Application Fee
See agencyVerified by AK Board of Healthcare
Social Worker Licensing in Alaska
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for social worker in Alaska, including See agency and board contact links.
Last verified: Feb 17, 2026
Current
Exam Requirement
Third-party exam requiredRenewal Cycle
See board renewal rulesLicensing Blueprint for Social Worker in Alaska
Estimated timeline: Varies by boardCore Requirements
- 1
Education: Degree required.
- 2
License Type: Stand-alone license.
Exam and processing details
- Third-party exam required
Application Snapshot
- Licensing Authority
Alaska Department of Commerce, Community & Economic Development • Division of Corporations, Business, and Professional Licensing • Board of Social Work Examiners
- Current Filing Fee
See agency
- Renewal Cycle
See board renewal rules
- Salary Position
$60,880 median (12% below national)
- State Salary Rank
#41 of 50 states
Step-by-Step Process (4)
- 1. Meet Alaska eligibility requirements for Social Worker licensure.
- 2. Complete required education or training: Degree required.
- 3. Pass required examination steps: Third-party exam required.
- 4. Submit the application to Alaska Department of Commerce, Community & Economic Development~Division of Corporations, Business, and Professional Licensing~Board of Social Work Examiners and monitor board communications.
Salary Insights in Alaska
With a median salary of $60,880, Social Workers in Alaska earn 12% below the national median of $69,480. Alaska ranks #41 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is Varies by board.
State Hiring Climate (QCEW)
RisingQoQ Employment Change
+5.6%Average Weekly Wage
$1,400Median annual salary
$60,880Hourly estimate
$29.2712% below national median
Difference: -$8,600
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationSocial Worker Salary Ranking
#41 of 50 statesfor Social Worker median salary
| Rank | State | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| #1 | Nevada | $109,220 |
| #2 | Hawaii | $108,780 |
| #3 | Rhode Island | $106,910 |
| #4 | New Hampshire | $104,770 |
| #5 | Oklahoma | $100,150 |
Nearby States Comparison
Social Worker licensing across the region| State | Median Salary | Education | Exam | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alaska | $60,880 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Washington | $96,550 | Degree required | State-approved exam | Varies by board |
| Oregon | $63,350 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | Varies by board |
| California | $70,440 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | Varies by board |
| Hawaii | $108,780 | 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alaska | 68 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. |
| Washington | 78 | High | Board-specific review required. |
| Oregon | 78 | High | Board-specific review required. |
| California | 78 | High | Board-specific review required. |
| Hawaii | 68 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. |
- Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Official Licensing Agency
Official website verified
Alaska Department of Commerce, Community & Economic Development • Division of Corporations, Business, and Professional Licensing • Board of Social Work Examiners
P.O. Box 110806, Juneau, AK, 99811-0806
Phone: 9074652547ext0
Related Careers in Alaska
| Profession | Median Salary | Education | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Acupuncturist | $82,040 | Varies by state board | Varies by board |
| Anesthesiologist | N/A | Varies by state board | Varies by board |
| Athletic Trainer | $62,740 | Varies by state board | Varies by board |
| Audiologist | $109,700 | Varies by state board | Varies by board |
FAQ
How long does it take to become a Social Worker in Alaska?
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 Social Workers in Alaska?
Alaska 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 Alaska?
The board typically expects Degree required for Social Worker licensure in Alaska.
What is the typical Social Worker salary in Alaska?
The median annual salary for Social Workers in Alaska is $60,880. Salaries range from $38,200 (10th percentile) to $114,590 (90th percentile).
How does the Social Worker salary in Alaska compare to the national average?
Social Workers in Alaska earn 12% below the national median of $69,480, with a state median of $60,880.
How many Social Workers work in Alaska?
Alaska employs approximately 510 Social Workers according to BLS data.
Can I transfer my Social Worker license to Alaska from another state?
Transfer requirements vary by board. Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Who is the licensing agency for Social Workers in Alaska?
The licensing agency is Alaska Department of Commerce, Community & Economic Development / Division of Corporations, Business, and Professional Licensing / Board of Social Work Examiners. Review agency details at https://www.commerce.alaska.gov/web/cbpl/ProfessionalLicensing/SocialWorkExaminers.aspx.
How often do you renew a Social Worker license in Alaska?
Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.