Social Worker Salary in Pennsylvania
Based on 4K+ workers in Pennsylvania
Median Annual Salary (PA)
$48,290
$23.22/hr
vs National Average
$57,161
-15.5% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$38K – $74K
4K employed in Pennsylvania
The median Social Worker salary in Pennsylvania is $48,290 per year, with a typical range of $37,790 to $73,940. This figure places Pennsylvania's average compensation 16% below the national average for the profession, with approximately 3,500 individuals employed in this role across the state.
Several factors influence the Social Worker salary in Pennsylvania. These include the specific sector of employment, such as child welfare, healthcare, or mental health services, as well as the level of experience and educational attainment of the individual. Location within Pennsylvania can also play a role, with higher cost-of-living areas potentially offering slightly higher compensation.
Salary Distribution — Social Worker in Pennsylvania
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $37,790 |
| 25th percentile | $43,810 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $48,290 |
| 75th percentile | $58,860 |
| 90th percentile | $73,940 |
Top-Paying Industries for Social Worker (U.S.)
Which industries pay Social Workers the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Social Workers in Pennsylvania tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Finance and Insurance | $94,250 | 550 |
| Educational Services | $72,880 | 2K |
| Government (excl. schools, hospitals & USPS) | $68,600 | 20K |
| Management of Companies and Enterprises | $65,990 | 2K |
| Health Care and Social Assistance | $59,270 | 104K |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Social Worker in Pennsylvania vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Pennsylvania) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $44,040 |
| 2023 | $45,700 |
| 2024 | $49,590 |
| 2025 | $48,290 |
| 2026 (projected) | $48,290 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Pennsylvania Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $44,040 | $50,498 |
| 2023 | $45,700 | $53,608 |
| 2024 | $49,590 | $56,931 |
| 2025 | $48,290 | $57,161 |
| 2026 (projected) | $48,290 | $57,161 |
Social Worker Salary by Experience Level in Pennsylvania
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $43,810 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $48,290 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $58,860 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $73,940 |
Social Worker Salary in Other States
Related Social Worker Salaries in Pennsylvania
How other high-demand occupations in Pennsylvania compare to Social Worker ($48,290 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Social Worker | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cardiologist in PA | $579,120 | +1099.3% | $278.42/hr |
| Anesthesiologist in PA | $461,390 | +855.5% | $221.82/hr |
| Radiologist in PA | $455,380 | +843.0% | $218.93/hr |
| Family Medicine Physician in PA | $306,030 | +533.7% | $147.13/hr |
| Psychiatrist in PA | $278,970 | +477.7% | $134.12/hr |
| Pediatrician in PA | $226,440 | +368.9% | $108.87/hr |
| Nurse Anesthetist in PA | $221,530 | +358.7% | $106.50/hr |
| Internal Medicine Physician in PA | $213,310 | +341.7% | $102.55/hr |
| Dentist in PA | $163,390 | +238.4% | $78.55/hr |
| Podiatrist in PA | $155,050 | +221.1% | $74.54/hr |
| Pharmacist in PA | $138,160 | +186.1% | $66.42/hr |
| Optometrist in PA | $135,400 | +180.4% | $65.10/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a social worker make in Pennsylvania?
- The median salary for a social worker in Pennsylvania is $48,290 per year, which breaks down to about $23 per hour. Most social workers in the state earn between $37,790 and $73,940 annually.
What is the average salary for a social worker in Pennsylvania compared to the national average?
- Social workers in Pennsylvania earn 15.5% less than the national average. The median salary here is $48,290 per year, while the national median is higher.
What is the salary range for social workers in Pennsylvania?
- The salary range for social workers in Pennsylvania is quite broad, with most earning between $37,790 and $73,940 annually. The median salary falls in the middle of this range at $48,290 per year.
How many social workers are employed in Pennsylvania?
- There are approximately 3,500 social workers employed in Pennsylvania. This indicates a significant presence of the profession within the state's workforce.