Application Fee
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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 12, 2026
Exam Requirement
Third-party exam requiredRenewal Cycle
See board renewal rulesLicensing Blueprint for Social Worker in Colorado
Estimated timeline: 6-24 monthsCore Requirements
- License Type: Preliminary/temporary license
- Education: Degree required
- Examination: Third-party exam required
- Application Fee: See agency
- Experience: Work experience required
- Continuing Education: Continuing education required to maintain license
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 baseline eligibility requirements.
- 2. Complete approved education/training requirements.
- 3. Pass required exam(s) and submit application.
- 4. Maintain and renew license according to board rules.
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 6-24 months.
Median 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 | 6-24 months |
| Wyoming | $74,880 | Specific course required | Third-party exam required | 6-24 months |
| Nebraska | $67,590 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | 6-24 months |
| Kansas | $69,480 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | 6-24 months |
| Oklahoma | $100,150 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | 6-24 months |
| New Mexico | $68,950 | Degree required | Both state and third-party exams required | 6-24 months |
| Arizona | $60,330 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | 6-24 months |
| Utah | $63,560 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | 6-24 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.
| State | Reciprocity Score | Tier | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Colorado | 56 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Wyoming | 54 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Nebraska | 78 | High | Board-specific review required. |
| Kansas | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Oklahoma | 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
Department of Regulatory Agencies • Division of Professions & Occupations • State Board of Addiction Counselor Examiners
1560 Broadway Suite 1350, Denver, CO, 80202
Phone: 3038947800
Agency website was unavailable in source data, using official search fallback.
Related Careers in Colorado
| Profession | Median Salary | Education | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Audiologist | $94,670 | Degree required | 6-24 months |
| Chiropractor | $80,900 | Degree required | 6-24 months |
| Clinical Lab Technologist | $69,580 | Varies by state board | 6-24 months |
| Dental Assistant | $47,770 | Specific course required | 6-24 months |
FAQ
How long does it take to become a Social Worker in Colorado?
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 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. 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 Colorado?
The licensing agency is Department of Regulatory Agencies / Division of Professions & Occupations / State Board of Addiction Counselor Examiners.