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Verified by MI Board of Healthcare

Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers Licensing in Michigan

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

Last verified: Feb 21, 2026

Current

Application Fee

See agency

Exam Requirement

No exam required

Renewal Cycle

See board renewal rules

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

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

  • No exam required

Continuing education and program notes

  • Continuing education required to maintain license

Application Snapshot

  1. Licensing Authority

    Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs • Bureau of Professional Licensing - Licensing Division • Board of Social Work

  2. Current Filing Fee

    See agency

  3. Renewal Cycle

    See board renewal rules

  4. Salary Position

    $60,000 median (0% above national)

  5. State Salary Rank

    #20 of 50 states

Step-by-Step Process (7)

  1. 1. Meet Michigan 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: No exam required.
  5. 5. Prepare supporting documentation (background check: Background check required; Background/Criminal Review: Background check required.).
  6. 6. Submit the application to Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs~Bureau of Professional Licensing - Licensing Division~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 Michigan

With a median salary of $60,000, Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workerss in Michigan earn 0% below the national median of $60,060. Michigan ranks #20 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is Varies by board.

State Hiring Climate (QCEW)

Rising

QoQ Employment Change

+2.6%

Average Weekly Wage

$1,308

Median annual salary

$60,000

Hourly estimate

$28.85
0% above national median

Difference: -$60

Percentile Distribution

Annual compensation
  • P1010th percentile$43,400
  • P2525th percentile$49,510
  • P50Median$60,000
  • P7575th percentile$73,510
  • P9090th percentile$82,700

State vs National Median

State: $60,000
National: $60,060

Total employment: 5,130 | Annual openings: N/A

Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers Salary Ranking

#20 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
Michigan$60,000Degree requiredNo exam requiredVaries by board
Ohio$46,330Degree requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries by board
Indiana$54,410Degree requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries by board
Wisconsin$57,590Degree 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
Michigan50LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Ohio50LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Indiana50LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Wisconsin50LowState-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

Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs • Bureau of Professional Licensing - Licensing Division • Board of Social Work

P.O. Box 30670, Lansing, MI, 48909

Phone: 5173738068

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FAQ

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

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 Michigan?

Michigan lists No 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 Michigan?

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

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

The median annual salary for Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workerss in Michigan is $60,000. Salaries range from $43,400 (10th percentile) to $82,700 (90th percentile).

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

Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workerss in Michigan earn 0% below the national median of $60,060, with a state median of $60,000.

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

Michigan employs approximately 5,130 Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workerss according to BLS data.

Can I transfer my Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers license to Michigan 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 Michigan?

The licensing agency is Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs / Bureau of Professional Licensing - Licensing Division / Board of Social Work. Review agency details at http://www.michigan.gov/bpl.

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

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