2024 wage data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics
Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers is a moderate occupation in San Diego, CA, with a median annual salary of $69,850. Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workerss in San Diego, CA earn $9,790 more (16%) than the national median of $60,060. Experienced Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workerss can expect to roughly double their starting salary over their career.
Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workerss in San Diego, CA earn $9,790 more (16%) than the national median of $60,060.
Only 850 Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workerss work in San Diego, CA. Consider nearby metro areas for more opportunities.
Cost of Living Consideration
When evaluating this salary, factor in San Diego, CA's cost of living. Housing, transportation, and taxes vary significantly between cities and can impact how far your paycheck goes.
| Percentile | Annual Salary | Monthly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $46,100 | $3,842 |
| 25th Percentile | $54,620 | $4,552 |
| Median | $69,850 | $5,821 |
| 75th Percentile | $98,840 | $8,237 |
| 90th Percentile | $121,630 | $10,136 |
| Mean (Average) | $77,140 | $6,428 |
| Metro Area | Median Salary |
|---|---|
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA | $102,760 |
| Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA | $83,710 |
| New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA | $83,490 |
| Hartford-East Hartford-Middletown, CT | $78,820 |
| San Francisco-Oakland-Berkeley, CA | $78,660 |
| Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV | $77,600 |
| Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI | $77,540 |
| Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA | $77,360 |
| Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA | $77,260 |
| Buffalo-Cheektowaga, NY | $75,200 |
| Occupation | Median Salary |
|---|---|
| Natural Sciences Managers | $199,590 |
| Computer and Information Systems Managers | $193,370 |
| Architectural and Engineering Managers | $185,550 |
| Marketing Managers | $171,590 |
| Computer Hardware Engineers | $169,230 |
| Financial Managers | $168,300 |
| Managers, All Other | $167,000 |
| Lawyers | $165,000 |
| Nurse Practitioners | $162,030 |
| Computer Science Teachers, Postsecondary | $161,010 |
Estimate your after-tax income. Compare your real purchasing power across different states and salary levels.
Annual Take-Home
$57,298
Monthly
$4,775
Bi-Weekly
$2,204
Effective Tax Rate
18.0%
* Estimate only. Does not include local taxes, deductions, or credits. Need help with your finances? Consider consulting a certified financial planner or exploring high-yield savings accounts to maximize your take-home pay.
The cost of living in San Diego, CA is 11.9% above the national average (index: 111.9). See full cost breakdown →
After adjusting for local cost of living, the purchasing power of San Diego, CA salaries is equivalent to $85,468 in an average-cost US city.
Data verified March 2026 · Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics
Was this data helpful?
Considering a move for this role? Compare cost of living in San Diego, CAto make an informed decision. Don't forget to factor in moving costs, renters insurance, and state income tax differences when evaluating your total compensation package.