Creative & Education Reading, PA Pop. 95,112

Social Worker Salary in Reading, Pennsylvania

The median social worker salary in Reading, PA is $48,708 per year, which is 12% below the national median and 8.3% below the Pennsylvania state average.

City Median
$48,708
vs State Avg
$-4,428
vs National
$-6,642
Cost of Living
88%

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

Reading offers a median social worker salary of $48,708, which is $4,428 below the Pennsylvania state average of $53,136. Compared to the national median of $55,350, Reading pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Reading's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 88% of the national average. This means the $48,708 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $55,350 in an average-cost city. This makes Reading an attractive option for social workers seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for social workers in Reading spans from $32,032 at the 10th percentile to $77,264 at the 90th percentile — a $45,232 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $33,440, while senior social workers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $72,160. Reading is a smaller market (pop. 95,112), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Social Worker Salary in Reading by Experience

In Reading, an entry-level social worker earns around $33,440, while experienced professionals earn up to $72,160 per year. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$33,440
$-4,560 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$49,280
$-6,720 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$72,160
$-9,840 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Reading, PA

Percentile Reading
10th Percentile $32,032
25th Percentile $38,896
Median (50th) $48,708
75th Percentile $61,952
90th Percentile $77,264

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
Erie, PA
$46,494
Pop. 94,831

How to Become a Social Worker in Reading

Education

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

Find Social Worker Jobs in Reading

Browse open social worker positions in Reading, PA:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Social Worker Salary in Reading

How much does a Social Worker make in Reading, PA? ▼
The median social worker salary in Reading, Pennsylvania is $48,708 per year, which is 12% below the national median of $55,350. Salaries range from $32,032 (10th percentile) to $77,264 (90th percentile).
How much does a Social Worker make per hour in Reading? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $48,708, a social worker in Reading earns approximately $23 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Reading compare to the Pennsylvania state average for social worker pay? ▼
Reading's median social worker salary of $48,708 is 8.3% below the Pennsylvania state average of $53,136. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Reading, PA? ▼
Reading has a cost of living index of 88% compared to the national average. This means a social worker salary of $48,708 in Reading has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a social worker in Reading? ▼
Most social worker positions in Reading 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.