Social Worker in Scranton, PA

The Salary Picture: Where Scranton Stands

Scranton’s social work landscape is defined by a stable, community-focused market. The median salary for a Social Worker here is $59,581/year, translating to an hourly rate of $28.64/hour. This places it just slightly below the national average of $60,860/year, a gap that’s easily offset by the city’s significantly lower cost of living. With a cost of living index of 93.0 (US average = 100), your dollar stretches further here than in most metropolitan areas.

The job market is tight but steady, with approximately 151 Social Worker positions available across the metro area (which includes Lackawanna and Luzerne counties). The 10-year job growth projection stands at 7%, which is respectable and indicates a demand for services, particularly in mental health, substance abuse treatment, and gerontology, given the region's aging population.

Experience-Level Breakdown

While the median is a useful benchmark, salaries vary widely based on experience, licensure, and sector. Here’s a realistic breakdown for the Scranton area:

Experience Level	Typical Salary Range	Key Factors
Entry-Level (BSW, LSW)	$42,000 - $52,000	Often in case management, school settings, or entry-level hospital roles. Licensure status is key.
Mid-Career (MSW, LSW/LCSW)	$55,000 - $70,000	Requires an MSW and likely a clinical license (LCSW). Common in therapy, specialized case management, and supervision.
Senior/Expert (LCSW, Clinical Director)	$70,000 - $85,000+	Supervisory roles, clinical directors, or private practice. Often includes additional certifications.
Private Practice (LCSW)	$65,000 - $100,000+	Highly variable based on caseload, niche specialties (e.g., trauma, EMDR), and insurance panel participation.

Comparison to Other PA Cities

Scranton’s salary is competitive within Pennsylvania, especially when factoring in living costs. It’s a more affordable option than Philadelphia or Pittsburgh, where higher salaries are often negated by exorbitant housing and transportation costs.

City	Median Salary	Cost of Living Index	Takeaway
Scranton	$59,581	93.0	Best balance of salary and affordability.
Allentown	~$58,000	95.5	Comparable salary, slightly higher costs.
Pittsburgh	~$62,500	98.0	Higher salary, but costs erode that advantage.
Philadelphia	~$66,000	105.0	Highest salary, but significantly higher COL.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

To understand your actual purchasing power, let’s break down the monthly budget for a Social Worker earning the median salary of $59,581/year. For this exercise, we’ll assume you file as a single filer with standard deductions.

• Gross Monthly Pay: $4,965
• Estimated Taxes (Federal, FICA, State): ~$1,150 (approx. 23% effective rate)
• Net Take-Home Pay: ~$3,815/month

Now, let’s factor in the average 1-bedroom apartment rent of $854/month.

Monthly Budget Breakdown (Net Pay: $3,815)

• Rent ($854): 22.4% of net income
• Utilities (Est. $150): 3.9%
• Groceries ($300): 7.9%
• Transportation ($200): 5.2% (Car is essential in Scranton; public transit exists but is limited)
• Health Insurance (Employer Plan, Est. $150): 3.9%
• Student Loans (Avg. $200): 5.2%
• Retirement (401k/IRA, 5%): ~$200
• Discretionary/Other ($1,761): 46.1%

Can they afford to buy a home? Yes, absolutely. With the median home price in Scranton around $200,000, a $59,581 salary is sufficient for a mortgage. A 20% down payment ($40,000) is challenging but possible with savings or programs like FHA loans. A monthly mortgage payment (including taxes and insurance) would likely be between $1,200 - $1,500, which would be roughly 30-40% of your net pay—still within reasonable limits, especially if you have a partner whose income helps.

Where the Jobs Are: Scranton’s Major Employers

Scranton’s social work jobs are concentrated in a few key sectors: healthcare, mental health agencies, schools, and county services. The job market is relationship-driven; knowing the major players is crucial.

1. Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine: While a medical school, it has robust community health programs and employs social workers for patient navigation and community outreach, especially in underserved neighborhoods like South Scranton. Hiring is often project-based but offers great experience.
2. The Wright Center for Community Health: A major Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) with multiple locations. They are a top employer for medical and behavioral health social workers, focusing on integrated care. Insider Tip: They frequently hire for case manager positions with a strong preference for bilingual (Spanish) candidates.
3. Moses Taylor Hospital / Regional Hospital of Scranton: Part of the St. Luke’s Network. These hospitals employ medical social workers in emergency departments, inpatient units, and outpatient clinics. These are competitive, hospital-based positions that require a strong clinical background.
4. Inpatient Behavioral Health Facilities: Facilities like Moses Taylor’s Behavioral Health Unit and private centers like Pyramid Healthcare (a major addiction treatment provider with a Scranton campus) are consistently hiring licensed clinicians (LCSWs) for therapy and group facilitation roles.
5. Scranton School District: The district employs school social workers across its many schools. Salaries are on the lower end for the city but offer excellent summers off and pension benefits. Positions are often unionized.
6. Lackawanna County Human Services: The county government is a major employer for public sector social workers, including roles in Children & Youth Services, Adult Probation, and the Area Agency on Aging. These jobs offer stability and benefits but can be bureaucratic.
7. Non-Profit Agencies: Organizations like United Neighborhood Centers of Northeastern PA (serving the Hill Section) and The Advocacy Alliance (mental health) are key players. They often have grant-funded positions, which can be less stable but mission-driven.

Hiring Trends: There is a noticeable trend toward integrated care models, especially within FQHCs. Demand is high for LCSWs with trauma-informed care training and experience with the opioid crisis. Telehealth roles, while not dominant, are growing, particularly with private practices.

Getting Licensed in PA

Pennsylvania licensure is managed by the State Board of Social Workers, Marriage and Family Therapists, and Professional Counselors. The process is straightforward but requires careful documentation.

• For Your First License (LSW): You need a Master’s degree in Social Work (MSW) from a CSWE-accredited program. After graduation, you apply for the Licensed Social Worker (LSW) status, which requires passing the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) exam. The application fee is approximately $125, and the exam fee is around $260. You can work under an LSW license while accruing supervised hours for the clinical license.
• For Clinical Practice (LCSW): To practice independently (e.g., in private practice or as a clinical supervisor), you need a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) credential. This requires:
  1. A minimum of 3,000 hours of post-MSW supervised experience (over 2-4 years).
  2. 100 hours of direct supervision (minimum 1 hour per week).
  3. Passing the ASWB Clinical Level exam.
  4. The total cost for the LCSW (application and exam) is roughly $385.

Timeline to Get Started: If you have your MSW, you can apply for the LSW immediately and begin working. The process typically takes 4-8 weeks for board approval. Once licensed, you can start accruing hours. From LSW to LCSW, plan for a 2-3 year timeline to meet the requirements, depending on your job setting and supervisor.

Insider Tip: Pennsylvania is a compact state for social work licensure (the Social Work Licensure Compact), meaning if you get licensed here, it may be easier to practice in other member states in the future—a significant advantage in a mobile profession.

Best Neighborhoods for Social Workers

Scranton’s neighborhoods each have a distinct character, impacting commute times and lifestyle. Here’s a practical guide:

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Rent Estimate (1BR)	Best For
South Scranton	Working-class, diverse, close to Moses Taylor Hospital and Geisinger clinics. A 10-15 minute drive to downtown.	$700 - $900	Social workers in hospital or community health roles. Great for those who want an urban, walkable feel.
The Hill Section	Historic, dense, near the University of Scranton. Home to many non-profits. Very walkable, but parking is challenging.	$750 - $1,000	Young professionals, those who work at the university or non-profits. Ideal for car-free living.
Downtown Scranton	Revitalizing, walkable, with restaurants and arts. Close to Lackawanna County offices.	$850 - $1,100	County employees, those who enjoy nightlife and want a short commute.
Green Ridge	Residential, family-oriented, quieter. A 15-20 minute commute to most central employers.	$800 - $1,000	Social workers with families or those seeking a quieter, suburban feel within city limits.
Clarks Summit	Suburban borough just north of Scranton. More spacious, better schools. Commute is 20-25 minutes.	$900 - $1,200	Those prioritizing space and schools, willing to commute. Popular with professionals and families.

