Application Fee
See agencyVerified by PA Board of Healthcare
Social Worker Licensing in Pennsylvania
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for social worker in Pennsylvania, including See agency and board contact links.
Last verified: Feb 17, 2026
Current
Exam Requirement
Third-party exam requiredRenewal Cycle
See board renewal rulesLicensing Blueprint for Social Worker in Pennsylvania
Estimated timeline: Varies by boardCore Requirements
- 1
Education: Degree required.
- 2
License Type: Stand-alone license.
Exam and processing details
- Third-party exam required
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
$65,990 median (5% below national)
- State Salary Rank
#32 of 50 states
Step-by-Step Process (4)
- 1. Meet Pennsylvania eligibility requirements for Social Worker licensure.
- 2. Complete required education or training: Degree required.
- 3. Pass required examination steps: Third-party exam required.
- 4. Submit the application to Department of State~Bureau of Professional & Occupational Affairs~Social Workers; Marriage & Family Therapists; & Professional Counselors Board and monitor board communications.
Salary Insights in Pennsylvania
With a median salary of $65,990, Social Workers in Pennsylvania earn 5% below the national median of $69,480. Pennsylvania ranks #32 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
$65,990Hourly estimate
$31.735% below national median
Difference: -$3,490
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationSocial Worker Salary Ranking
#32 of 50 statesfor Social Worker median salary
| Rank | State | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| #1 | Nevada | $109,220 |
| #2 | Hawaii | $108,780 |
| #3 | Rhode Island | $106,910 |
| #4 | New Hampshire | $104,770 |
| #5 | Oklahoma | $100,150 |
Nearby States Comparison
Social Worker licensing across the region| State | Median Salary | Education | Exam | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pennsylvania | $65,990 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| New York | $75,020 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | Varies by board |
| New Jersey | $70,430 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Delaware | $91,710 | No educational requirements | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Maryland | $77,900 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| West Virginia | $68,990 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Ohio | $60,990 | 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 | 68 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. |
| New York | 78 | High | Board-specific review required. |
| New Jersey | 68 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. |
| Delaware | 68 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. |
| Maryland | 68 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. |
| West Virginia | 68 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. |
- 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
Related Careers in Pennsylvania
| Profession | Median Salary | Education | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Acupuncturist | $78,140 | Degree required | Varies by board |
| Anesthesiologist | N/A | Degree required | Varies by board |
| Athletic Trainer | $58,970 | Degree required | Varies by board |
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FAQ
How long does it take to become a Social Worker 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 Social Workers in Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania lists Third-party exam required as part of the licensure process for Social Workers.
What education do you need to become a Social Worker in Pennsylvania?
The board typically expects Degree required for Social Worker licensure in Pennsylvania.
What is the typical Social Worker salary in Pennsylvania?
The median annual salary for Social Workers in Pennsylvania is $65,990. Salaries range from $39,370 (10th percentile) to $109,390 (90th percentile).
How does the Social Worker salary in Pennsylvania compare to the national average?
Social Workers in Pennsylvania earn 5% below the national median of $69,480, with a state median of $65,990.
How many Social Workers work in Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania employs approximately 2,040 Social Workers according to BLS data.
Can I transfer my Social Worker license to Pennsylvania from another state?
Transfer requirements vary by board. Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Who is the licensing agency for Social Workers 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 Social Worker license in Pennsylvania?
Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.