HealthcareOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/10010+ years
Staff / Lead Social Worker Salary in Seattle
2026 · Staff, lead, and principal-level professionals in the top 10% of earners.
$115,672/yr
Typical range: $108,406 – $127,746
P90 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Social Worker salary by experience level in Seattle
Social Worker Salary Progression in Seattle
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 | $63,258 | $5,272 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $77,717 | $6,476 | +23% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $86,152 | $7,179 | +36% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $95,430 | $7,953 | +51% |
| StaffThis page | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $115,672 | $9,639 | +83% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $133,023 | $11,085 | +110% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $137,361 | $11,447 | +117% |
Current Salary
$115,672
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $56/hr
Next Level Target
$133,023
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 Seattle, WA?
Staff / Lead Social Workers in Seattle, WA earn approximately $116K 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 Seattle, WA?
Based on $116K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $56/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from staff / lead to senior Social Worker in Seattle, WA?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Social Worker in Seattle, WA earns $108K–$128K/yr.