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Verified by OR Board of Healthcare

Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers Licensing in Oregon

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

Last verified: Feb 21, 2026

Current

Application Fee

See agency

Exam Requirement

State-approved exam

Renewal Cycle

See board renewal rules

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

Estimated timeline: Varies by board

Core Requirements

  1. 1

    License Type: Register with licensing agency.

Continuing education and program notes

  • Certified mental health examiners examine alleged mentally ill persons going to a civil commitment hearing

Application Snapshot

  1. Licensing Authority

    Oregon Health Authority - Health Systems Division

  2. Current Filing Fee

    See agency

  3. Renewal Cycle

    See board renewal rules

  4. Salary Position

    $71,830 median (20% above national)

  5. State Salary Rank

    #5 of 50 states

Step-by-Step Process (4)

  1. 1. Meet Oregon eligibility requirements for Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers licensure.
  2. 2. Complete approved education or training requirements.
  3. 3. Pass required state examinations.
  4. 4. Submit the application to Oregon Health Authority - Health Systems Division and monitor board communications.

Salary Insights in Oregon

With a median salary of $71,830, Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workerss in Oregon earn 20% above the national median of $60,060. Oregon ranks #5 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is Varies by board.

State Hiring Climate (QCEW)

Rising

QoQ Employment Change

+1.8%

Average Weekly Wage

$1,376

Median annual salary

$71,830

Hourly estimate

$34.53
20% above national median

Difference: +$11,770

Percentile Distribution

Annual compensation
  • P1010th percentile$49,320
  • P2525th percentile$57,990
  • P50Median$71,830
  • P7575th percentile$86,080
  • P9090th percentile$105,790

State vs National Median

State: $71,830
National: $60,060

Total employment: 2,160 | Annual openings: N/A

Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers Salary Ranking

#5 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
Oregon$71,830Varies by state boardState-approved examVaries by board
Washington$69,060Degree requiredThird-party exam required1-3 years
Idaho$50,900Degree requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries by board
Nevada$49,850Degree requiredBoth state and third-party exams required21 years
California$75,320No educational requirementsNo 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
Oregon78HighBoard-specific review required.
Washington50LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Idaho50LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Nevada50LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
California60MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
  • License status indicator: Active.
  • Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.

Official Licensing Agency

Official website verified

Oregon Health Authority - Health Systems Division

500 Summer Street NE, E49, Salem, OR, 97301

Phone: 5039455772

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FAQ

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

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

The median annual salary for Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workerss in Oregon is $71,830. Salaries range from $49,320 (10th percentile) to $105,790 (90th percentile).

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

Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workerss in Oregon earn 20% above the national median of $60,060, with a state median of $71,830.

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

Oregon employs approximately 2,160 Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workerss according to BLS data.

Can I transfer my Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers license to Oregon from another state?

Transfer requirements vary by board. License status indicator: Active. 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 Oregon?

The licensing agency is Oregon Health Authority - Health Systems Division. Review agency details at https://www.oregon.gov/oha/hsd/pages/index.aspx.

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

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