Application Fee
See agencyVerified by OK Board of Healthcare
Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers Licensing in Oklahoma
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for mental health and substance abuse social workers in Oklahoma, 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 Oklahoma
Estimated timeline: Varies by boardCore Requirements
- 1
Education: Degree required.
- 2
Experience: Work experience required.
- 3
Background/Criminal Review: Background check required.
- 4
License Type: Stand-alone license.
- 5
Within the practice setting, the social worker may be involved in community organization, program planning and development, administration of community services or programs, assessment of client needs for community programs or services, coordination and/or evaluation of service delivery, advocacy on behalf of persons or groups with unmet needs, social welfare policy, organizational analysis, and, provision of training about community needs and/or problems.
Exam and processing details
- Third-party exam required
Continuing education and program notes
- Continuing education required to maintain license
Application Snapshot
- Licensing Authority
Oklahoma State Board of Licensed Social Workers
- Current Filing Fee
See agency
- Renewal Cycle
See board renewal rules
- Salary Position
$43,190 median (28% below national)
- State Salary Rank
#47 of 50 states
Step-by-Step Process (7)
- 1. Meet Oklahoma 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 Oklahoma State Board of Licensed Social Workers and monitor board communications.
- 7. Maintain post-licensure compliance (continuing education: Continuing education required to maintain license).
Salary Insights in Oklahoma
With a median salary of $43,190, Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workerss in Oklahoma earn 28% below the national median of $60,060. Oklahoma ranks #47 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is Varies by board.
State Hiring Climate (QCEW)
SteadyQoQ Employment Change
+1%Average Weekly Wage
$1,137Median annual salary
$43,190Hourly estimate
$20.7628% below national median
Difference: -$16,870
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationMental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers Salary Ranking
#47 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oklahoma | $43,190 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Kansas | $56,110 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Missouri | $46,250 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Arkansas | $49,820 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Texas | $44,790 | Degree required | Both state and third-party exams required | Varies by board |
| New Mexico | $65,600 | Degree required | Both state and third-party exams required | Varies by board |
| Colorado | $65,080 | 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oklahoma | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Kansas | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Missouri | 56 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Arkansas | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Texas | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| New Mexico | 56 | Medium | 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
Oklahoma State Board of Licensed Social Workers
3700 Classen Blvd., Suite 162, Oklahoma City, OK, 73118
Phone: 4055213712
Related Careers in Oklahoma
| Profession | Median Salary | Education | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Acupuncturist | $78,140 | Degree required | Varies by board |
| Anesthesiologist | N/A | Degree required | Varies by board |
| Athletic Trainer | $65,070 | Degree required | Varies by board |
| Audiologist | $77,770 | Degree required | Varies by board |
FAQ
How long does it take to become a Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers in Oklahoma?
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 Oklahoma?
Oklahoma 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 Oklahoma?
The board typically expects Degree required for Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers licensure in Oklahoma.
What is the typical Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers salary in Oklahoma?
The median annual salary for Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workerss in Oklahoma is $43,190. Salaries range from $24,580 (10th percentile) to $60,870 (90th percentile).
How does the Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers salary in Oklahoma compare to the national average?
Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workerss in Oklahoma earn 28% below the national median of $60,060, with a state median of $43,190.
How many Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workerss work in Oklahoma?
Oklahoma employs approximately 1,470 Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workerss according to BLS data.
Can I transfer my Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers license to Oklahoma 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 Oklahoma?
The licensing agency is Oklahoma State Board of Licensed Social Workers. Review agency details at https://www.ok.gov/socialworkers/.
How often do you renew a Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers license in Oklahoma?
Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.