Application Fee
See agencyVerified by PA Board of Healthcare
Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers Licensing in Pennsylvania
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for mental health and substance abuse social workers in Pennsylvania, including See agency and board contact links.
Last verified: Feb 21, 2026
Current
Exam Requirement
Third-party exam requiredRenewal Cycle
See board renewal rulesLicensing Blueprint for Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers in Pennsylvania
Estimated timeline: Varies by boardCore Requirements
- 1
Education: Degree required.
- 2
Experience: Work experience required.
- 3
License Type: Stand-alone license.
Exam and processing details
- Third-party exam required
Continuing education and program notes
- Continuing education required to maintain license
Application Snapshot
- Licensing Authority
Department of State • Bureau of Professional & Occupational Affairs • Social Workers; Marriage & Family Therapists; & Professional Counselors Board
- Current Filing Fee
See agency
- Renewal Cycle
See board renewal rules
- Salary Position
$49,590 median (17% below national)
- State Salary Rank
#34 of 50 states
Step-by-Step Process (6)
- 1. Meet Pennsylvania eligibility requirements for Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers licensure.
- 2. Complete required education or training: Degree required.
- 3. Document required supervised experience: Work experience required.
- 4. Pass required examination steps: Third-party exam required.
- 5. Submit the application to Department of State~Bureau of Professional & Occupational Affairs~Social Workers; Marriage & Family Therapists; & Professional Counselors Board and monitor board communications.
- 6. Maintain post-licensure compliance (continuing education: Continuing education required to maintain license).
Salary Insights in Pennsylvania
With a median salary of $49,590, Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workerss in Pennsylvania earn 17% below the national median of $60,060. Pennsylvania ranks #34 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is Varies by board.
State Hiring Climate (QCEW)
RisingQoQ Employment Change
+1.7%Average Weekly Wage
$1,364Median annual salary
$49,590Hourly estimate
$23.8417% below national median
Difference: -$10,470
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationMental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers Salary Ranking
#34 of 50 statesfor Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers median salary
| Rank | State | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| #1 | New York | $80,230 |
| #2 | Connecticut | $78,820 |
| #3 | Minnesota | $77,100 |
| #4 | California | $75,320 |
| #5 | Oregon | $71,830 |
Nearby States Comparison
Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers licensing across the region| State | Median Salary | Education | Exam | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pennsylvania | $49,590 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| New York | $80,230 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| New Jersey | $70,420 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Delaware | $57,620 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Maryland | $61,100 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| West Virginia | $47,840 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | 1 month |
| Ohio | $46,330 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
License by Endorsement
Transfer requirements are state-specific. Use this quick matrix as a planning signal, then verify final endorsement rules with each board.
| State | Reciprocity Score | Tier | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pennsylvania | 56 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| New York | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| New Jersey | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Delaware | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Maryland | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| West Virginia | 56 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
- License status indicator: Active.
- Continuing education indicator: Continuing education required to maintain license.
- Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Official Licensing Agency
Official website verified
Department of State • Bureau of Professional & Occupational Affairs • Social Workers; Marriage & Family Therapists; & Professional Counselors Board
P.O. Box 2649, Harrisburg, PA, 17105-2649
Phone: 7177831389
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| Profession | Median Salary | Education | Timeline |
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FAQ
How long does it take to become a Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers in Pennsylvania?
Most applicants finish the licensing path in about Varies by board, but timing can change based on education track, exam scheduling, and board processing.
What exams are required for Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workerss in Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania lists Third-party exam required as part of the licensure process for Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workerss.
What education do you need to become a Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers in Pennsylvania?
The board typically expects Degree required for Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers licensure in Pennsylvania.
What is the typical Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers salary in Pennsylvania?
The median annual salary for Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workerss in Pennsylvania is $49,590. Salaries range from $38,590 (10th percentile) to $80,610 (90th percentile).
How does the Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers salary in Pennsylvania compare to the national average?
Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workerss in Pennsylvania earn 17% below the national median of $60,060, with a state median of $49,590.
How many Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workerss work in Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania employs approximately 4,150 Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workerss according to BLS data.
Can I transfer my Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers license to Pennsylvania from another state?
Transfer requirements vary by board. License status indicator: Active. Continuing education indicator: Continuing education required to maintain license. Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Who is the licensing agency for Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workerss in Pennsylvania?
The licensing agency is Department of State / Bureau of Professional & Occupational Affairs / Social Workers; Marriage & Family Therapists; & Professional Counselors Board. Review agency details at https://www.dos.pa.gov/ProfessionalLicensing/BoardsCommissions/SocialWorkersMarriageanFamilyTherapistsandProfessionalCounselors/Pages/default.aspx.
How often do you renew a Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers license in Pennsylvania?
Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.