Average Child, Family, and School Social Workers Salary in Portland-South Portland, ME
Child, Family, and School Social Workers in Portland-South Portland, ME, earn an impressive average annual salary of $67,950. This figure significantly surpasses the national average of $55,680, indicating a strong local demand and potentially higher living costs that necessitate this elevated compensation. The specific economic drivers within the Portland-South Portland area contribute to this favorable salary landscape for social work professionals.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $67,950 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 6.0% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $88,490.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 630 professionals and a Location Quotient of 0.89, the Portland-South Portland area demonstrates a solid, albeit slightly below national average, concentration of Child, Family, and School Social Workers. The presence of 2.208 jobs per 1,000 workers suggests a stable and consistent demand for these essential services within the community, pointing towards a robust job market for skilled individuals in this field.
Salary Overview
The average Child, Family, and School Social Workers in Portland-South Portland, ME earns+22.0%above the national average.
$32.7
$1,307
$5,663
Child, Family, and School Social Workers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is generally observed that roles within the social work sector, particularly those involving specialized care for children and families, have seen consistent salary growth over the past four years. This upward trend is often driven by increasing awareness of mental health needs, evolving support systems, and a greater emphasis on preventative care, which translates to higher earning potential for experienced professionals.
Child, Family, and School Social Workers Salary Distribution in Portland-South Portland, ME
Salary progression for Child, Family, and School Social Workers in Portland-South Portland, ME, typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower percentiles, while seasoned professionals with advanced degrees and specialized skills can command salaries well into the upper percentiles. The widening gap between entry-level and senior roles signifies clear career advancement opportunities and increased earning potential as one gains expertise and takes on greater responsibilities.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ProbationaryInitial licensure. Mentored by senior faculty. | 10% (Entry) | $50,080 | $24.1 |
| Tenured / ProProfessional status. Curriculum development. | 25% (Junior) | $50,963 | $24.5 |
| Senior EducatorDepartment chair. Mentors student teachers. | 50% (Median) | $65,110 | $31.3 |
| Lead SpecialistInstructional coach, reading specialist, or VP. | 75% (Senior) | $84,938 | $40.8 |
| AdministratorPrincipal, District Admin, or Consultant. | 90% (Expert) | $88,490 | $42.5 |
Detailed Child, Family, and School Social Workers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$67,950
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$67,950
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $67,950 in Portland-South Portland, ME, aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which is the national average. This means that the purchasing power of a social worker's salary in this region is equivalent to the national average, offering a balanced lifestyle without significant financial strain related to the cost of goods and services.
Job Market Context
630
Total Jobs
2.208
Per 1K Jobs
0.89
Location Quotient
Portland-South Portland, ME has 0.89x the national average concentration of Child, Family, and School Social Workers jobs. This means there are fewer opportunities per capita here compared to the U.S. average — competition for roles may be higher.
The Location Quotient of 0.89 for Child, Family, and School Social Workers in Portland-South Portland, ME, indicates a job market that is slightly less concentrated than the national average. This suggests that while the demand is present, the field is not oversaturated, potentially offering good opportunities for qualified professionals seeking employment without facing intense competition from a disproportionately large number of peers.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Child, Family, and School Social Workers
Comparing salaries near Portland-South Portland, ME
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Child, Family, and School Social Workers make in Portland-South Portland, ME?
The median annual salary for a Child, Family, and School Social Workers in Portland-South Portland, ME is $67,950. This typically ranges from $50,080 for entry-level positions to $88,490 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Portland-South Portland, ME is 22.0% higher than the national median of $55,680.
Is Portland-South Portland, ME a lucrative place for Child, Family, and School Social Workerss?
Yes, Portland-South Portland, ME offers a lucrative environment for Child, Family, and School Social Workers.The average salary of $67,950 significantly exceeds the national average, and the cost of living is on par with the national average, indicating strong earning potential and purchasing power.
Is Portland-South Portland, ME a good place to live for Child, Family, and School Social Workers?
The Cost of Living Index in Portland-South Portland, ME is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Portland-South Portland, ME?
Some top paying nearby cities include Lewiston-Auburn, ME ($62,550) and Central New Hampshire nonmetropolitan area.
How does the Portland-South Portland salary compare to the national average?
Child, Family, and School Social Workers in Portland-South Portland, ME, earn approximately $12,270 more annually than the national average, reflecting a 22% higher compensation rate.
What is the concentration of Child, Family, and School Social Workers in Portland-South Portland, ME?
The concentration, measured by the Location Quotient, is 0.89, which is slightly below the national average, suggesting a stable but not overly saturated job market for these professionals.
Does the cost of living affect the salary in Portland-South Portland, ME?
No, the cost of living in Portland-South Portland, ME, is exactly at the national average (100), meaning the higher local salary provides purchasing power equivalent to the national average.
What does the number of jobs per 1,000 workers indicate?
With 2.208 jobs per 1,000 workers, this metric suggests a healthy demand for Child, Family, and School Social Workers within the Portland-South Portland labor market.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 630 employees in the Portland-South Portland, ME area with a job density of 2.208 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 Portland-South Portland, ME