Creative & Education Philadelphia, PA Pop. 1,603,797

Social Worker Salary in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

The median social worker salary in Philadelphia, PA is $56,457 per year, which is 2.0% above the national median and 6.3% above the Pennsylvania state average.

City Median
$56,457
vs State Avg
+$3,321
vs National
+$1,107
Cost of Living
102%

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

Philadelphia offers a median social worker salary of $56,457, which is $3,321 above the Pennsylvania state average of $53,136. Compared to the national median of $55,350, Philadelphia pays above average for this role.

Philadelphia's cost of living is 102% of the national average, meaning salary figures here closely reflect actual purchasing power. This makes direct comparisons to other cities straightforward.

The salary range for social workers in Philadelphia spans from $37,128 at the 10th percentile to $89,556 at the 90th percentile — a $52,428 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $38,760, while senior social workers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $83,640. As a major metro area with a population of 1,603,797, Philadelphia typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Social Worker Salary in Philadelphia by Experience

In Philadelphia, an entry-level social worker earns around $38,760, while experienced professionals earn up to $83,640 per year. The local cost of living index is 102% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$38,760
+$760 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$57,120
+$1,120 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$83,640
+$1,640 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Philadelphia, PA

Percentile Philadelphia
10th Percentile $37,128
25th Percentile $45,084
Median (50th) $56,457
75th Percentile $71,808
90th Percentile $89,556

Social Worker Salary in Other Pennsylvania Cities

Allentown, PA
$52,029
Pop. 126,092
Pittsburgh, PA
$51,476
Pop. 302,971
Reading, PA
$48,708
Pop. 95,112
Erie, PA
$46,494
Pop. 94,831

How to Become a Social Worker in Philadelphia

Education

Most social worker positions require a bachelor's degree. Philadelphia 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 Philadelphia may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Social Worker Jobs in Philadelphia

Browse open social worker positions in Philadelphia, PA:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Social Worker Salary in Philadelphia

How much does a Social Worker make in Philadelphia, PA? ▼
The median social worker salary in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania is $56,457 per year, which is 2.0% above the national median of $55,350. Salaries range from $37,128 (10th percentile) to $89,556 (90th percentile).
How much does a Social Worker make per hour in Philadelphia? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $56,457, a social worker in Philadelphia earns approximately $27 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Philadelphia compare to the Pennsylvania state average for social worker pay? ▼
Philadelphia's median social worker salary of $56,457 is 6.3% above the Pennsylvania state average of $53,136. The local cost of living index is 102% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Philadelphia, PA? ▼
Philadelphia has a cost of living index of 102% compared to the national average. This means a social worker salary of $56,457 in Philadelphia has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a social worker in Philadelphia? ▼
Most social worker positions in Philadelphia 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.