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Social Worker Licensing in Alabama

Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for social worker in Alabama, including See agency and board contact links.

Last verified: Feb 12, 2026

Application Fee

See agency

Exam Requirement

Third-party exam required

Renewal Cycle

See board renewal rules

Licensing Blueprint for Social Worker in Alabama

Estimated timeline: 6-24 months

Core Requirements

  • License Type: Secondary license (another license is a prerequisite)
  • Education: Degree required
  • Examination: Third-party exam required
  • Application Fee: See agency
  • Experience: Work experience required
  • Background Check: Felony convictions prohibited
  • Continuing Education: Continuing education required to maintain license

Application Snapshot

  1. Licensing Authority

    Alabama Behavior Analyst Licensure Board

  2. Current Filing Fee

    See agency

  3. Renewal Cycle

    See board renewal rules

  4. Salary Position

    $89,170 median (28% above national)

  5. State Salary Rank

    #14 of 50 states

Step-by-Step Process (4)

  1. 1. Meet baseline eligibility requirements.
  2. 2. Complete approved education/training requirements.
  3. 3. Pass required exam(s) and submit application.
  4. 4. Maintain and renew license according to board rules.

Salary Insights in Alabama

With a median salary of 89,170, Social Workers in Alabama earn 28% above the national median of $69,480. Alabama ranks #14 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is 6-24 months.

Median annual salary

$89,170

Hourly estimate

$42.87
28% above national median

Difference: +$19,690

Percentile Distribution

Annual compensation
  • P1010th percentile$47,620
  • P2525th percentile$77,050
  • P50Median$89,170
  • P7575th percentile$101,130
  • P9090th percentile$110,090

State vs National Median

State: $89,170
National: $69,480

Total employment: 450 | Annual openings: N/A

Social Worker Salary Ranking

#14 of 50 statesfor Social Worker median salary
RankStateMedian Salary
#1Nevada109,220
#2Hawaii108,780
#3Rhode Island106,910
#4New Hampshire104,770
#5Oklahoma100,150

Nearby States Comparison

Social Worker licensing across the region
StateMedian SalaryEducationExamTimeline
Alabama$89,170Degree requiredThird-party exam required6-24 months
Tennessee$52,060Degree requiredThird-party exam required6-24 months
Georgia$92,750Specific course requiredState exam required6-24 months
Florida$57,200Degree requiredThird-party exam required6-24 months
Mississippi$89,860Degree requiredThird-party exam required6-24 months

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
Alabama50LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Tennessee56MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Georgia25LowLimited or restricted active licensing status. State-specific exam conditions may apply.
Florida50LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Mississippi50LowState-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

Alabama Behavior Analyst Licensure Board

P.O. Box 519, Jacksonville, AL, 36265

Phone: 3342423454

Related Careers in Alabama

ProfessionMedian SalaryEducationTimeline
Audiologist$76,900Varies by state board6-24 months
Chiropractor$74,210Degree required6-24 months
Clinical Lab Technologist$47,790Degree required6-24 months
Dental Assistant$37,280Varies by state board6-24 months

FAQ

How long does it take to become a Social Worker in Alabama?

Most applicants finish the licensing path in about 6-24 months, but timing can change based on education track, exam scheduling, and board processing.

What exams are required for Social Workers in Alabama?

Alabama lists Third-party exam required as part of the licensure process for Social Workers.

What education do you need to become a Social Worker in Alabama?

The board typically expects Degree required for Social Worker licensure in Alabama.

What is the typical Social Worker salary in Alabama?

The median annual salary for Social Workers in Alabama is 89,170. Salaries range from $47,620 (10th percentile) to $110,090 (90th percentile).

How does the Social Worker salary in Alabama compare to the national average?

Social Workers in Alabama earn 28% above the national median of $69,480, with a state median of 89,170.

How many Social Workers work in Alabama?

Alabama employs approximately 450 Social Workers according to BLS data.

Can I transfer my Social Worker license to Alabama 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 Social Workers in Alabama?

The licensing agency is Alabama Behavior Analyst Licensure Board. Review agency details at https://www.alsde.edu/.