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Social Worker Licensing in Maryland

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

Last verified: Feb 17, 2026

Current

Application Fee

See agency

Exam Requirement

Third-party exam required

Renewal Cycle

See board renewal rules

Licensing Blueprint for Social Worker in Maryland

Estimated timeline: Varies by board

Core Requirements

  1. 1

    Education: Degree required.

  2. 2

    License Type: Stand-alone license.

Exam and processing details

  • Third-party exam required

Application Snapshot

  1. Licensing Authority

    Maryland State Dept. of Health & Mental Hygiene • Board of Social Work Examiners

  2. Current Filing Fee

    See agency

  3. Renewal Cycle

    See board renewal rules

  4. Salary Position

    $77,900 median (12% above national)

  5. State Salary Rank

    #19 of 50 states

Step-by-Step Process (4)

  1. 1. Meet Maryland eligibility requirements for Social Worker licensure.
  2. 2. Complete required education or training: Degree required.
  3. 3. Pass required examination steps: Third-party exam required.
  4. 4. Submit the application to Maryland State Dept. of Health & Mental Hygiene~Board of Social Work Examiners and monitor board communications.

Salary Insights in Maryland

With a median salary of $77,900, Social Workers in Maryland earn 12% above the national median of $69,480. Maryland ranks #19 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is Varies by board.

State Hiring Climate (QCEW)

Steady

QoQ Employment Change

+1.3%

Average Weekly Wage

$1,497

Median annual salary

$77,900

Hourly estimate

$37.45
12% above national median

Difference: +$8,420

Percentile Distribution

Annual compensation
  • P1010th percentile$48,310
  • P2525th percentile$56,740
  • P50Median$77,900
  • P7575th percentile$109,120
  • P9090th percentile$125,960

State vs National Median

State: $77,900
National: $69,480

Total employment: 1,240 | Annual openings: N/A

Social Worker Salary Ranking

#19 of 50 statesfor Social Worker median salary
RankStateMedian Salary
#1Nevada$109,220
#2Hawaii$108,780
#3Rhode Island$106,910
#4New Hampshire$104,770
#5Oklahoma$100,150

Nearby States Comparison

Social Worker licensing across the region
StateMedian SalaryEducationExamTimeline
Maryland$77,900Degree requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries by board
Pennsylvania$65,990Degree requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries by board
Delaware$91,710No educational requirementsThird-party exam requiredVaries by board
West Virginia$68,990Degree requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries by board
Virginia$86,690Degree requiredState-approved examVaries 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
Maryland68MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply.
Pennsylvania68MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply.
Delaware68MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply.
West Virginia68MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply.
Virginia78HighBoard-specific review required.
  • Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.

Official Licensing Agency

Official website verified

Maryland State Dept. of Health & Mental Hygiene • Board of Social Work Examiners

4201 Patterson Ave, Baltimore, MD, 21215

Phone: 4107644788

Visit Official WebsiteCall BoardOpen in Maps

Related Careers in Maryland

ProfessionMedian SalaryEducationTimeline
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Athletic Trainer$60,840Degree requiredVaries by board
Audiologist$101,700Varies by state boardVaries by board

FAQ

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

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 Maryland?

Maryland 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 Maryland?

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

What is the typical Social Worker salary in Maryland?

The median annual salary for Social Workers in Maryland is $77,900. Salaries range from $48,310 (10th percentile) to $125,960 (90th percentile).

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

Social Workers in Maryland earn 12% above the national median of $69,480, with a state median of $77,900.

How many Social Workers work in Maryland?

Maryland employs approximately 1,240 Social Workers according to BLS data.

Can I transfer my Social Worker license to Maryland 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 Maryland?

The licensing agency is Maryland State Dept. of Health & Mental Hygiene / Board of Social Work Examiners. Review agency details at https://health.maryland.gov/bswe/Pages/default.aspx.

How often do you renew a Social Worker license in Maryland?

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