Social Worker Salary in Melbourne (2026)

Last updated

Social Workers in Melbourne earn a median salary of $100,000 in 2026, with most advertised roles falling between $72,939 and $125,000. That sits 14% above Melbourne's all-roles median of $87,500. Figures are based on 27 jobs advertised in Melbourne in the last 30 days.

● Moderate demand 34th percentile by listing volume in Melbourne ↑ +7 listings vs last month
💰 Social Worker · Melbourne
ADVERTISED RANGE
$72,939 – $125,000
Median: $100,000
Jul $100k
Oct $100k

Median advertised salary over the last 4 months. Not enough history yet to call a direction.

Mid level $65,000 – $125,000
Overall $72k–$125k Mid $65k–$125k $63k $76k $89k $102k $115k $128k

Salary ranges are percentiles calculated from 27 job listings for this role in Melbourne, advertised across Australian job boards, government job boards and employer career sites. 37.0% of those listings showed the salary in the ad. The other 63.0% hid it, so we used the pay bracket the job board files the listing under. Figures represent what employers advertise and may differ from actual compensation. Sample size is small, so treat these figures as indicative.

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Bottom 10%  $72,939 Median  $100,000 $125,000  Top 10%

Understanding the Melbourne Market

Melbourne social workers have earned exactly $100,000 every month since July. Listings rose from 20 to 27, with healthcare settings the largest employer group. The $72,900 floor reflects community sector roles, while hospitals and mental health services sit at the top.

Take Home Pay (based on median $100,000)

Weekly (net)
~$1,443
Monthly (net)
~$6,253
Annual (net)
~$75,033
Total package (incl. 2025-26 super at 11.5%) $111,500

Take-home calculated using 2025-26 ATO tax rates, no HECS debt, full Australian residency. Total package adds 11.5% superannuation to base salary. Adjust for your situation →

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a good starting salary for a junior Social Worker in Melbourne?
Entry is around $72,900, usually in community or NGO settings. A social work degree and AASW eligibility are required.
Is $100,000 a good salary in Melbourne?
Yes. $100,000 is 14.3% above Melbourne's all-roles median of $87,500, with take-home around $1,443 a week.
How much does a Senior Social Worker make in Melbourne?
The top of the range is $125,000, usually for senior clinicians in hospitals or mental health. Team leader roles are the next step.

Other roles in Melbourne

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