Average Child, Family, and School Social Workers Salary in Bellingham, WA
Child, Family, and School Social Workers in Bellingham, WA, earn an impressive average annual salary of $66,770, significantly surpassing the national average of $55,680. This elevated compensation is likely driven by a combination of local demand and the specialized nature of the services provided within the Bellingham community.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $66,770 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 16.1% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $94,820.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 350 professionals and a Location Quotient of 1.56, Bellingham exhibits a strong concentration of Child, Family, and School Social Workers relative to the national landscape. This suggests a robust and potentially growing demand for these critical services within the area, indicating a stable job market for skilled individuals.
Salary Overview
The average Child, Family, and School Social Workers in Bellingham, WA earns+19.9%above the national average.
$32.1
$1,284
$5,564
Child, Family, and School Social Workers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Child, Family, and School Social Workers in Bellingham have experienced steady growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends of increasing demand for social services and a corresponding upward pressure on compensation.
Child, Family, and School Social Workers Salary Distribution in Bellingham, WA
Career progression for Child, Family, and School Social Workers in Bellingham typically involves a significant salary increase with experience. Entry-level positions may start at a lower percentile, but as professionals gain expertise and take on more complex cases or supervisory roles, their earning potential can climb substantially, with senior practitioners commanding top-tier salaries.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ProbationaryInitial licensure. Mentored by senior faculty. | 10% (Entry) | $49,750 | $23.9 |
| Tenured / ProProfessional status. Curriculum development. | 25% (Junior) | $50,078 | $24.1 |
| Senior EducatorDepartment chair. Mentors student teachers. | 50% (Median) | $62,290 | $29.9 |
| Lead SpecialistInstructional coach, reading specialist, or VP. | 75% (Senior) | $83,463 | $40.1 |
| AdministratorPrincipal, District Admin, or Consultant. | 90% (Expert) | $94,820 | $45.6 |
Detailed Child, Family, and School Social Workers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$66,770
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$66,770
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $66,770 in Bellingham aligns perfectly with the national average cost of living (100 index). This means that the purchasing power of a social worker's income in Bellingham is equivalent to that of their counterparts in a typical U.S. city, making it a financially stable location for this profession.
Job Market Context
350
Total Jobs
3.875
Per 1K Jobs
1.56
Location Quotient
Bellingham, WA has 1.6x the national concentration of Child, Family, and School Social Workers jobs — a major employment hub for this role. Job seekers will find significantly more opportunities here than in most other areas.
A Location Quotient of 1.56 indicates that Bellingham has approximately 56% more Child, Family, and School Social Workers per worker than the national average. This suggests a higher concentration and potentially a more competitive job market, but also points to a strong established network and demand for these specialized roles.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Child, Family, and School Social Workers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Mount Vernon-Anacortes, WA Child, Family, and School Social Workers Salary | $70,460↑ 6% | 24 mi |
| Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA Child, Family, and School Social Workers Salary | $75,050↑ 12% | 80 mi |
| Bremerton-Silverdale-Port Orchard, WA Child, Family, and School Social Workers Salary | $74,330↑ 11% | 84 mi |
Comparing salaries near Bellingham, WA
Hiring Child, Family, and School Social Workerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Child, Family, and School Social Workers make in Bellingham, WA?
The median annual salary for a Child, Family, and School Social Workers in Bellingham, WA is $66,770. This typically ranges from $49,750 for entry-level positions to $94,820 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Bellingham, WA is 19.9% higher than the national median of $55,680.
Is Bellingham, WA a lucrative place for Child, Family, and School Social Workers?
Yes, Bellingham, WA is a lucrative place for Child, Family, and School Social Workers.Professionals in this field earn significantly above the national average salary, and the cost of living is on par with the national average, offering strong purchasing power.
Is Bellingham, WA a good place to live for Child, Family, and School Social Workers?
The Cost of Living Index in Bellingham, WA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Bellingham, WA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Mount Vernon-Anacortes, WA ($70,460) and Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA.
How does Bellingham's salary compare to the national average?
Child, Family, and School Social Workers in Bellingham earn an average of $66,770 annually, which is substantially higher than the national average of $55,680.
What is the cost of living in Bellingham, WA?
Bellingham, WA has a cost of living index of 100, which is exactly the national average, meaning everyday expenses are comparable to the typical U.S. city.
How concentrated are social worker jobs in Bellingham?
Bellingham has a higher concentration of Child, Family, and School Social Workers, indicated by a Location Quotient of 1.56, suggesting more job opportunities relative to the national average.
What is the total number of social workers in Bellingham?
There are approximately 350 Child, Family, and School Social Workers employed in the Bellingham area.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 350 employees in the Bellingham, WA area with a job density of 3.875 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Child, Family, and School Social Workers • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Bellingham, WA