Application Fee
See agencyVerified by MO Board of Healthcare
Social Worker Licensing in Missouri
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for social worker in Missouri, 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 Missouri
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
Missouri Department of Commerce and Insurance • Division Of Professional Registration • Missouri State Committee for Social Workers
- Current Filing Fee
See agency
- Renewal Cycle
See board renewal rules
- Salary Position
$52,080 median (25% below national)
- State Salary Rank
#47 of 50 states
Step-by-Step Process (4)
- 1. Meet Missouri 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 Missouri Department of Commerce and Insurance~Division Of Professional Registration~Missouri State Committee for Social Workers and monitor board communications.
Salary Insights in Missouri
With a median salary of $52,080, Social Workers in Missouri earn 25% below the national median of $69,480. Missouri ranks #47 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is Varies by board.
State Hiring Climate (QCEW)
RisingQoQ Employment Change
+2%Average Weekly Wage
$1,232Median annual salary
$52,080Hourly estimate
$25.0425% below national median
Difference: -$17,400
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationSocial Worker Salary Ranking
#47 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Missouri | $52,080 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Iowa | $88,000 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Illinois | $63,590 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Kentucky | $73,200 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Tennessee | $52,060 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Arkansas | $46,210 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Oklahoma | $100,150 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Kansas | $69,480 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Nebraska | $67,590 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Missouri | 68 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. |
| Iowa | 68 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. |
| Illinois | 68 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. |
| Kentucky | 68 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. |
| Tennessee | 68 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. |
| Arkansas | 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
Missouri Department of Commerce and Insurance • Division Of Professional Registration • Missouri State Committee for Social Workers
3605 Missouri Boulevard, P.O. Box 1335, Jefferson City, MO, 65102-1335
Phone: 5737510885ext8007352966
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| Profession | Median Salary | Education | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Acupuncturist | $80,360 | Degree required | Varies by board |
| Anesthesiologist | N/A | Degree required | Varies by board |
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FAQ
How long does it take to become a Social Worker in Missouri?
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 Missouri?
Missouri 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 Missouri?
The board typically expects Degree required for Social Worker licensure in Missouri.
What is the typical Social Worker salary in Missouri?
The median annual salary for Social Workers in Missouri is $52,080. Salaries range from $42,140 (10th percentile) to $111,680 (90th percentile).
How does the Social Worker salary in Missouri compare to the national average?
Social Workers in Missouri earn 25% below the national median of $69,480, with a state median of $52,080.
How many Social Workers work in Missouri?
Missouri employs approximately 1,120 Social Workers according to BLS data.
Can I transfer my Social Worker license to Missouri 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 Missouri?
The licensing agency is Missouri Department of Commerce and Insurance / Division Of Professional Registration / Missouri State Committee for Social Workers. Review agency details at http://pr.mo.gov/socialworkers.asp.
How often do you renew a Social Worker license in Missouri?
Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.