Social Worker in Round Rock, TX

The Salary Picture: Where Round Rock Stands

As a local, I can tell you that Round Rock's social work salaries are competitive for Central Texas, sitting just under the national average. The median salary here is $60,421/year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $29.05. For context, the national average for the profession is $60,860, so you're not taking a significant pay cut to live in this fast-growing suburb. The Round Rock metro area has about 263 employed social workers, which is a solid base for a community of 131,735 people, indicating steady demand.

To get a clearer picture of your earning potential, let's break it down by experience. The 10-year job growth for social workers in this region is projected at 7%, which is promising, though slightly below the explosive growth seen in the tech sector. This growth is driven by an aging population, increased focus on mental health, and the expanding healthcare infrastructure in Williamson County.

Here’s a realistic look at salary progression:

Experience Level	Typical Years	Estimated Salary Range	Common Roles
Entry-Level	0-2 years	$48,000 - $55,000	Case Manager, BSW-level positions, School Counselor Assistant
Mid-Career	3-8 years	$55,000 - $68,000	LCSW (Licensed Clinical Social Worker), Hospital Case Manager, School Social Worker
Senior	8-15 years	$68,000 - $82,000	Program Manager, Clinical Supervisor, Policy Analyst
Expert/Leadership	15+ years	$82,000 - $100,000+	Director of Services, Private Practice Owner, University Professor

When compared to other major Texas cities, Round Rock offers a unique value proposition. Austin's median salary is higher, but the cost of living there is significantly steeper. San Antonio and Houston may have similar median salaries, but their job markets are larger and more saturated. Dallas-Fort Worth commands a higher salary, but again, the cost of living and commute times can be prohibitive. Round Rock sits in a sweet spot: proximity to Austin's high-paying opportunities with a more manageable suburban lifestyle and cost.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let's get real about your monthly budget. With a median salary of $60,421, your take-home pay after federal and state taxes (and assuming a standard deduction for a single filer) will be roughly $3,800 - $3,900 per month. This is a conservative estimate; your exact take-home will vary based on benefits, retirement contributions, and withholdings.

The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Round Rock is $1,635/month. This means a single social worker earning the median salary would spend about 42-43% of their take-home pay on rent alone. While this is above the recommended 30% threshold, it's manageable if you don't have significant other debts (like a car payment or student loans). Budgeting carefully for utilities, groceries, and transportation is essential.

Insider Tip: Many local employers, especially the larger hospital systems and school districts, offer robust benefits packages that can include health insurance, retirement matching, and even student loan repayment assistance. These benefits can effectively increase your net compensation beyond the base salary.

Can they afford to buy a home? This is a tougher question. The median home price in Round Rock is approximately $425,000. To comfortably afford a home at this price point with a standard 20% down payment ($85,000), you'd likely need a household income well above the single-earner median. However, it's not impossible for a dual-income household or for those who start with a townhome or condo in the $250,000-$300,000 range. The Cost of Living Index is 97.6 (US avg = 100), which is slightly below average, but housing is the primary driver pushing it up.

Where the Jobs Are: Round Rock's Major Employers

The job market for social workers here is anchored by healthcare, education, and non-profit agencies. I've seen consistent hiring in these sectors over the past few years. Here are the key employers to target:

1. Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - Round Rock: This is a major hub for hospital-based social workers (MSW). They have frequent openings for case managers, behavioral health specialists, and discharge planners. The pay is competitive, and they offer a national network for career mobility. Hiring tends to peak in Q4 as budgets are finalized for the next year.

2. Round Rock Independent School District (RRISD): With over 50,000 students, RRISD employs a significant number of school social workers and counselors. Demand is high due to the district's growth and focus on student mental health services. Positions are tied to the academic calendar, so the best time to apply is in late spring for the upcoming school year.

3. Williamson County & Cities Health District (WCCHD): This public health entity serves a broad population. They hire social workers for roles in maternal/child health, senior services, and public health outreach. These are stable government jobs with good benefits. They often post openings on their website and local government job boards.

4. Austin Travis County Integral Care (ATCIC): While based in Austin, ATCIC is the local authority for mental health and developmental disabilities services and has a strong presence in Round Rock. They are a major employer for clinical social workers (LCSW) in community mental health. They have a 24/7 crisis hotline and often hire for crisis counselors and case managers.

5. LifeWorks (Round Rock Office): A prominent non-profit providing services for youth, families, and homeless individuals. They have a dedicated Round Rock location and frequently hire for case managers, youth counselors, and family support specialists. The work is community-focused and can be intense but rewarding.

6. Sage Recovery & Wellness: A growing addiction treatment center with locations in the area. They hire licensed clinical social workers for therapy roles. The demand in this specialty is high across Texas. They often look for therapists with specific experience in substance use disorders.

7. Private Practice & Group Therapy Clinics: There's a growing network of private practices around Round Rock and adjacent Cedar Park and Georgetown. Many seek LCSW contractors or salaried clinicians. This is a good path for those seeking more autonomy and potentially higher hourly rates once established.

Hiring Trend Insight: There's a notable shift toward integrated care models, especially in healthcare. Social workers with experience in medical settings (hospital, primary care) or dual licensure (e.g., LCSW paired with a specialty like gerontology) are in high demand.

Getting Licensed in TX

Texas has a structured licensing process for social workers, overseen by the Texas State Board of Social Worker Examiners (TSBSWE). It's not the fastest process, so planning is key.

State-Specific Requirements:

1. Education: You need a Master’s degree in Social Work (MSW) from a program accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). A Bachelor’s (BSW) is only for non-clinical, non-licensed roles.
2. Exam: You must pass the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Master’s exam (for LMSW) or Clinical exam (for LCSW).
3. Supervised Experience: For the LCSW, you need 3,000 hours of post-MSW supervised experience (typically 2 years full-time). The supervisor must be an LCSW with at least 3 years of experience.
4. Application: Submit an application to the TSBSWE with transcripts, exam scores, and supervision documentation.

Costs & Timeline:

• ASWB Exam Fees: Master’s exam ~$260; Clinical exam ~$260.
• Texas Application Fee: ~$160.
• Supervision Costs: Varies widely. Group supervision can be $50-$100/month; individual supervision can be $100-$200+ per hour. Many employers offer supervision as a benefit.
• Timeline: If you start with a job offer in hand, you can typically get your LMSW (Licensed Master Social Worker) within 1-2 months after passing the exam. The LCSW path takes a minimum of 2 years of full-time work after obtaining your LMSW.

Insider Tip: Many employers in Round Rock (like Baylor Scott & White and ATCIC) have "provisional" or "LMSW" positions where they provide supervision toward your LCSW. This is a huge advantage, as it covers a major cost and requirement. Always ask about supervision during interviews.

Best Neighborhoods for Social Workers

Round Rock is a city of distinct neighborhoods, each with a different vibe and price point. Commute to major employers is generally good, as the city is laid out along I-35 and SH-45.

1. Downtown Round Rock: The historic heart of the city. Walkable, with local cafes and parks. Close to RRISD headquarters and the older hospital. Commute to Baylor Scott & White is 5-10 minutes. Rent Estimate: $1,400 - $1,800 for a 1BR.
2. Teravista: A master-planned community in the northeast with golf courses and trails. It's family-oriented, with newer homes and good schools. Commute to major employers can be 15-25 minutes via SH-45. Rent Estimate: $1,500 - $1,900 for a 1BR apartment or townhome.
3. Round Rock West: More affordable and established. Mix of older homes and apartments. Conveniently located between I-35 and Mays Street, offering easy access to Austin (20-30 min commute). Rent Estimate: $1,300 - $1,600 for a 1BR.
4. Brushy Creek: On the southern edge, bordering Austin. Popular with young professionals. Offers newer apartments and townhomes. Commute to Austin-based employers (like ATCIC) is very easy (15-20 min). Rent Estimate: $1,600 - $2,000 for a 1BR.
5. Forest Creek: A quiet, established neighborhood north of the university. Good value, with older apartments and some single-family rentals. Commute is central to everything in Round Rock (10-15 min). Rent Estimate: $1,200 - $1,500 for a 1BR.

