Application Fee
See agencyVerified by CO Board of Healthcare
Social Worker Licensing in Colorado
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for social worker in Colorado, 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 Colorado
Estimated timeline: Varies by boardCore Requirements
- 1
Education: Degree required.
- 2
License Type: Preliminary/temporary license.
Exam and processing details
- Third-party exam required
Application Snapshot
- Licensing Authority
Department of Regulatory Agencies • Division of Professions & Occupations • State Board of Addiction Counselor Examiners
- Current Filing Fee
See agency
- Renewal Cycle
See board renewal rules
- Salary Position
$63,320 median (9% below national)
- State Salary Rank
#37 of 50 states
Step-by-Step Process (4)
- 1. Meet Colorado 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 Department of Regulatory Agencies~Division of Professions & Occupations~State Board of Addiction Counselor Examiners and monitor board communications.
Salary Insights in Colorado
With a median salary of $63,320, Social Workers in Colorado earn 9% below the national median of $69,480. Colorado ranks #37 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is Varies by board.
State Hiring Climate (QCEW)
SteadyQoQ Employment Change
+0.8%Average Weekly Wage
$1,540Median annual salary
$63,320Hourly estimate
$30.449% below national median
Difference: -$6,160
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationSocial Worker Salary Ranking
#37 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Colorado | $63,320 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Wyoming | $74,880 | Specific course required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Nebraska | $67,590 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | Varies by board |
| Kansas | $69,480 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Oklahoma | $100,150 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| New Mexico | $68,950 | Degree required | Both state and third-party exams required | Varies by board |
| Arizona | $60,330 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Utah | $63,560 | 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Colorado | 68 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. |
| Wyoming | 68 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. |
| Nebraska | 78 | High | Board-specific review required. |
| Kansas | 68 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. |
| Oklahoma | 68 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. |
| New Mexico | 68 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. |
- Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Official Licensing Agency
Agency website unverified
Department of Regulatory Agencies • Division of Professions & Occupations • State Board of Addiction Counselor Examiners
1560 Broadway Suite 1350, Denver, CO, 80202
Phone: 3038947800
This agency is in our manual verification queue. We only publish direct official board URLs after verification.
Related Careers in Colorado
| Profession | Median Salary | Education | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Acupuncturist | $78,140 | Degree required | Varies by board |
| Anesthesiologist | N/A | Specific course required | Varies by board |
| Athletic Trainer | $62,670 | Specific course required | Varies by board |
| Audiologist | $94,670 | Degree required | Varies by board |
FAQ
How long does it take to become a Social Worker in Colorado?
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 Colorado?
Colorado 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 Colorado?
The board typically expects Degree required for Social Worker licensure in Colorado.
What is the typical Social Worker salary in Colorado?
The median annual salary for Social Workers in Colorado is $63,320. Salaries range from $47,150 (10th percentile) to $98,820 (90th percentile).
How does the Social Worker salary in Colorado compare to the national average?
Social Workers in Colorado earn 9% below the national median of $69,480, with a state median of $63,320.
How many Social Workers work in Colorado?
Colorado employs approximately 2,480 Social Workers according to BLS data.
Can I transfer my Social Worker license to Colorado 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 Colorado?
The licensing agency is Department of Regulatory Agencies / Division of Professions & Occupations / State Board of Addiction Counselor Examiners. The official board website is currently under manual verification.
How often do you renew a Social Worker license in Colorado?
Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.