Application Fee
See agencyVerified by MA Board of Healthcare
Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers Licensing in Massachusetts
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for mental health and substance abuse social workers in Massachusetts, including See agency and board contact links.
Last verified: Feb 21, 2026
Current
Exam Requirement
Third-party exam requiredRenewal Cycle
See board renewal rulesLicensing Blueprint for Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers in Massachusetts
Estimated timeline: 6 monthsCore Requirements
- 1
Education: Degree required.
- 2
Experience: Work experience required.
- 3
Background/Criminal Review: No criminal record prohibitions.
- 4
License Type: Stand-alone license.
- 5
Bachelors degree in any field.
- 6
Associates degree, or at least 60 college credits in a human services field.
- 7
1000 hours of education in social work theory or methods in courses or programs approved by the Board.
Exam and processing details
- Third-party exam required
Continuing education and program notes
- Continuing education required to maintain license
Application Snapshot
- Licensing Authority
Board of Registration of Social Workers • Division of Professional Licensure
- Current Filing Fee
See agency
- Renewal Cycle
See board renewal rules
- Salary Position
$64,960 median (8% above national)
- State Salary Rank
#13 of 50 states
Step-by-Step Process (7)
- 1. Meet Massachusetts eligibility requirements for Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers licensure.
- 2. Complete required education or training: Degree required.
- 3. Document required supervised experience: Work experience required.
- 4. Pass required examination steps: Third-party exam required.
- 5. Prepare supporting documentation (background check: No criminal record prohibitions; Background/Criminal Review: No criminal record prohibitions.).
- 6. Submit the application to Board of Registration of Social Workers~Division of Professional Licensure and monitor board communications.
- 7. Maintain post-licensure compliance (continuing education: Continuing education required to maintain license).
Salary Insights in Massachusetts
With a median salary of $64,960, Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workerss in Massachusetts earn 8% above the national median of $60,060. Massachusetts ranks #13 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is 6 months.
State Hiring Climate (QCEW)
RisingQoQ Employment Change
+2.1%Average Weekly Wage
$1,805Median annual salary
$64,960Hourly estimate
$31.238% above national median
Difference: +$4,900
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationMental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers Salary Ranking
#13 of 50 statesfor Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers median salary
| Rank | State | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| #1 | New York | $80,230 |
| #2 | Connecticut | $78,820 |
| #3 | Minnesota | $77,100 |
| #4 | California | $75,320 |
| #5 | Oregon | $71,830 |
Nearby States Comparison
Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers licensing across the region| State | Median Salary | Education | Exam | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts | $64,960 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | 6 months |
| New Hampshire | $63,810 | No educational requirements | No exam required | Varies by board |
| Vermont | $69,540 | Degree required | Both state and third-party exams required | Varies by board |
| New York | $80,230 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Connecticut | $78,820 | Degree required | State exam required | Varies by board |
| Rhode Island | $60,490 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies 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.
| State | Reciprocity Score | Tier | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| New Hampshire | 60 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Vermont | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| New York | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Connecticut | 68 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. |
| Rhode Island | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be 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
Board of Registration of Social Workers • Division of Professional Licensure
1000 Washington Street, Suite 710, Boston, MA, 02114
Phone: 6177273073
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FAQ
How long does it take to become a Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers in Massachusetts?
Most applicants finish the licensing path in about 6 months, 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 Massachusetts?
Massachusetts 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 Massachusetts?
The board typically expects Degree required for Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers licensure in Massachusetts.
What is the typical Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers salary in Massachusetts?
The median annual salary for Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workerss in Massachusetts is $64,960. Salaries range from $49,280 (10th percentile) to $100,110 (90th percentile).
How does the Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers salary in Massachusetts compare to the national average?
Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workerss in Massachusetts earn 8% above the national median of $60,060, with a state median of $64,960.
How many Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workerss work in Massachusetts?
Massachusetts employs approximately 6,790 Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workerss according to BLS data.
Can I transfer my Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers license to Massachusetts 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 Massachusetts?
The licensing agency is Board of Registration of Social Workers / Division of Professional Licensure. Review agency details at http://www.mass.gov/ocabr/licensee/dpl-boards/sw/.
How often do you renew a Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers license in Massachusetts?
Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.