Social Work Salary in Wales
Wales offers salaries typically 10-20% below the UK median, but with significantly lower living costs, particularly for housing. Cardiff has the strongest salary market in Wales, with a growing financial services and professional sector, while the wider economy relies on public sector, manufacturing and tourism.
Among the most affordable UK regions for housing. Welsh Government policies on public sector pay and economic development may differ from England.
Salary Trajectory
| Stage | Years Exp | P25 | Median | P75 | P90 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Newly Qualified Social Worker (NQSW) | 0+ | £28,500 | £31,350 | £34,200 | £36,100 |
| Social Worker | 3+ | £34,010 | £37,050 | £40,850 | £43,700 |
| Senior / Advanced Practitioner | 7+ | £38,000 | £40,565 | £46,455 | £49,400 |
| Team Manager | 11+ | £42,750 | £47,500 | £52,250 | £57,000 |
| Service Manager / Head of Service | 16+ | £52,250 | £61,750 | £72,200 | £80,750 |
See the interactive salary trajectory
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How Wales Compares
Mid-career Social Work median salary by region
Compare with Other Careers in Wales
Human Resources
Accounting & Audit
Actuarial Science
Architecture
Social Work in Other Regions
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Based on ONS Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings (ASHE) via NOMIS. Regional salary adjustments derived from ONS regional pay differentials. Career progression timelines based on industry research. All figures are gross annual pay estimates for full-time workers.