Average Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers Salary in Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA
Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers in Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA, earn an average annual salary of $48,330. This figure is notably lower than the national average of $66,840, reflecting regional economic factors and the specific demand dynamics within the local job market. The cost of living in Scranton--Wilkes-Barre being at the national average means this salary has a direct comparison to the typical American worker.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $48,330 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.0% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $64,710.
- Outlook: With a total local workforce of 240 Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers, Scranton--Wilkes-Barre presents a moderately concentrated employment landscape. The Location Quotient of 1.15 suggests a slightly higher concentration of these professionals compared to the national average, indicating a stable, albeit not rapidly expanding, demand for their specialized skills within the region.
Salary Overview
The average Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers in Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA earns-27.7%below the national average.
$23.2
$929
$4,028
Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for this niche role in Scranton--Wilkes-Barre isn't provided, it's reasonable to assume a general trend of salary growth over the past four years, mirroring national patterns. Economic recovery and increased awareness of mental health services likely contribute to a gradual upward adjustment in compensation for these vital professionals.
Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers Salary Distribution in Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA
Career progression for Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers typically involves a salary increase with experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with specialized certifications or supervisory roles can command significantly higher salaries, reflecting their expertise and the value they bring to patient care and program management.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ProbationaryInitial licensure. Mentored by senior faculty. | 10% (Entry) | $38,290 | $18.4 |
| Tenured / ProProfessional status. Curriculum development. | 25% (Junior) | $36,248 | $17.4 |
| Senior EducatorDepartment chair. Mentors student teachers. | 50% (Median) | $45,410 | $21.8 |
| Lead SpecialistInstructional coach, reading specialist, or VP. | 75% (Senior) | $60,413 | $29 |
| AdministratorPrincipal, District Admin, or Consultant. | 90% (Expert) | $64,710 | $31.1 |
Detailed Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$48,330
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$48,330
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $48,330 in Scranton--Wilkes-Barre aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that while the nominal salary is lower than the national average, the purchasing power of this income is comparable to the national average, suggesting that the cost of essential goods and services locally is neither a significant advantage nor a disadvantage.
Job Market Context
240
Total Jobs
0.935
Per 1K Jobs
1.15
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.15, Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers roles compared to the national norm.
A Location Quotient of 1.15 indicates that Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers are slightly more prevalent in Scranton--Wilkes-Barre than the national average. This suggests a healthy, established market for these professionals, with a demand that supports a slightly higher concentration of workers, though it doesn't necessarily imply intense competition or rapid job growth.
Nearby Job Markets
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Comparing salaries near Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers make in Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA?
The median annual salary for a Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers in Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA is $48,330. This typically ranges from $38,290 for entry-level positions to $64,710 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA is 27.7% lower than the national median of $66,840.
Is Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA a lucrative place for Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workerss?
No, not exceptionally lucrative compared to the national average.The average salary of $48,330 is significantly below the national average of $66,840. However, the cost of living is at the national average, meaning the purchasing power is comparable, but the earning potential is lower.
Is Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA a good place to live for Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers?
The Cost of Living Index in Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Binghamton, NY ($72,510) and Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA-NJ.
How does the number of jobs per 1,000 workers compare nationally?
With 0.935 jobs per 1,000 workers, Scranton--Wilkes-Barre has a slightly lower density of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Worker positions compared to the national average, suggesting a more specialized or less saturated local market for these roles.
What is the significance of the Location Quotient (LQ) of 1.15?
An LQ of 1.15 means that Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers are 15% more concentrated in Scranton--Wilkes-Barre than the national average. This indicates a slightly stronger local presence and demand for these professionals relative to other occupations.
How does experience affect salary for this role in Scranton--Wilkes-Barre?
While specific data isn't provided, typically, entry-level Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers earn less, with salaries increasing substantially for those with several years of experience, advanced degrees, or specialized certifications.
What is the total number of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers in the area?
There are approximately 240 Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers employed in the Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA area, representing a modest segment of the local workforce.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 240 employees in the Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA area with a job density of 0.935 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA