Average Social workers Salary in Cardiff / Caerdydd
ONS ASHE 2025 · Wales region · Updated October 2025
How Cardiff / Caerdydd compares
In practical terms, a social workers in the Wales earned a median of £42,029 during 2025, which works out to 1.6% below the UK-wide median of £42,708. This is particularly notable in a role facing high caseloads and growing complexity of need. The cost of living in the Wales is 10.0% below the UK average, so a salary of £42,029 has an effective purchasing power closer to £46,699. To put this alongside local pay more broadly: the average across all jobs in Cardiff / Caerdydd is £33,599, so social workerss sit 25.1% more that benchmark.
Cost of Living Adjustment
After adjusting for the regional cost of living (Wales index: 90, UK=100), a salary of £42,029 has an effective purchasing power of approximately £46,699 — equivalent to earning that amount in an area with average UK costs. The cost of living in the Wales is 10.0% below the UK average.
Social workers salary across UK regions
Social workers salary in areas near Cardiff / Caerdydd
Salary data is by ONS region. Cardiff / Caerdydd is in the Wales region. Below are neighbouring regions — click to explore salaries there.
Social workers Salary Guide
The full salary guide includes regional breakdowns, cost-of-living adjustments, year-on-year trends, and in-depth FAQs.
Read the full Social workers salary guide →Find Social workers jobs in Cardiff / Caerdydd
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average social workers salary in Cardiff / Caerdydd?
The median social workers salary in the Wales (which includes Cardiff / Caerdydd) is £42,029 per year, based on ONS ASHE 2025 data. The mean salary is typically higher due to top earners pulling the average up.
How does social workers pay in Cardiff / Caerdydd compare to the UK average?
Social workers in the Wales earn 1.6% below the national median of £42,708. Other regions such as London and the South East typically offer higher salaries for this role.
Is social workers a well-paid job in Cardiff / Caerdydd compared to other roles?
The average salary across all jobs in Cardiff / Caerdydd is £33,599. Social workers in the Wales earn £42,029, which is 25.1% above the local average across all occupations.
About this data
Salary figures for social workerss cover the Wales region. The all-jobs average is specific to Cardiff / Caerdydd. Source: ONS ASHE 2025. Methodology.