Creative & Education Pittsburgh, PA Pop. 302,971

Social Worker Salary in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

The median social worker salary in Pittsburgh, PA is $51,476 per year, which is 7% below the national median and 3.1% below the Pennsylvania state average.

City Median
$51,476
vs State Avg
$-1,660
vs National
$-3,874
Cost of Living
93%

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

Pittsburgh offers a median social worker salary of $51,476, which is $1,660 below the Pennsylvania state average of $53,136. Compared to the national median of $55,350, Pittsburgh pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Pittsburgh's cost of living is 93% 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 Pittsburgh spans from $33,852 at the 10th percentile to $81,654 at the 90th percentile — a $47,802 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $35,340, while senior social workers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $76,260. With a population of 302,971, Pittsburgh is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Social Worker Salary in Pittsburgh by Experience

In Pittsburgh, an entry-level social worker earns around $35,340, while experienced professionals earn up to $76,260 per year. The local cost of living index is 93% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$35,340
$-2,660 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$52,080
$-3,920 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$76,260
$-5,740 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Pittsburgh, PA

Percentile Pittsburgh
10th Percentile $33,852
25th Percentile $41,106
Median (50th) $51,476
75th Percentile $65,472
90th Percentile $81,654

Social Worker Salary in Other Pennsylvania Cities

Philadelphia, PA
$56,457
Pop. 1,603,797
Allentown, PA
$52,029
Pop. 126,092
Reading, PA
$48,708
Pop. 95,112
Erie, PA
$46,494
Pop. 94,831

How to Become a Social Worker in Pittsburgh

Education

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

Find Social Worker Jobs in Pittsburgh

Browse open social worker positions in Pittsburgh, PA:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Social Worker Salary in Pittsburgh

How much does a Social Worker make in Pittsburgh, PA? ▼
The median social worker salary in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania is $51,476 per year, which is 7% below the national median of $55,350. Salaries range from $33,852 (10th percentile) to $81,654 (90th percentile).
How much does a Social Worker make per hour in Pittsburgh? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $51,476, a social worker in Pittsburgh earns approximately $25 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Pittsburgh compare to the Pennsylvania state average for social worker pay? ▼
Pittsburgh's median social worker salary of $51,476 is 3.1% below the Pennsylvania state average of $53,136. The local cost of living index is 93% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Pittsburgh, PA? ▼
Pittsburgh has a cost of living index of 93% compared to the national average. This means a social worker salary of $51,476 in Pittsburgh has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a social worker in Pittsburgh? ▼
Most social worker positions in Pittsburgh 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.