U.S. Federal Government (non-Defense) / Department of Veterans Affairs / Social Work

Job-title file

Social Work

Assess client needs, develop service plans, and connect people with support resources.

21,363 employees hold this title in Department of Veterans Affairs. Median total compensation for the role is $103,555, above the department median of $88,751.

Employees: 21,363
Total payroll: $2.2B
Role median: $103,555
Agency median: $88,751
Comparison: Above

What the records show

Role pay distribution

Pay distribution for this role

$0$156,821+

Hover a bar for its range; click to filter the list below.

How total compensation varies among the 21,363 people in this role. Even for one job title, pay differs with seniority, step, overtime, and tenure. Each bar is a pay range; the far-right bar collects the highest earners.

Compared with the local labor market

Social Work pay vs. the United States

Across all employers in the United States, the median wage for Social Workers, All Other — about 62,930 people — is $71,900. Department of Veterans Affairs pays a median base salary of $103,474 for this role, 44% above that figure — about the 80th percentile of local pay for the occupation.

Where Department of Veterans Affairs sits in the local pay range

10th

25th

Median

75th

90th

$43,620

$51,900

$71,900

$97,040

$115,610

Department of Veterans Affairs median · $103,474

The bar is the range of annual wages for Social Workers, All Other across every employer in the United States, from the 10th to the 90th percentile, with the middle 50% highlighted. The marker shows Department of Veterans Affairs’s median base salary for this role. Both figures are base pay only.

Computed over the 21,108 of 21,363 people in this role paid at least $25,000 in base salary. The rest are part-year or part-time records, whose actual pay isn’t comparable to a full-time annual wage.

Median total compensation for this role at Department of Veterans Affairs is $103,555, which includes overtime and employer-paid benefits. The benchmark above excludes both, so total compensation is deliberately not compared against it.

Benchmark: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2025). BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) covers all employers in the area — private, non-profit, and government alike — so this is a comparison against the whole local labor market for the occupation, not against private-sector pay. OEWS wages are straight-time pay and exclude overtime, shift differentials, and employer-paid benefits, so the government figure shown here is base pay on the same basis. Total compensation is not comparable to it. Job titles are matched to the closest standard occupation, so the comparison is between similar work rather than an identical job classification.

Compare departments

This role across U.S. Federal Government (non-Defense)

Social Work is held in 11 U.S. Federal Government (non-Defense) departments. In Department of Veterans Affairs, the median of $103,555 ranks #8 of 11.

Highest-paying departments for this role

Department of Homeland Security

$145,862 · 2

Department of State

$145,489 · 13

U.S. Agency for International Development

$144,042 · 3

Department of Justice

$142,566 · 11

Court Services and Offendr Supervsn Agy

$129,759 · 1

Peace Corps

$118,675 · 1

Department of Health and Human Services

$103,993 · 117

Department of Interior

$95,657 · 51

Armed Forces Retirement Home

$89,051 · 6

Department of Agriculture

$74,972 · 19

Median total compensation for the Social Work role in other U.S. Federal Government (non-Defense)departments (highest first). Each bar links to that department’s page for this role.

Record list

Employees with this title

Page 22

Stacey Phelan

Social Work/Department of Veterans Affairs

2024 total comp

$133,635

Sub-department: Veterans Health Administration
Base pay: $133,635
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $133,635
Pay grade: 13
Work city: Brockton
Work county: Plymouth
Work state: Massachusetts

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $133,635
Basic Pay (before locality): $94,422
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 250140023
Length of Service (Years): 20
Occupation Code (OPM): 0185
Pay Plan (OPM): GS

Stacey Phelan is a Social Work at Department of Veterans Affairs based in Brockton, Massachusetts. 2024 total compensation came to $133,635. They are classified at grade 13.

Theresa Santiago

Social Work/Department of Veterans Affairs

2024 total comp

$133,635

Sub-department: Veterans Health Administration
Base pay: $133,635
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $133,635
Pay grade: 13
Work city: New York - Bronx
Work county: Bronx
Work state: New York

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $133,635
Basic Pay (before locality): $97,373
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 364170005
Length of Service (Years): 17
Occupation Code (OPM): 0185
Pay Plan (OPM): GS

At Department of Veterans Affairs, Theresa Santiago serves as a Social Work based in New York - Bronx, New York. Their 2024 pay totaled $133,635. They are classified at grade 13.

Melanie Stewart

Social Work/Department of Veterans Affairs

2024 total comp

$133,556

Sub-department: Veterans Health Administration
Base pay: $133,556
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $133,556
Pay grade: 13
Work city: Muskogee
Work county: Muskogee
Work state: Oklahoma

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $133,556
Basic Pay (before locality): $109,177
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 403310101
Length of Service (Years): 23
Occupation Code (OPM): 0185
Pay Plan (OPM): GS

Melanie Stewart is a Social Work at Department of Veterans Affairs based in Muskogee, Oklahoma. 2024 total compensation came to $133,556. They are classified at grade 13.

Meagan Kekich

Social Work/Department of Veterans Affairs

2024 total comp

$133,548

Sub-department: Veterans Health Administration
Base pay: $133,548
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $133,548
Pay grade: 13
Work city: Sheridan
Work county: Sheridan
Work state: Wyoming

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $133,548
Basic Pay (before locality): $91,471
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 560750033
Length of Service (Years): 9
Occupation Code (OPM): 0185
Pay Plan (OPM): GS

Meagan Kekich holds the role of Social Work at Department of Veterans Affairs based in Sheridan, Wyoming. In 2024, their total compensation was $133,548. Their pay grade is 13.

Jennifer Negron

Social Work/Department of Veterans Affairs

2024 total comp

$133,508

Sub-department: Veterans Health Administration
Base pay: $133,508
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $133,508
Pay grade: 13
Work city: Coatesville
Work county: Chester
Work state: Pennsylvania

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $133,508
Basic Pay (before locality): $97,373
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 421500029
Length of Service (Years): 29
Occupation Code (OPM): 0185
Pay Plan (OPM): GS

Jennifer Negron holds the role of Social Work at Department of Veterans Affairs based in Coatesville, Pennsylvania. In 2024, their total compensation was $133,508. Their pay grade is 13.

Paula SmithMay be multiple

Social Work/Department of Veterans Affairs

2024 total comp

$133,447

Sub-department: Veterans Health Administration
Pay grade: 12
Work city: Brockton
Work county: Plymouth
Work state: Massachusetts

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $133,447
Basic Pay (before locality): $94,289
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 250140023
Length of Service (Years): 24
Occupation Code (OPM): 0185
Pay Plan (OPM): GS

Payroll for Paula Smith (Social Work, Department of Veterans Affairs) may cover more than one person; together they account for $133,447 in 2024.

Meghan Makela

Social Work/Department of Veterans Affairs

2024 total comp

$133,447

Sub-department: Veterans Health Administration
Base pay: $133,447
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $133,447
Pay grade: 12
Work city: Boston
Work county: Suffolk
Work state: Massachusetts

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $133,447
Basic Pay (before locality): $94,289
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 250120025
Length of Service (Years): 0
Occupation Code (OPM): 0185
Pay Plan (OPM): GS

Meghan Makela is a Social Work at Department of Veterans Affairs based in Boston, Massachusetts. 2024 total compensation came to $133,447. They are classified at grade 12.

Carolyn Mason-Wholley

Social Work/Department of Veterans Affairs

2024 total comp

$133,447

Sub-department: Veterans Health Administration
Base pay: $133,447
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $133,447
Pay grade: 12
Work city: Boston
Work county: Suffolk
Work state: Massachusetts

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $133,447
Basic Pay (before locality): $94,289
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 250120025
Length of Service (Years): 20
Occupation Code (OPM): 0185
Pay Plan (OPM): GS

At Department of Veterans Affairs, Carolyn Mason-Wholley serves as a Social Work based in Boston, Massachusetts. Their 2024 pay totaled $133,447. They are classified at grade 12.

