Application Fee
See agencyVerified by MD Board of Healthcare
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 12, 2026
Exam Requirement
Third-party exam requiredRenewal Cycle
See board renewal rulesLicensing Blueprint for Social Worker in Maryland
Estimated timeline: 6-24 monthsCore Requirements
- License Type: Stand-alone license
- Education: Degree required
- Examination: Third-party exam required
- Application Fee: See agency
- Experience: No experience required
- Background Check: Felony convictions prohibited
- Continuing Education: Continuing education required to maintain license
Application Snapshot
- Licensing Authority
Maryland State Dept. of Health & Mental Hygiene • Board of Social Work Examiners
- Current Filing Fee
See agency
- Renewal Cycle
See board renewal rules
- Salary Position
$77,900 median (12% above national)
- State Salary Rank
#19 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 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 6-24 months.
Median annual salary
$77,900Hourly estimate
$37.4512% above national median
Difference: +$8,420
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationSocial Worker Salary Ranking
#19 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Maryland | $77,900 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | 6-24 months |
| Pennsylvania | $65,990 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | 6-24 months |
| Delaware | $91,710 | No educational requirements | Third-party exam required | 6-24 months |
| West Virginia | $68,990 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | 6-24 months |
| Virginia | $86,690 | Degree required | State-approved exam | 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Maryland | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Pennsylvania | 56 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Delaware | 60 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| West Virginia | 56 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Virginia | 70 | Medium | 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
Maryland State Dept. of Health & Mental Hygiene • Board of Social Work Examiners
4201 Patterson Ave, Baltimore, MD, 21215
Phone: 4107644788
Related Careers in Maryland
| Profession | Median Salary | Education | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Audiologist | $101,700 | Varies by state board | 6-24 months |
| Chiropractor | $78,590 | Varies by state board | 6-24 months |
| Clinical Lab Technologist | $60,150 | Degree required | 6-24 months |
| Dental Assistant | $48,280 | Varies by state board | 6-24 months |
FAQ
How long does it take to become a Social Worker in Maryland?
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 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. 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 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.