Social Worker Jobs in Toronto, ON

Toronto, Ontario$56,250 - $87,500 CAD/yearFull-time
Last updated: January 2026Expert reviewed|Data sourced from Canadian Labour Market reports

Social Worker Salary in Toronto

Entry Level
$42,188
Average
$56,250 - $87,500
Senior Level
$109,375

Salaries adjusted for Toronto's cost of living index (125% of national average).

Required Skills

Work Remotely as a Social Worker

Prefer working from home? Explore remote Social Worker opportunities with flexible schedules and competitive salaries.

View Remote Social Worker Jobs →

Jobs Requiring Similar Skills

Social Worker Job Market in Toronto

Toronto offers a competitive job market for Social Worker professionals. While Technology leads the local economy, there's steady demand for Social Worker roles across various sectors. The market for Social Worker positions remains stable, with opportunities in both established companies and emerging businesses. Toronto's population of 2.9 million supports a diverse job market with opportunities ranging from startups to enterprise organizations.

Top Companies Hiring Social Workers in Toronto

Government of OntarioCity of TorontoTTCToronto Hydro

Major employers hiring Social Workers in Toronto include Government of Ontario, City of Toronto, TTC, Toronto Hydro. These organizations offer competitive compensation packages and career growth opportunities for qualified Social Workers.

Social Worker Salary in Toronto vs Other Cities

Social Worker salaries in Toronto typically range from $56,250 to $87,500 annually. As Canada's largest job market, Toronto offers the widest range of Social Worker opportunities, though the cost of living is among the highest in the country.

Cost of Living for Social Workers in Toronto

Living in Toronto as a Social Worker means navigating a cost of living that's above the national average. Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment is approximately $2,400/month (41% above national average). With Social Worker salaries starting around $45,000, budgeting carefully for housing is advisable in Toronto.

125
Cost Index (100 = avg)
2930K
Population
Yes
Tech Hub
4+
Major Industries

Commuting as a Social Worker in Toronto

Toronto excellent transit with TTC subway, streetcars, and GO Transit commuter rail. Key transit tips: TTC subway connects downtown to major employment areas. GO Transit offers rapid commutes from suburbs.

Best neighborhoods for Social Workers in Toronto: Liberty Village (Tech hub with startup offices and coworking spaces); King West (Finance and tech corridor with modern offices); MaRS Discovery District (Innovation hub near downtown).

Frequently Asked Questions About Social Worker Jobs in Toronto

What is the average Social Worker salary in Toronto?

Social Worker salaries in Toronto typically range from $56,250 to $87,500 annually, depending on experience and company size. While Toronto has a higher cost of living, compensation tends to reflect this.

Is Toronto a good city for Social Workers?

Toronto is a major hub for Social Worker professionals. Technology and Finance are the dominant industries, creating consistent demand. The city's population of 2930K supports a diverse job market with both established companies and emerging businesses.

What's the cost of living like for Social Workers in Toronto?

Toronto's cost of living index is 125 (national average = 100). Housing costs are above average, so budgeting is important even with good salaries.

What skills are essential for Social Worker roles?

Key skills for Social Worker positions include Case Management, Counseling, Crisis Intervention, as well as Documentation and Advocacy. Employers particularly value candidates who can demonstrate practical experience with these competencies through projects, certifications, or previous work experience.

What are the most in-demand jobs in Canada right now?

Healthcare workers (nurses, PSWs), tech professionals (developers, data scientists), skilled trades, and finance professionals are consistently in high demand. The specific roles vary by province—tech dominates in major cities while skilled trades are sought across the country. Immigration programs prioritize many of these occupations.

How do I find jobs in Canada as a newcomer?

Start with major job boards (Indeed, LinkedIn, Workopolis) and company career pages. Networking is crucial—attend industry events and join professional associations. Consider settlement agencies that offer employment services. Some industries value Canadian experience, so entry-level positions or internships may be initial stepping stones.

What benefits do Canadian employers typically offer?

Beyond salary, Canadian employers often provide health and dental insurance, retirement savings matching (RRSP), paid vacation (minimum 2-3 weeks), parental leave top-ups, professional development budgets, and increasingly, flexible work arrangements. Benefits packages vary significantly between companies and industries.

Is work-life balance really better in Canada?

Compared to the US, Canada generally offers better work-life balance with more vacation time, parental leave, and cultural expectations around reasonable hours. However, this varies by industry and company. Startups and certain finance roles may demand more hours. Most provinces mandate minimum vacation time and overtime rules.

All Government & Public Sector Jobs in Toronto

Explore 5 more government & public sector resources.