Application Fee
See agencyVerified by MN Board of Healthcare
Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers Licensing in Minnesota
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for mental health and substance abuse social workers in Minnesota, 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 Minnesota
Estimated timeline: Varies by boardCore Requirements
- 1
Education: Degree required.
- 2
Experience: Work experience required.
- 3
Background/Criminal Review: Background check required.
- 4
Physical Requirement: No physical requirements.
- 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
- Licensing Authority
Minnesota Board of Social Work
- Current Filing Fee
See agency
- Renewal Cycle
See board renewal rules
- Salary Position
$77,100 median (28% above national)
- State Salary Rank
#3 of 50 states
Step-by-Step Process (7)
- 1. Meet Minnesota 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: Background check required; Background/Criminal Review: Background check required.).
- 6. Submit the application to Minnesota Board of Social Work and monitor board communications.
- 7. Maintain post-licensure compliance (continuing education: Continuing education required to maintain license).
Salary Insights in Minnesota
With a median salary of $77,100, Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workerss in Minnesota earn 28% above the national median of $60,060. Minnesota ranks #3 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is Varies by board.
State Hiring Climate (QCEW)
RisingQoQ Employment Change
+3%Average Weekly Wage
$1,407Median annual salary
$77,100Hourly estimate
$37.0728% above national median
Difference: +$17,040
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationMental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers Salary Ranking
#3 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Minnesota | $77,100 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Wisconsin | $57,590 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Iowa | $50,340 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| South Dakota | $49,560 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | Varies by board |
| North Dakota | $61,660 | 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minnesota | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Wisconsin | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Iowa | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| South Dakota | 78 | High | Board-specific review required. |
| North Dakota | 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
Minnesota Board of Social Work
2829 University Avenue Southeast, Suite 340, University Park Plaza, Minneapolis, MN, 55414-3239
Phone: 6126172100
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FAQ
How long does it take to become a Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers in Minnesota?
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 Minnesota?
Minnesota 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 Minnesota?
The board typically expects Degree required for Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers licensure in Minnesota.
What is the typical Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers salary in Minnesota?
The median annual salary for Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workerss in Minnesota is $77,100. Salaries range from $52,160 (10th percentile) to $97,920 (90th percentile).
How does the Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers salary in Minnesota compare to the national average?
Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workerss in Minnesota earn 28% above the national median of $60,060, with a state median of $77,100.
How many Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workerss work in Minnesota?
Minnesota employs approximately 3,430 Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workerss according to BLS data.
Can I transfer my Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers license to Minnesota 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 Minnesota?
The licensing agency is Minnesota Board of Social Work. Review agency details at http://www.socialwork.state.mn.us/.
How often do you renew a Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers license in Minnesota?
Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.