A qualified social worker on £36,000 takes home £27,942/year (£2,329/month) after income tax, NI and 7.5% LGPS pension in 2026-27. Newly qualified (NQSW) on £32,000: £25,094/year.
Social workers in local authority roles are members of the Local Government Pension Scheme — a defined benefit scheme providing guaranteed retirement income. Contributions are tiered: most social workers pay between 5.5% and 8.5% depending on their salary band. The employer contributes approximately 19% of payroll on average. London Weighting supplements of £3,500–£7,000+ are additional to the national figures shown and are also pensionable.
Common questions about social worker pay and take-home.