Application Fee
See agencyVerified by NJ Board of Healthcare
Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers Licensing in New Jersey
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for mental health and substance abuse social workers in New Jersey, 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 New Jersey
Estimated timeline: Varies by boardCore Requirements
- 1
Education: Degree required.
- 2
Experience: No 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
Department of Law and Public Safety • Board of Social Work Examiners
- Current Filing Fee
See agency
- Renewal Cycle
See board renewal rules
- Salary Position
$70,420 median (17% above national)
- State Salary Rank
#6 of 50 states
Step-by-Step Process (7)
- 1. Meet New Jersey eligibility requirements for Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers licensure.
- 2. Complete required education or training: Degree required.
- 3. Document required supervised experience: No 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 Department of Law and Public Safety~Board of Social Work Examiners and monitor board communications.
- 7. Maintain post-licensure compliance (continuing education: Continuing education required to maintain license).
Salary Insights in New Jersey
With a median salary of $70,420, Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workerss in New Jersey earn 17% above the national median of $60,060. New Jersey ranks #6 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is Varies by board.
State Hiring Climate (QCEW)
RisingQoQ Employment Change
+2.4%Average Weekly Wage
$1,565Median annual salary
$70,420Hourly estimate
$33.8617% above national median
Difference: +$10,360
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationMental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers Salary Ranking
#6 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| New Jersey | $70,420 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| New York | $80,230 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Pennsylvania | $49,590 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Delaware | $57,620 | 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Jersey | 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. |
| Pennsylvania | 56 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Delaware | 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
Department of Law and Public Safety • Board of Social Work Examiners
PO Box 45033, Newark, NJ, 7101
Phone: 9735046495
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FAQ
How long does it take to become a Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers in New Jersey?
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 New Jersey?
New Jersey 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 New Jersey?
The board typically expects Degree required for Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers licensure in New Jersey.
What is the typical Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers salary in New Jersey?
The median annual salary for Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workerss in New Jersey is $70,420. Salaries range from $45,400 (10th percentile) to $112,110 (90th percentile).
How does the Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers salary in New Jersey compare to the national average?
Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workerss in New Jersey earn 17% above the national median of $60,060, with a state median of $70,420.
How many Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workerss work in New Jersey?
New Jersey employs approximately 3,140 Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workerss according to BLS data.
Can I transfer my Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers license to New Jersey 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 New Jersey?
The licensing agency is Department of Law and Public Safety / Board of Social Work Examiners. Review agency details at https://www.njconsumeraffairs.gov/sw/Pages/default.aspx.
How often do you renew a Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers license in New Jersey?
Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.