Social Worker Salary in Pennsylvania
Social Worker pay in Pennsylvania, explained
Social workers in Pennsylvania earn a median of $50,820 per year ($24.43 per hour), which is 15% below the national median of $59,550. Entry-level workers earn around $38,430, while the most experienced social workers reach about $78,470. Pay varies by employer, setting, and metro area within Pennsylvania.
Is $50,820 good pay in Pennsylvania?
Adjusted for Pennsylvania's cost of living (which runs 98% of the U.S. average), that $50,820 is worth about $52,085 in national buying power — ranking Pennsylvania #46 for real pay (vs #41 on the sticker number).
Social Worker pay by experience in Pennsylvania
Social Worker pay in neighboring states
| State | Median / yr | Real pay | vs PA |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pennsylvania (here) | $50,820 | $52,085 | — |
| Maryland | $76,390 | $72,781 | −$25,570 |
| New Jersey | $76,280 | $70,107 | −$25,460 |
| New York | $65,100 | $60,322 | −$14,280 |
| West Virginia | $52,220 | $58,348 | −$1,400 |
| Ohio | $51,520 | $55,533 | −$700 |
| Delaware | $48,520 | $48,613 | +$2,300 |
Social Worker in Pennsylvania: FAQ
How much do social workers make in Pennsylvania?
Social workers in Pennsylvania earn a median of $50,820 per year ($24.43 per hour), compared with $59,550 nationally.
Does Pennsylvania pay social workers well?
At $50,820, Pennsylvania pays 15% below the national median for social workers. An estimated 16,200 work in the state.