The need for social workers in Oklahoma will grow by nearly 16 percent from 2006 through 2016, depending on the specialty, according to the Oklahoma Employment Security Commission. This need will create nearly 700 jobs across the state during that time frame. Salaries for social workers in Oklahoma vary based on experience and specialty.
Child, Family and School
Social workers in the specialty of child, school and family social work earned an average of $16.11 per hour and $33,502 per year as of 2009, making it the lowest-paying specialty, according to the Oklahoma commission. Entry-level salaries for child, school and family social workers averaged $12.43 per hour and $25,873 per year, while the most experienced workers in the specialty made an average of $17.94 per hour and $37,318 per year.
Medical and Public Health
Starting salaries in medical and public health social work averaged $12.51 per hour and $26,039 per year as of 2009, explained the commission. Overall wages for Oklahoma medical and public health social workers were an average of $18.61 per hour and $38,714 per year. The most experienced social workers in the specialty earned an average of $21.66 per hour and 45,051 per year.
Mental Health and Substance Abuse
Mental health and substance abuse social workers in Oklahoma made an average of $18.06 per hour and $37,564 per year as of 2009, estimated the Oklahoma Employment Security Commission. Entry-level wages in the specialty were an average of $11.64 per hour and $24,218 per year. For the most experienced professionals, salaries averaged $21.26 per hour and $44,236 per year.
Other Specialties
Social workers in other fields such as gerontology and corrections were the highest-paid social workers in Oklahoma as of 2009, reported the Oklahoma Employment Security Commission. Overall average salaries in these less-common specialties were $18.97 per hour and $39,469 per year. Entry-level social workers in these other fields made an average of $12.70 per hour and $26,409 per year, while the most experienced workers had averages of $22.11 per hour and $46,000 per year.
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