Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers pay in Pennsylvania
In Pennsylvania, the median pay for mental health and substance abuse social workers is $23.21 an hour ($48,290 a year). About 3,500 people work in this job there.
That is 20% lower than the U.S. median ($60,280). Pennsylvania ranks 40th of 51 states and territories for this job’s median pay.
Pay range for mental health and substance abuse social workers in Pennsylvania
| Earns more than | Hourly | Yearly |
|---|---|---|
| 10% of workers | $18.17 | $37,790 |
| 25% of workers | $21.06 | $43,810 |
| Half of workers (median) | $23.21 | $48,290 |
| 75% of workers | $28.30 | $58,860 |
| 90% of workers | $35.55 | $73,940 |
Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers pay in Pennsylvania metro areas
| Metro area | Median yearly pay | People in this job |
|---|---|---|
| Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton | $55,840 | 170 |
| Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington | $54,510 | 2,140 |
| Chambersburg | $52,750 | 30 |
| Reading | $49,920 | 120 |
| Harrisburg-Carlisle | $47,990 | 140 |
| Pittsburgh | $47,100 | 580 |
| Lancaster | $46,680 | 100 |
| Scranton--Wilkes-Barre | $45,670 | 190 |
| York-Hanover | $45,050 | 80 |
| Altoona | $44,060 | 90 |
Pennsylvania unemployment rate: 3.7% (August 2026), U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Education, experience and outlook for mental health and substance abuse social workers
- Typical education to start: Master's degree (BLS)
- Related work experience most have: 2 to 4 years (O*NET)
- Training on the job: Internship/residency (BLS)
- Job outlook: +10.3% over ten years, much faster than average · about 12,500 openings a year (BLS)
Related jobs in Pennsylvania
Other job titles for this job
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Post a job freeFind jobsCheck pay for any jobSource: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025 estimates. Figures are for wage and salary workers and do not include the self-employed. The median is the middle wage: half earn more, half earn less. Other job titles: O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license; O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. JAI Bot has modified this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.