The Long Game: Career Growth

Scranton offers solid career advancement, though it’s not a hub for high-paying corporate roles. Growth is often through specialization and moving into leadership or private practice.

• Specialty Premiums: While specific salary data for specialties is limited, adding credentials can boost income. For example, a social worker with an LCSW and a certification in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) or Substance Abuse Counselor (CADC) can command a higher salary, potentially moving from the median $59,581 to the $70,000+ range. Specializing in gerontology (working with aging populations) is also a high-demand niche in this region.
• Advancement Paths: The typical path is from case manager/entry-level to clinician (LCSW) to senior clinician or supervisor. In large agencies, you can move into program director roles. For those in hospitals, moving from medical social work to a supervisory role in care coordination is common.
• 10-Year Outlook: The 7% job growth is stable. The aging population will drive demand in geriatric services. The opioid crisis continues to fuel mental health and substance abuse treatment needs. Private practice is a viable long-term goal, as the lower cost of living makes it easier to sustain a business. The compact licensure agreement will also make it easier to expand your practice regionally.

The Verdict: Is Scranton Right for You?

Pros	Cons
High Affordability: Your $59,581 salary goes far here.	Limited High-Salary Ceiling: Top salaries are lower than in major metros.
Stable Job Market: Consistent demand in healthcare and county services.	Car Dependency: Public transit is limited; a reliable vehicle is a must.
Community-Focused: The social work community is tight-knit and supportive.	Weather: Harsh winters with significant snowfall can be a grind.
Accessible Licensure: A straightforward path to LSW and LCSW.	Career Mobility: Fewer large agencies for rapid corporate advancement.
Growing Downtown & Arts Scene: Increasingly vibrant for young professionals.	Economic Base: Some industries are still recovering from the loss of mining/manufacturing.

Final Recommendation: Scranton is an excellent choice for social workers who value work-life balance, affordability, and community connection over maximal earning potential. It’s ideal for those with an MSW looking to build clinical experience without the financial pressure of a major city. If you’re a newly licensed LSW or LCSW seeking a manageable cost of living with a stable job market, Scranton is a strong candidate.

FAQs

1. Can I afford to live in Scranton on a starting social worker salary?
Yes. Starting salaries for an LSW are typically $42,000 - $52,000. With an average 1BR rent of $854, it’s tight but very doable with a budget, especially compared to larger cities.

2. Is a car absolutely necessary?
For 95% of residents, yes. While the Hill Section and downtown are somewhat walkable, most employers (hospitals, county offices) are spread out, and winters make walking/public transit impractical. Budget for car payments, insurance, and winter tires.

3. How competitive are hospital social work jobs?
They are competitive, especially at Moses Taylor and Geisinger. Having your LCSW, experience in medical settings, and a strong cover letter that shows an understanding of integrated care will set you apart. Networking with current employees is invaluable.

4. What’s the social work community like?
It’s very collaborative. The Northeastern Pennsylvania chapter of the NASW is active, offering continuing education and networking. Many social workers know each other through shared training or county-wide meetings. Don’t be afraid to reach out for informational interviews.

5. How does Scranton’s winter weather impact the job?
It’s a real factor. Snow days can disrupt school and some county services. Hospitals and behavioral health facilities remain open. You’ll need a reliable car with good tires and an all-weather wardrobe. However, the community is well-prepared, and there’s a cozy, “hunker down” vibe that many locals appreciate.

Data Sources: Salary data is sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics for the Scranton-Wilkes-Barre MSA. Cost of Living and Rent data are from local real estate market reports and the Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER). Job growth projections are from the Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry. License fees are from the Pennsylvania State Board of Social Workers, Marriage and Family Therapists, and Professional Counselors.