Sources: Tennessee Department of Human Resources, Tennessee DOHR Alpha Comp Plan (September 1, 2026); U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025 — state estimates. Data captured September 30, 2026.
Tennessee state pay plan Sourced
Published rates for each class, lowest first, effective September 1, 2026. These are the ranges Tennessee sets for its own state employees; cities, counties and school districts have their own pay plans.
| Class and grade | Published rate |
|---|---|
| Social Services Specialist 1 Class 079611 Grade J | $3,631.00 – $5,434.00 a month $43,572 – $65,208 a year |
| Social Services Specialist 2 Class 079612 Grade J | $3,631.00 – $5,434.00 a month $43,572 – $65,208 a year |
| Social Worker 1 Class 079601 Grade J | $3,631.00 – $5,434.00 a month $43,572 – $65,208 a year |
| Social Worker 2 Class 079602 Grade J | $3,631.00 – $5,434.00 a month $43,572 – $65,208 a year |
| Psychiatric Social Worker 1 Class 079661 Grade M | $5,100.00 – $7,646.00 a month $61,200 – $91,752 a year |
| Psychiatric Social Worker 2 Class 079662 Grade N | $5,647.00 – $9,005.00 a month $67,764 – $108,060 a year |
Schedule: Alpha Comp Plan salary plan PRI. Rates are as the plan publishes them; "a year" figures are conversions. Classes are matched to this job by title (GovJobsWiki editorial rule).
Source: Tennessee Department of Human Resources, Tennessee DOHR Alpha Comp Plan (September 1, 2026). Data captured September 30, 2026.
Pay in Tennessee, all employers Sourced
Child, Family, and School Social Workers (SOC 21-1021) in Tennessee, all employers combined: BLS state estimates do not separate government from private.
| Measure | TN |
|---|---|
| Workers | 7,870 |
| 10th percentile | $39,650 |
| Median | $56,310 |
| 90th percentile | $77,230 |
| National median, government employers | $65,660 |
Sources: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025 — state estimates; U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025 — national estimates by ownership. Data captured September 30, 2026.
Free practice tests for Tennessee
ASWB Advanced Generalist ExaminationPractice for a named exam · free on Open Exam Prep- ASWB Bachelors Examination (BSW-Level Licensure)Practice for a named exam · free on Open Exam Prep
- ASWB Clinical Examination (LCSW Licensure)Practice for a named exam · free on Open Exam Prep
- ASWB Masters Examination (MSW-Level Licensure)Practice for a named exam · free on Open Exam Prep
- ASWB Social Work Licensing Examination ProgramPractice for a named exam · free on Open Exam Prep
Source: Open Exam Prep, Open Exam Prep free practice tests. Data captured October 1, 2026. Each link was opened and its exam title checked on the date shown.
More about this job
Requirements, hiring process, training, schedule and day-to-day work are on the national Social Worker (government) page.