Pennsylvania ranks 34th of 50 states and D.C. for mental health and substance abuse social workers pay, trailing top-paying New York ($80,230) by $30,640 — a 62% gap.
The 10th-to-90th percentile range runs from $38,590 to $80,610 — a $42,020 spread, 35% tighter than the national $64,510 range.
Pennsylvania employs roughly 3.3% of all mental health and substance abuse social workers in the country (4,150 workers).
Salary Range: 10th to 90th Percentile
Full Percentile Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Wage |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry-level) | $38,590 | $18.55 |
| 25th percentile | $43,910 | $21.11 |
| 50th percentile (median) | $49,590 | $23.84 |
| 75th percentile | $63,230 | $30.40 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $80,610 | $38.76 |
| Mean (average) | $55,260 | $26.57 |
How Pennsylvania Compares
| State | Median Annual | vs. Pennsylvania |
|---|---|---|
| Pennsylvania (current) | $49,590 | n/a |
| New York | $80,230 | +62% |
| Connecticut | $78,820 | +59% |
| Minnesota | $77,100 | +55% |
| California | $75,320 | +52% |
| District of Columbia | $72,720 | +47% |
| Oregon | $71,830 | +45% |
| New Jersey | $70,420 | +42% |
| Hawaii | $70,340 | +42% |
Showing top-paying states with available data. View all states →
Related Occupations in Pennsylvania
| Occupation | Median Annual | Employment |
|---|---|---|
| Mixing and Blending Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders | $49,600 | 4,930 |
| Advertising Sales Agents | $49,570 | 4,000 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Security Workers | $49,420 | 2,530 |
| Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics | $49,790 | 29,020 |
| Legal Secretaries and Administrative Assistants | $49,330 | 6,440 |
| Public Safety Telecommunicators | $49,330 | 3,490 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers salary in Pennsylvania?
The mean mental health and substance abuse social workers salary in Pennsylvania is $55,260 per year. The median (middle) salary is $49,590 per year.
What is the starting salary for a Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers in Pennsylvania?
Entry-level mental health and substance abuse social workerss (10th percentile) in Pennsylvania typically earn around $38,590 per year. Workers at the 25th percentile earn approximately $43,910 per year.
What is the highest Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers salary in Pennsylvania?
Top earners (90th percentile) in this occupation in Pennsylvania make approximately $80,610 per year. Those in the 75th percentile earn around $63,230 per year.
How does the Pennsylvania Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers salary compare to the national average?
The median mental health and substance abuse social workers salary in Pennsylvania is $49,590, which is -17% below national average of $60,060.