Social workers Salary in United Kingdom
Updated May 2026
Official salary data
Based on approximately 99,000 employees
Typical salary range
£33,533 – £45,553
Middle 50% of earners (25th–75th percentile)
Median £40,698
10th percentile
£22,713
25th percentile
£33,533
Median
£40,698
Mean
£39,239
75th percentile
£45,553
90th percentile
Not disclosed
| Statistic | Annual pay (gross) |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | £22,713 |
| 25th percentile | £33,533 |
| Median | £40,698 |
| Mean | £39,239 |
| 75th percentile | £45,553 |
| 90th percentile | Not disclosed |
‘Not disclosed’ means ONS withheld this value because the sample was too small to publish without risking identification. See the ASHE methodology.
Pay by period
Weekly
£785
Mean £753
Hourly
£22.02
Mean £22.13
| Pay period | Median | Mean |
|---|---|---|
| Weekly | £785 | £753 |
| Hourly | £22.02 | £22.13 |
Source: ONS Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings (ASHE) · 2024 revised
Employment patterns
- 84% of Social workers work full-time
- 1.8% are self-employed
- 93% of employees have permanent contracts
Source: ONS Annual Population Survey (APS218), 2025
Take-home pay estimate
Estimate only · 2026/27 HMRC rates · Standard allowances · Not financial or tax advice
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Social workers salary in other regions
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