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Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers Salary in Pennsylvania

Last updated: 2025 BLS data · Page refreshed:

How much do Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers make in Pennsylvania?

Last updated: 2025 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics

$48,290
Median Annual Salary
▼ -2.6% vs 2024
$52,850
Mean Salary
$48,290
Median Salary
$23.22
Hourly Rate
3,500 people work as Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers in Pennsylvania

Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers salary by percentile in Pennsylvania

BLS-reported salary distribution — from entry-level (10th percentile) to top earners (90th percentile).

Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers salary in Pennsylvania — 2025 BLS percentilesHorizontal bars showing 10th, 25th, 50th, 75th and 90th percentile annual salaries for Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers in Pennsylvania.10thBottom 10% earn less than $37,790$37,79025th25% earn less than $43,810$43,810MedianHalf earn more than $48,290$48,29075th75% earn less than $58,860$58,86090thTop 10% earn more than $73,940$73,940

Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers in Pennsylvania earn a median salary of $48,290 per year ($4,024/month). This is 15.5% below the national average of $57,161. Pennsylvania ranks #40 out of 51 states for Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers pay. Approximately 3,500 people work in this occupation across Pennsylvania. Salaries decreased by 2.6% compared to 2024.

About This Job: Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers

Assess and treat individuals with mental, emotional, or substance abuse problems, including abuse of alcohol, tobacco, and/or other drugs. Activities may include individual and group therapy, crisis intervention, case management, client advocacy, prevention, and education.

Top Skills

Social Perceptiveness
4.25
Active Listening
4.12
Speaking
4.12
Reading Comprehension
4.0
Critical Thinking
4.0

Key Knowledge Areas

Therapy and Counseling
4.83
Psychology
4.66
English Language
3.9
Customer and Personal Service
3.8
Education and Training
3.68
Typical Education: Master's Degree (77.2% of workers)

Source: O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor

Salary Range: Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers in Pennsylvania

Salaries for Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers in Pennsylvania range from $37,790 at the 10th percentile (entry level) to $73,940 at the 90th percentile (experienced). The middle 50% earn between $43,810 and $58,860.

Median $48,290
P10: $37,790 P25: $43,810 P75: $58,860 P90: $73,940
10th
$37,790
25th
$43,810
Median
$48,290
75th
$58,860
90th
$73,940
Percentile Annual Salary Hourly Rate Monthly
10th Percentile (Entry Level) $37,790 $18.17 $3,149
25th Percentile $43,810 $21.06 $3,650
Median (50th) $48,290 $23.22 $4,024
75th Percentile $58,860 $28.30 $4,905
90th Percentile (Experienced) $73,940 $35.55 $6,161

Note: The mean (average) salary of $52,850 differs from the median because salary distributions are typically skewed by high earners.

📊 How Does This Compare?

#40
Pennsylvania ranks #40 of 51 states
$57,161
National avg. for Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers
-15.5%
vs. national average
Below Average

Similar Jobs That Pay More in Pennsylvania:

What does this salary really buy? See Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers salary in Pennsylvania adjusted for cost of living →

How much do you actually take home? See Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers take-home pay in Pennsylvania after taxes →

Explore Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers Data in Pennsylvania

Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers Salary by State

Compare Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers pay across states — sorted by highest median salary.

View all 50 states →

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers make in Pennsylvania?
The median annual salary for Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers in Pennsylvania is $48,290 as of 2025. The average (mean) salary is $52,850.
What is the salary range for a Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers in Pennsylvania?
Salaries for Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers in Pennsylvania range from $37,790 at the 10th percentile to $73,940 at the 90th percentile. The middle 50% earn between $43,810 and $58,860.
What is the starting salary for a Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers in Pennsylvania?
Entry-level Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers positions in Pennsylvania typically start around $37,790 (10th percentile). With some experience, salaries rise to $43,810 (25th percentile).
How many people work as Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers in Pennsylvania?
According to 2025 BLS data, approximately 3,500 people are employed as Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers in Pennsylvania.
What is the hourly rate for a Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers in Pennsylvania?
Based on a standard 2,080-hour work year, the median hourly rate for a Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers in Pennsylvania is approximately $23.22 per hour.

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Data Source & Methodology

Salary data is sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, 2025 estimates. The OEWS survey covers approximately 1.1 million establishments nationwide.

Annual salaries are calculated based on a standard 2,080-hour work year. Actual compensation may vary based on experience, education, employer, and local market conditions. Figures do not include benefits, bonuses, or overtime pay.

Our Methodology · Data Sources · Source: BLS OEWS

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