Creative & Education Erie, PA Pop. 94,831

Social Worker Salary in Erie, Pennsylvania

The median social worker salary in Erie, PA is $46,494 per year, which is 16% below the national median and 12.5% below the Pennsylvania state average.

City Median
$46,494
vs State Avg
$-6,642
vs National
$-8,856
Cost of Living
84%

Social Worker Pay in Erie: What to Expect (2026)

Erie offers a median social worker salary of $46,494, which is $6,642 below the Pennsylvania state average of $53,136. Compared to the national median of $55,350, Erie pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Erie's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 84% of the national average. This means the $46,494 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $55,350 in an average-cost city. This makes Erie an attractive option for social workers seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for social workers in Erie spans from $30,576 at the 10th percentile to $73,752 at the 90th percentile — a $43,176 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $31,920, while senior social workers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $68,880. Erie is a smaller market (pop. 94,831), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Social Worker Salary in Erie by Experience

In Erie, an entry-level social worker earns around $31,920, while experienced professionals earn up to $68,880 per year. The local cost of living index is 84% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$31,920
$-6,080 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$47,040
$-8,960 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$68,880
$-13,120 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Erie, PA

Percentile Erie
10th Percentile $30,576
25th Percentile $37,128
Median (50th) $46,494
75th Percentile $59,136
90th Percentile $73,752

Social Worker Salary in Other Pennsylvania Cities

Philadelphia, PA
$56,457
Pop. 1,603,797
Allentown, PA
$52,029
Pop. 126,092
Pittsburgh, PA
$51,476
Pop. 302,971
Reading, PA
$48,708
Pop. 95,112

How to Become a Social Worker in Erie

Education

Most social worker positions require a bachelor's degree. Erie and the surrounding Pennsylvania area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Case ManagementCounselingCrisis InterventionCommunity ResourcesAdvocacyDocumentation

Job Outlook

Nationally, social worker employment is projected to grow 7% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in Erie may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Social Worker Jobs in Erie

Browse open social worker positions in Erie, PA:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Social Worker Salary in Erie

How much does a Social Worker make in Erie, PA? ▼
The median social worker salary in Erie, Pennsylvania is $46,494 per year, which is 16% below the national median of $55,350. Salaries range from $30,576 (10th percentile) to $73,752 (90th percentile).
How much does a Social Worker make per hour in Erie? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $46,494, a social worker in Erie earns approximately $22 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Erie compare to the Pennsylvania state average for social worker pay? ▼
Erie's median social worker salary of $46,494 is 12.5% below the Pennsylvania state average of $53,136. The local cost of living index is 84% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Erie, PA? ▼
Erie has a cost of living index of 84% compared to the national average. This means a social worker salary of $46,494 in Erie has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a social worker in Erie? ▼
Most social worker positions in Erie require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include Case Management, Counseling, Crisis Intervention, Community Resources. The job market is projected to grow 7% nationally over the next decade.