Application Fee
See agencyVerified by MA Board of Healthcare
Social Worker Licensing in Massachusetts
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for social worker in Massachusetts, 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 Massachusetts
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
Board of Registration of Social Workers • Division of Professional Licensure
- Current Filing Fee
See agency
- Renewal Cycle
See board renewal rules
- Salary Position
$94,000 median (35% above national)
- State Salary Rank
#7 of 50 states
Step-by-Step Process (4)
- 1. Meet Massachusetts 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 Board of Registration of Social Workers~Division of Professional Licensure and monitor board communications.
Salary Insights in Massachusetts
With a median salary of $94,000, Social Workers in Massachusetts earn 35% above the national median of $69,480. Massachusetts ranks #7 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is Varies by board.
State Hiring Climate (QCEW)
RisingQoQ Employment Change
+2.1%Average Weekly Wage
$1,805Median annual salary
$94,000Hourly estimate
$45.1935% above national median
Difference: +$24,520
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationSocial Worker Salary Ranking
#7 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts | $94,000 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| New Hampshire | $104,770 | Degree required | No exam required | Varies by board |
| Vermont | $70,590 | Degree required | Both state and third-party exams required | Varies by board |
| New York | $75,020 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | Varies by board |
| Connecticut | $68,510 | Degree required | State exam required | Varies by board |
| Rhode Island | $106,910 | No educational requirements | 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts | 68 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. |
| New Hampshire | 68 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. |
| Vermont | 68 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. |
| New York | 78 | High | Board-specific review required. |
| Connecticut | 68 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. |
| Rhode Island | 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
Board of Registration of Social Workers • Division of Professional Licensure
1000 Washington Street, Suite 710, Boston, MA, 02114
Phone: 6177273073
Related Careers in Massachusetts
| Profession | Median Salary | Education | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Acupuncturist | $135,250 | Degree required | 1-18 years |
| Anesthesiologist | N/A | Degree required | 2 years |
| Athletic Trainer | $63,720 | Degree required | Varies by board |
| Audiologist | $98,620 | Degree required | Varies by board |
FAQ
How long does it take to become a Social Worker in Massachusetts?
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 Massachusetts?
Massachusetts 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 Massachusetts?
The board typically expects Degree required for Social Worker licensure in Massachusetts.
What is the typical Social Worker salary in Massachusetts?
The median annual salary for Social Workers in Massachusetts is $94,000. Salaries range from $60,270 (10th percentile) to $122,910 (90th percentile).
How does the Social Worker salary in Massachusetts compare to the national average?
Social Workers in Massachusetts earn 35% above the national median of $69,480, with a state median of $94,000.
How many Social Workers work in Massachusetts?
Massachusetts employs approximately 590 Social Workers according to BLS data.
Can I transfer my Social Worker license to Massachusetts 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 Massachusetts?
The licensing agency is Board of Registration of Social Workers / Division of Professional Licensure. Review agency details at http://www.mass.gov/ocabr/licensee/dpl-boards/sw/.
How often do you renew a Social Worker license in Massachusetts?
Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.