professionals in the top 10% of earners.
$112,243/yr
Typical range: $105,192 – $123,959
P90 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Social Worker salary by experience level in Los Angeles
Social Worker Salary Progression in Los Angeles
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 | $61,383 | $5,115 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $75,413 | $6,284 | +23% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $83,598 | $6,967 | +36% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $92,601 | $7,717 | +51% |
| StaffThis page | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $112,243 | $9,354 | +83% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $129,080 | $10,757 | +110% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $133,289 | $11,107 | +117% |
Current Salary
$112,243
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $54/hr
Next Level Target
$129,080
Principal · 14
+$17Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
48/100
Below Average
+9% demand · Low AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the staff / lead Social Worker salary in Los Angeles, CA?
Staff / Lead Social Workers in Los Angeles, CA earn approximately $112K 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 Los Angeles, CA?
Based on $112K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $54/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from staff / lead to senior Social Worker in Los Angeles, CA?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Social Worker in Los Angeles, CA earns $105K–$124K/yr.