The Long Game: Career Growth

Advancement in social work in Round Rock follows a few clear paths. The 7% 10-year job growth supports this, but you must be strategic.

• Specialty Premiums: Certain specializations command higher pay. LCSWs in hospital geriatrics or behavioral health integration can earn $5,000-$10,000 more than generalist roles. Private practice, while variable, can exceed six figures with a full caseload.
• Advancement Paths:
  • Clinical Track: LCSW -> Clinical Supervisor (overseeing other therapists) -> Program Director (managing a clinic or service line).
  • Administrative Track: MSW Case Manager -> Program Manager -> Director of Social Services (common in hospitals and non-profits).
  • Policy & Macro: MSW -> Community Organizer -> Policy Analyst (working with groups like the United Way of Williamson County).

10-Year Outlook: The demand will remain strong in healthcare (aging population) and schools (mental health focus). The biggest growth area will be in integrated care—social workers embedded in primary care clinics and specialty medical teams. Skills in data collection and outcome measurement will become increasingly valuable for grant writing and program management roles.

The Verdict: Is Round Rock Right for You?

Here’s a balanced look at the pros and cons based on local conditions.

Pros	Cons
Strong, stable employer base from healthcare and schools.	Rent is high relative to salary, especially for a single earner.
Access to Austin job market without the Austin cost of living.	Traffic on I-35 can be a serious daily frustration.
Family-friendly amenities (excellent parks, libraries, safe communities).	Limited night-life and cultural scene compared to Austin.
Lower cost of living than Austin, Dallas, or Houston (Index: 97.6).	The job market is smaller than major metros; fewer niche roles.
Growing professional network with Williamson County-focused events.	Rapid growth can strain infrastructure (schools, roads).

Final Recommendation: Round Rock is an excellent choice for social workers who value stability, family life, and a community-oriented environment. It's ideal for those starting their clinical licensure path, as many employers provide supervision. It's also a great base for a dual-income household. If you're a single-earner with a tight budget, be prepared for a cautious financial start. For those seeking the highest earning potential or a vibrant urban nightlife, Austin is just a 20-30 minute drive away, but the daily commute on I-35 is a real consideration.

FAQs

Q: Can I work in Austin and live in Round Rock?
A: Absolutely, and it's a very common commute. The drive into Austin during peak hours (7-9 AM, 4-6 PM) can take 45-60 minutes on I-35. Many professionals use the MetroRail (the Red Line) which runs from Round Rock to downtown Austin, offering a stress-free alternative, though service is limited to peak commute hours.

Q: Do I need a car in Round Rock?
A: Yes, absolutely. While parts of Round Rock are becoming more walkable, the city is designed around car travel. Public transportation (Capital Metro) exists but is not comprehensive. Having a reliable vehicle is essential for commuting to work, grocery shopping, and accessing different neighborhoods.

Q: How competitive is the job market for new MSWs?
A: It's moderately competitive. New MSWs with a Texas LMSW license are in a strong position, especially for case management and school-based roles. The most competitive positions are those requiring an LCSW. It's advisable to apply for "LMSW" or "provisional" roles that offer supervision. Networking through the Texas Chapter of the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) is highly recommended.

Q: What are the biggest challenges social workers face in Round Rock?
A: The two main challenges are caseload size in public systems (school and county) and compassion fatigue due to the high-demand, often emotionally taxing nature of the work. The growing population means services are stretched. Accessing affordable, high-quality supervision outside of an employer can be costly. It's crucial to seek out employers with strong clinical support structures.

Q: Are there opportunities for private practice in Round Rock?
A: Yes, but it requires patience. The affluent suburbs of Round Rock and neighboring Georgetown and Cedar Park have a growing client base. Many therapists start by joining a group practice to build a caseload before going solo. The key is to obtain your LCSW and build a specialty (e.g., child therapy, anxiety disorders). Marketing through local physician referrals and community centers is effective.

Sources: Data compiled from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, Texas State Board of Social Worker Examiners (TSBSWE), Zillow Market Data, RentCafe, and local employer job postings (2023-2024).