Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers Salary in Pennsylvania
The median pay for a mental health and substance abuse social workers in Pennsylvania is $49,590/year ($23.84/hour), per BLS data. The range runs from $39K at the entry level to $81K for experienced workers.
Statewide average. Salary and cost of living vary significantly across Pennsylvania. Jump to a metro for precise data:
So what does $50K get you in Pennsylvania?
About mental health and substance abuse social workers
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Compensation breakdown
Annual earnings by percentile, Pennsylvania
Entry-level mental health and substance abuse social workers (10th percentile) start around $39K. Mid-career wages sit at $50K. Top earners bring in $81K or more, a $42K spread from bottom to top.
Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers salary by metro in Pennsylvania
12 metro areas with BLS data, ranked by median pay
| Metro area | Median salary | vs. state | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton | $61K | +22% | 250 |
| Harrisburg-Carlisle | $58K | +16% | 150 |
| Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington | $56K | +13% | 2,420 |
| Chambersburg | $52K | +5% | 30 |
| Lancaster | $52K | +4% | 130 |
| Erie | $48K | -3% | 50 |
| Altoona | $47K | -5% | 120 |
| Reading | $47K | -5% | 120 |
| Pittsburgh | $46K | -7% | 690 |
| Scranton--Wilkes-Barre | $45K | -8% | 240 |
| York-Hanover | $45K | -10% | 100 |
| State College | $44K | -12% | 50 |
Showing 1–10 of 12 metros
Compare to other states
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BLS updates this data quarterly. We'll email you when Pennsylvania numbers change.
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Frequently asked questions
How much do mental health and substance abuse social workers make in Pennsylvania?
The median is $49,590 a year, that works out to about $24 an hour. But the range is wide: entry-level workers start around $38,590, and experienced mental health and substance abuse social workers can clear $80,610. These are BLS numbers, based on employer-reported data, not self-reported surveys.
Is $50K enough to live in Pennsylvania?
On that salary, you'd take home roughly $3,364/month after taxes. A 2-bedroom here rents for about $1,351/month, which eats 40.2% of your paycheck. That's above the 30% rule of thumb, housing will be a stretch at the median salary, though you can manage with roommates or a smaller place.
How far does a mental health and substance abuse social workers salary go in Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania has a Regional Price Parity of 100 (100 is the national average). That's right at the national average. After cost-of-living adjustment, the median mental health and substance abuse social workers salary is worth about $52,216 in national-average purchasing power.
Where do mental health and substance abuse social workers get paid the most?
The table above ranks every state by median pay for this role. Keep in mind that the highest-paying states tend to have the highest costs of living, so the top salary doesn't always mean the most money in your pocket.