Thomas Smith

Social Work/Department of Veterans Affairs

2024 total comp

$133,437

Sub-department: Veterans Health Administration
Base pay: $133,437
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $133,437
Pay grade: 12
Work city: Parma
Work county: Cuyahoga
Work state: Ohio

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $133,437
Basic Pay (before locality): $89,327
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 396360035
Length of Service (Years): 2
Occupation Code (OPM): 0185
Pay Plan (OPM): GS

At Department of Veterans Affairs, Thomas Smith serves as a Social Work based in Parma, Ohio. Their 2024 pay totaled $133,437. They are classified at grade 12.

Blane Burlingham

Social Work/Department of Veterans Affairs

2024 total comp

$133,437

Sub-department: Veterans Health Administration
Base pay: $133,437
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $133,437
Pay grade: 12
Work city: Cleveland
Work county: Cuyahoga
Work state: Ohio

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $133,437
Basic Pay (before locality): $89,327
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 391680035
Length of Service (Years): 15
Occupation Code (OPM): 0185
Pay Plan (OPM): GS

Blane Burlingham works as a Social Work for Department of Veterans Affairs based in Cleveland, Ohio. Blane earned $133,437 in 2024. Their pay grade is 12.

David Ditullio

Social Work/Department of Veterans Affairs

2024 total comp

$133,437

Sub-department: Veterans Health Administration
Base pay: $133,437
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $133,437
Pay grade: 12
Work city: Parma
Work county: Cuyahoga
Work state: Ohio

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $133,437
Basic Pay (before locality): $89,327
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 396360035
Length of Service (Years): 11
Occupation Code (OPM): 0185
Pay Plan (OPM): GS

At Department of Veterans Affairs, David Ditullio serves as a Social Work based in Parma, Ohio. Their 2024 pay totaled $133,437. They are classified at grade 12.

Melissa Favazza

Social Work/Department of Veterans Affairs

2024 total comp

$133,437

Sub-department: Veterans Health Administration
Base pay: $133,437
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $133,437
Pay grade: 12
Work city: Parma
Work county: Cuyahoga
Work state: Ohio

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $133,437
Basic Pay (before locality): $89,327
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 396360035
Length of Service (Years): 14
Occupation Code (OPM): 0185
Pay Plan (OPM): GS

Melissa Favazza works as a Social Work for Department of Veterans Affairs based in Parma, Ohio. Melissa earned $133,437 in 2024. Their pay grade is 12.

Michelle Felgar

Social Work/Department of Veterans Affairs

2024 total comp

$133,437

Sub-department: Veterans Health Administration
Base pay: $133,437
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $133,437
Pay grade: 12
Work city: Cleveland
Work county: Cuyahoga
Work state: Ohio

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $133,437
Basic Pay (before locality): $89,327
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 391680035
Length of Service (Years): 20
Occupation Code (OPM): 0185
Pay Plan (OPM): GS

At Department of Veterans Affairs, Michelle Felgar serves as a Social Work based in Cleveland, Ohio. Their 2024 pay totaled $133,437. They are classified at grade 12.

Alina Fuller

Social Work/Department of Veterans Affairs

2024 total comp

$133,437

Sub-department: Veterans Health Administration
Base pay: $133,437
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $133,437
Pay grade: 12
Work city: Parma
Work county: Cuyahoga
Work state: Ohio

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $133,437
Basic Pay (before locality): $89,327
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 396360035
Length of Service (Years): 9
Occupation Code (OPM): 0185
Pay Plan (OPM): GS

At Department of Veterans Affairs, Alina Fuller serves as a Social Work based in Parma, Ohio. Their 2024 pay totaled $133,437. They are classified at grade 12.

Jonathan Hart

Social Work/Department of Veterans Affairs

2024 total comp

$133,437

Sub-department: Veterans Health Administration
Base pay: $133,437
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $133,437
Pay grade: 12
Work city: Lorain
Work county: Lorain
Work state: Ohio

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $133,437
Basic Pay (before locality): $89,327
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 394360093
Length of Service (Years): 10
Occupation Code (OPM): 0185
Pay Plan (OPM): GS

At Department of Veterans Affairs, Jonathan Hart serves as a Social Work based in Lorain, Ohio. Their 2024 pay totaled $133,437. They are classified at grade 12.

