Application Fee
See agencyVerified by NJ Board of Healthcare
Social Worker Licensing in New Jersey
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for social worker in New Jersey, 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 New Jersey
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
Department of Law and Public Safety • Board of Social Work Examiners
- Current Filing Fee
See agency
- Renewal Cycle
See board renewal rules
- Salary Position
$70,430 median (1% above national)
- State Salary Rank
#26 of 50 states
Step-by-Step Process (4)
- 1. Meet New Jersey 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 Department of Law and Public Safety~Board of Social Work Examiners and monitor board communications.
Salary Insights in New Jersey
With a median salary of $70,430, Social Workers in New Jersey earn 1% above the national median of $69,480. New Jersey ranks #26 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is Varies by board.
State Hiring Climate (QCEW)
RisingQoQ Employment Change
+2.4%Average Weekly Wage
$1,565Median annual salary
$70,430Hourly estimate
$33.861% above national median
Difference: +$950
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationSocial Worker Salary Ranking
#26 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| New Jersey | $70,430 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| New York | $75,020 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | Varies by board |
| Pennsylvania | $65,990 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Delaware | $91,710 | 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Jersey | 68 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. |
| New York | 78 | High | Board-specific review required. |
| Pennsylvania | 68 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. |
| Delaware | 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
Department of Law and Public Safety • Board of Social Work Examiners
PO Box 45033, Newark, NJ, 7101
Phone: 9735046495
Related Careers in New Jersey
| Profession | Median Salary | Education | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Acupuncturist | $86,550 | Degree required | Varies by board |
| Anesthesiologist | N/A | Degree required | Varies by board |
| Athletic Trainer | $77,350 | Degree required | Varies by board |
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FAQ
How long does it take to become a Social Worker in New Jersey?
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 New Jersey?
New Jersey 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 New Jersey?
The board typically expects Degree required for Social Worker licensure in New Jersey.
What is the typical Social Worker salary in New Jersey?
The median annual salary for Social Workers in New Jersey is $70,430. Salaries range from $41,190 (10th percentile) to $110,800 (90th percentile).
How does the Social Worker salary in New Jersey compare to the national average?
Social Workers in New Jersey earn 1% above the national median of $69,480, with a state median of $70,430.
How many Social Workers work in New Jersey?
New Jersey employs approximately 840 Social Workers according to BLS data.
Can I transfer my Social Worker license to New Jersey 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 New Jersey?
The licensing agency is Department of Law and Public Safety / Board of Social Work Examiners. Review agency details at https://www.njconsumeraffairs.gov/sw/Pages/default.aspx.
How often do you renew a Social Worker license in New Jersey?
Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.