Average Healthcare Social Workers Salary in Yakima, WA
Healthcare Social Workers in Yakima, WA, earn an average annual salary of $66,050. This figure is notably below the national average of $71,920, suggesting that local market dynamics and potentially regional demand influence compensation. While the nominal salary is lower, understanding the local economic context is crucial for a complete picture.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $66,050 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 22.0% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $82,790.
- Outlook: Yakima, WA, hosts a concentrated workforce of 310 Healthcare Social Workers, indicated by a Location Quotient of 2.62. This signifies a significantly higher concentration of these professionals compared to the national average, suggesting robust local demand or a specialized regional need for their services. With 3.16 jobs per 1,000 workers, the presence of this role is well-established within the community.
Salary Overview
The average Healthcare Social Workers in Yakima, WA earns-8.2%below the national average.
$31.8
$1,270
$5,504
Healthcare Social Workers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Yakima is not provided, it's reasonable to assume that salaries for Healthcare Social Workers in the region have experienced growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. Economic factors, increased demand for healthcare services, and evolving professional standards typically contribute to a steady upward trajectory in compensation for dedicated professionals in this field.
Healthcare Social Workers Salary Distribution in Yakima, WA
Career progression for Healthcare Social Workers in Yakima, WA, is typically marked by increasing earning potential. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the salary spectrum, while seasoned professionals with extensive experience and specialized skills can command salaries significantly higher than the average. The percentile gaps in salary distribution reflect these opportunities for advancement and specialization.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ProbationaryInitial licensure. Mentored by senior faculty. | 10% (Entry) | $53,240 | $25.6 |
| Tenured / ProProfessional status. Curriculum development. | 25% (Junior) | $49,538 | $23.8 |
| Senior EducatorDepartment chair. Mentors student teachers. | 50% (Median) | $60,700 | $29.2 |
| Lead SpecialistInstructional coach, reading specialist, or VP. | 75% (Senior) | $82,563 | $39.7 |
| AdministratorPrincipal, District Admin, or Consultant. | 90% (Expert) | $82,790 | $39.8 |
Detailed Healthcare Social Workers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$66,050
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$66,050
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $66,050 in Yakima, WA, aligns perfectly with the national average cost of living, which stands at an index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of a Healthcare Social Worker's salary in Yakima is equivalent to the national average, offering a stable financial footing without the immediate pressures of a high cost of living.
Job Market Context
310
Total Jobs
3.16
Per 1K Jobs
2.62
Location Quotient
Yakima, WA has 2.6x the national concentration of Healthcare Social Workers jobs — a major employment hub for this role. Job seekers will find significantly more opportunities here than in most other areas.
With a Location Quotient of 2.62, Yakima, WA, demonstrates a strong concentration of Healthcare Social Workers relative to the national average. This suggests that the job market in Yakima is more specialized or has a higher demand for these professionals than many other areas. While this indicates a potentially competitive environment for job seekers, it also points to a stable and established presence of this vital profession.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Healthcare Social Workers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Wenatchee-East Wenatchee, WA Healthcare Social Workers Salary | $71,870↑ 9% | 59 mi |
| Kennewick-Richland, WA Healthcare Social Workers Salary | $71,130↑ 8% | 71 mi |
| Western Washington nonmetropolitan area Healthcare Social Workers Salary | $72,500↑ 10% | 71 mi |
| Eastern Washington nonmetropolitan area Healthcare Social Workers Salary | $69,940↑ 6% | 71 mi |
Comparing salaries near Yakima, WA
Hiring Healthcare Social Workerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Healthcare Social Workers make in Yakima, WA?
The median annual salary for a Healthcare Social Workers in Yakima, WA is $66,050. This typically ranges from $53,240 for entry-level positions to $82,790 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Yakima, WA is 8.2% lower than the national median of $71,920.
Is Yakima, WA a lucrative place for Healthcare Social Workers?
Moderately lucrative, with strong local demand.While the average salary of $66,050 is below the national average, the high concentration of professionals (LQ 2.62) indicates significant local demand. The cost of living being at the national average further supports the financial stability of the role.
Is Yakima, WA a good place to live for Healthcare Social Workers?
The Cost of Living Index in Yakima, WA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Yakima, WA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Wenatchee-East Wenatchee, WA ($71,870) and Kennewick-Richland, WA.
How does Yakima's Healthcare Social Worker salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary in Yakima, WA, is $66,050, which is approximately $5,870 less than the national average of $71,920.
What is the cost of living in Yakima, WA for Healthcare Social Workers?
Yakima, WA, has a cost of living index of 100, which is exactly at the national average. This means your salary will have average purchasing power.
How concentrated are Healthcare Social Workers in Yakima, WA?
Yakima, WA, has a high concentration of Healthcare Social Workers, with a Location Quotient of 2.62, meaning there are more than double the national average of these professionals per capita.
What is the total number of Healthcare Social Workers in Yakima, WA?
There are approximately 310 Healthcare Social Workers employed in Yakima, WA.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 310 employees in the Yakima, WA area with a job density of 3.16 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Healthcare Social Workers • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Yakima, WA