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Verified by IA Board of Healthcare

Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers Licensing in Iowa

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

Last verified: Feb 21, 2026

Current

Application Fee

See agency

Exam Requirement

Third-party exam required

Renewal Cycle

See board renewal rules

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

Estimated timeline: Varies by board

Core Requirements

  1. 1

    Education: Degree required.

  2. 2

    Experience: No experience required.

  3. 3

    Background/Criminal Review: Background check required.

  4. 4

    Physical Requirement: No physical requirements.

  5. 5

    License Type: Stand-alone license.

Exam and processing details

  • Third-party exam required

Continuing education and program notes

  • Continuing education required to maintain license

Application Snapshot

  1. Licensing Authority

    Department of Inspections, Appeals, & Licensing • Iowa Board of Social Work

  2. Current Filing Fee

    See agency

  3. Renewal Cycle

    See board renewal rules

  4. Salary Position

    $50,340 median (16% below national)

  5. State Salary Rank

    #31 of 50 states

Step-by-Step Process (7)

  1. 1. Meet Iowa eligibility requirements for Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers licensure.
  2. 2. Complete required education or training: Degree required.
  3. 3. Document required supervised experience: No experience required.
  4. 4. Pass required examination steps: Third-party exam required.
  5. 5. Prepare supporting documentation (background check: Background check required; Background/Criminal Review: Background check required.).
  6. 6. Submit the application to Department of Inspections, Appeals, & Licensing~Iowa Board of Social Work and monitor board communications.
  7. 7. Maintain post-licensure compliance (continuing education: Continuing education required to maintain license).

Salary Insights in Iowa

With a median salary of $50,340, Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workerss in Iowa earn 16% below the national median of $60,060. Iowa ranks #31 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is Varies by board.

State Hiring Climate (QCEW)

Rising

QoQ Employment Change

+2.4%

Average Weekly Wage

$1,154

Median annual salary

$50,340

Hourly estimate

$24.20
16% below national median

Difference: -$9,720

Percentile Distribution

Annual compensation
  • P1010th percentile$36,430
  • P2525th percentile$39,360
  • P50Median$50,340
  • P7575th percentile$65,520
  • P9090th percentile$78,400

State vs National Median

State: $50,340
National: $60,060

Total employment: 1,260 | Annual openings: N/A

Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers Salary Ranking

#31 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
Iowa$50,340Degree requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries by board
Minnesota$77,100Degree requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries by board
Wisconsin$57,590Degree requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries by board
Illinois$58,090Degree requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries by board
Missouri$46,250Degree requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries by board
Nebraska$45,120Varies by state boardState-approved exam1-19 years
South Dakota$49,560Varies by state boardState-approved examVaries 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
Iowa50LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Minnesota50LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Wisconsin50LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Illinois50LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Missouri56MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Nebraska78HighBoard-specific review required.
  • License status indicator: Active.
  • Continuing education indicator: Continuing education required to maintain license.
  • Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.

Official Licensing Agency

Official website verified

Department of Inspections, Appeals, & Licensing • Iowa Board of Social Work

6200 Park Avenue Des Moines, IA 50321, Suite 100, Des Moines, IA, 50319-0075

Phone: 5152810254

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FAQ

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

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 exams are required for Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workerss in Iowa?

Iowa lists Third-party exam required as part of the licensure process for Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workerss.

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

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

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

The median annual salary for Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workerss in Iowa is $50,340. Salaries range from $36,430 (10th percentile) to $78,400 (90th percentile).

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

Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workerss in Iowa earn 16% below the national median of $60,060, with a state median of $50,340.

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

Iowa employs approximately 1,260 Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workerss according to BLS data.

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

Transfer requirements vary by board. License status indicator: Active. Continuing education indicator: Continuing education required to maintain license. 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 Iowa?

The licensing agency is Department of Inspections, Appeals, & Licensing / Iowa Board of Social Work. Review agency details at https://dial.iowa.gov/about/boards/social-work.

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

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