Application Fee
See agencyVerified by TN Board of Healthcare
Social Worker Licensing in Tennessee
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for social worker in Tennessee, 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 Tennessee
Estimated timeline: Varies by boardCore Requirements
- 1
Education: Degree required.
- 2
License Type: Register with licensing agency.
Exam and processing details
- Third-party exam required
Application Snapshot
- Licensing Authority
Department of Health • Division of Health Related Boards • Division of Health Related Boards
- Current Filing Fee
See agency
- Renewal Cycle
See board renewal rules
- Salary Position
$52,060 median (25% below national)
- State Salary Rank
#48 of 50 states
Step-by-Step Process (4)
- 1. Meet Tennessee 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 Health~Division of Health Related Boards~Division of Health Related Boards and monitor board communications.
Salary Insights in Tennessee
With a median salary of $52,060, Social Workers in Tennessee earn 25% below the national median of $69,480. Tennessee ranks #48 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is Varies by board.
State Hiring Climate (QCEW)
SteadyQoQ Employment Change
+0.6%Average Weekly Wage
$1,297Median annual salary
$52,060Hourly estimate
$25.0325% below national median
Difference: -$17,420
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationSocial Worker Salary Ranking
#48 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tennessee | $52,060 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Kentucky | $73,200 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Virginia | $86,690 | Degree required | State-approved exam | Varies by board |
| North Carolina | $63,150 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Georgia | $92,750 | Specific course required | State exam required | Varies by board |
| Alabama | $89,170 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Mississippi | $89,860 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Arkansas | $46,210 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Missouri | $52,080 | Degree required | 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tennessee | 68 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. |
| Kentucky | 68 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. |
| Virginia | 78 | High | Board-specific review required. |
| North Carolina | 68 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. |
| Georgia | 68 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. |
| Alabama | 68 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. |
- Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Official Licensing Agency
Agency website unverified
Department of Health • Division of Health Related Boards • Division of Health Related Boards
665 Mainstream Drive 2nd floor, Heritage Place Metrocenter, Nashville, TN, 37243-1010
Phone: 6157415735
This agency is in our manual verification queue. We only publish direct official board URLs after verification.
Related Careers in Tennessee
| Profession | Median Salary | Education | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Acupuncturist | $78,140 | Specific course required | Varies by board |
| Anesthesiologist | $364,200 | Specific course required | 1-18 years |
| Athletic Trainer | $54,040 | Degree required | 3 months |
| Audiologist | $89,670 | Degree required | Varies by board |
FAQ
How long does it take to become a Social Worker in Tennessee?
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 Tennessee?
Tennessee 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 Tennessee?
The board typically expects Degree required for Social Worker licensure in Tennessee.
What is the typical Social Worker salary in Tennessee?
The median annual salary for Social Workers in Tennessee is $52,060. Salaries range from $26,380 (10th percentile) to $108,160 (90th percentile).
How does the Social Worker salary in Tennessee compare to the national average?
Social Workers in Tennessee earn 25% below the national median of $69,480, with a state median of $52,060.
How many Social Workers work in Tennessee?
Tennessee employs approximately 1,940 Social Workers according to BLS data.
Can I transfer my Social Worker license to Tennessee 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 Tennessee?
The licensing agency is Department of Health / Division of Health Related Boards / Division of Health Related Boards. The official board website is currently under manual verification.
How often do you renew a Social Worker license in Tennessee?
Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.