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Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers Licensing in Alabama

Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for mental health and substance abuse social workers in Alabama, including See agency and board contact links.

Last verified: Feb 21, 2026

Current

Application Fee

See agency

Exam Requirement

State-approved exam

Renewal Cycle

See board renewal rules

Licensing Blueprint for Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers in Alabama

Estimated timeline: Varies by board

Core Requirements

  1. 1

    Education: Degree required.

  2. 2

    License Type: Register with licensing agency.

Exam and processing details

  • State Board of Social Work Examiners for qualifications and requirements

Application Snapshot

  1. Licensing Authority

    Alabama State Board of Social Workers Examiners

  2. Current Filing Fee

    See agency

  3. Renewal Cycle

    See board renewal rules

  4. Salary Position

    $42,100 median (30% below national)

  5. State Salary Rank

    #49 of 50 states

Step-by-Step Process (4)

  1. 1. Meet Alabama eligibility requirements for Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers licensure.
  2. 2. Complete required education or training: Degree required.
  3. 3. Pass required examination steps: State Board of Social Work Examiners for qualifications and requirements.
  4. 4. Submit the application to Alabama State Board of Social Workers Examiners and monitor board communications.

Salary Insights in Alabama

With a median salary of $42,100, Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workerss in Alabama earn 30% below the national median of $60,060. Alabama ranks #49 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is Varies by board.

State Hiring Climate (QCEW)

Steady

QoQ Employment Change

+0.9%

Average Weekly Wage

$1,201

Median annual salary

$42,100

Hourly estimate

$20.24
30% below national median

Difference: -$17,960

Percentile Distribution

Annual compensation
  • P1010th percentile$29,200
  • P2525th percentile$31,910
  • P50Median$42,100
  • P7575th percentile$55,000
  • P9090th percentile$63,070

State vs National Median

State: $42,100
National: $60,060

Total employment: 670 | Annual openings: N/A

Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers Salary Ranking

#49 of 50 statesfor Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers median salary
RankStateMedian Salary
#1New York$80,230
#2Connecticut$78,820
#3Minnesota$77,100
#4California$75,320
#5Oregon$71,830

Nearby States Comparison

Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers licensing across the region
StateMedian SalaryEducationExamTimeline
Alabama$42,100Degree requiredState-approved examVaries by board
Tennessee$48,760Degree requiredThird-party exam required18 years
Georgia$50,810Specific course requiredState exam requiredVaries by board
Florida$50,860Degree requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries by board
Mississippi$48,830Degree requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries by board

License by Endorsement

Transfer requirements are state-specific. Use this quick matrix as a planning signal, then verify final endorsement rules with each board.

StateReciprocity ScoreTierNotes
Alabama78HighBoard-specific review required.
Tennessee56MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Georgia25LowLimited or restricted active licensing status. State-specific exam conditions may apply.
Florida50LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Mississippi50LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
  • License status indicator: Active.
  • Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.

Official Licensing Agency

Official website verified

Alabama State Board of Social Workers Examiners

P.O. Box 301620, Montgomery, AL, 36130

Phone: 3342425860

Related Careers in Alabama

ProfessionMedian SalaryEducationTimeline
Acupuncturist$78,140Degree requiredVaries by board
Anesthesiologist$323,940Varies by state boardVaries by board
Athletic Trainer$53,640Degree required3 years
Audiologist$76,900Varies by state boardVaries by board

FAQ

How long does it take to become a Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers in Alabama?

Most applicants finish the licensing path in about Varies by board, but timing can change based on education track, exam scheduling, and board processing.

What education do you need to become a Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers in Alabama?

The board typically expects Degree required for Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers licensure in Alabama.

What is the typical Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers salary in Alabama?

The median annual salary for Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workerss in Alabama is $42,100. Salaries range from $29,200 (10th percentile) to $63,070 (90th percentile).

How does the Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers salary in Alabama compare to the national average?

Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workerss in Alabama earn 30% below the national median of $60,060, with a state median of $42,100.

How many Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workerss work in Alabama?

Alabama employs approximately 670 Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workerss according to BLS data.

Can I transfer my Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers license to Alabama from another state?

Transfer requirements vary by board. License status indicator: Active. Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.

Who is the licensing agency for Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workerss in Alabama?

The licensing agency is Alabama State Board of Social Workers Examiners. Review agency details at https://www.socialwork.alabama.gov/.

How often do you renew a Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers license in Alabama?

Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.