Mary Lanning

Social Work/Department of Veterans Affairs

2024 total comp

$133,437

Sub-department: Veterans Health Administration
Base pay: $133,437
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $133,437
Pay grade: 12
Work city: Cleveland
Work county: Cuyahoga
Work state: Ohio

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $133,437
Basic Pay (before locality): $89,327
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 391680035
Length of Service (Years): 14
Occupation Code (OPM): 0185
Pay Plan (OPM): GS

Mary Lanning is a Social Work at Department of Veterans Affairs based in Cleveland, Ohio. 2024 total compensation came to $133,437. They are classified at grade 12.

Teresa Lopez

Social Work/Department of Veterans Affairs

2024 total comp

$133,437

Sub-department: Veterans Health Administration
Base pay: $133,437
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $133,437
Pay grade: 12
Work city: Lorain
Work county: Lorain
Work state: Ohio

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $133,437
Basic Pay (before locality): $89,327
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 394360093
Length of Service (Years): 10
Occupation Code (OPM): 0185
Pay Plan (OPM): GS

At Department of Veterans Affairs, Teresa Lopez serves as a Social Work based in Lorain, Ohio. Their 2024 pay totaled $133,437. They are classified at grade 12.

Susan Marcy

Social Work/Department of Veterans Affairs

2024 total comp

$133,437

Sub-department: Veterans Health Administration
Base pay: $133,437
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $133,437
Pay grade: 12
Work city: Parma
Work county: Cuyahoga
Work state: Ohio

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $133,437
Basic Pay (before locality): $89,327
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 396360035
Length of Service (Years): 14
Occupation Code (OPM): 0185
Pay Plan (OPM): GS

At Department of Veterans Affairs, Susan Marcy serves as a Social Work based in Parma, Ohio. Their 2024 pay totaled $133,437. They are classified at grade 12.

Nicholas Papadimoulis

Social Work/Department of Veterans Affairs

2024 total comp

$133,437

Sub-department: Veterans Health Administration
Base pay: $133,437
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $133,437
Pay grade: 12
Work city: Cleveland
Work county: Cuyahoga
Work state: Ohio

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $133,437
Basic Pay (before locality): $89,327
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 391680035
Length of Service (Years): 13
Occupation Code (OPM): 0185
Pay Plan (OPM): GS

Nicholas Papadimoulis holds the role of Social Work at Department of Veterans Affairs based in Cleveland, Ohio. In 2024, their total compensation was $133,437. Their pay grade is 12.

Adam Rawlings

Social Work/Department of Veterans Affairs

2024 total comp

$133,437

Sub-department: Veterans Health Administration
Base pay: $133,437
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $133,437
Pay grade: 12
Work city: Cleveland
Work county: Cuyahoga
Work state: Ohio

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $133,437
Basic Pay (before locality): $89,327
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 391680035
Length of Service (Years): 11
Occupation Code (OPM): 0185
Pay Plan (OPM): GS

At Department of Veterans Affairs, Adam Rawlings serves as a Social Work based in Cleveland, Ohio. Their 2024 pay totaled $133,437. They are classified at grade 12.

Kelly Marinis

Social Work/Department of Veterans Affairs

2024 total comp

$133,437

Sub-department: Veterans Health Administration
Base pay: $133,437
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $133,437
Pay grade: 12
Work city: Cleveland
Work county: Cuyahoga
Work state: Ohio

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $133,437
Basic Pay (before locality): $89,327
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 391680035
Length of Service (Years): 11
Occupation Code (OPM): 0185
Pay Plan (OPM): GS

Kelly Marinis holds the role of Social Work at Department of Veterans Affairs based in Cleveland, Ohio. In 2024, their total compensation was $133,437. Their pay grade is 12.

Jennifer Miner

Social Work/Department of Veterans Affairs

2024 total comp

$133,360

Sub-department: Veterans Health Administration
Base pay: $133,060
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $300
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $133,360
Pay grade: 13
Work city: Des Moines
Work county: Polk
Work state: Iowa

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $133,060
Basic Pay (before locality): $103,275
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 192260153
Length of Service (Years): 15
Occupation Code (OPM): 0185
Pay Plan (OPM): GS

At Department of Veterans Affairs, Jennifer Miner serves as a Social Work based in Des Moines, Iowa. Their 2024 pay totaled $133,360. They are classified at grade 13.