The scaling dimension of the first excited state in two-dimensional conformal field theories (CFTs) satisfies a universal upper bound. Using the modular bootstrap, we extend this result to CFTs with W-3 algebras which are generically dual to higher spin theories in AdS(3). Assuming unitarity and modular invariance, we show that the conformal weights h, (h) over bar of the lightest charged state satisfy h < c/12+O(1) and _ <(h)over bar> < <(c)over bar>/12+O(1) in the limit where the central charges c, (c) over bar are large. Furthermore, we show that in this limit any consistent CFT with W-3 currents must contain at least one state whose W-3 charge w obeys vertical bar w vertical bar > 4 vertical bar h -c/24 vertical bar/root 10 pi c + O(1). We discuss hints on the existence of stronger bounds and comment on the interpretation of our results in the dual higher spin theory.