Average Architecture and Engineering Occupations Salary in Altoona, PA
In Altoona, PA, professionals in Architecture and Engineering Occupations can expect an average annual salary of $85,180. This figure is notably below the national average of $103,510, reflecting localized economic conditions and demand specific to the Altoona region. Factors such as the local industry mix and the overall economic landscape contribute to this pay differential.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $85,180 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 12.8% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $122,400.
- Outlook: The Architecture and Engineering sector in Altoona, PA, comprises a workforce of 690 individuals, with a location quotient of 0.71. This indicates a slightly lower concentration of these roles compared to the national average. While the total workforce size suggests a stable presence, the concentration quotient implies that opportunities may be less abundant than in more heavily industrialized national hubs, warranting a closer look at specific sub-sectors for robust demand.
Salary Overview
The average Architecture and Engineering Occupations in Altoona, PA earns-17.7%below the national average.
$41
$1,638
$7,098
Architecture and Engineering Occupations Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Altoona's Architecture and Engineering sector is not provided, it is generally assumed that salaries within this field have experienced consistent growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. This growth is typically driven by inflation, increasing demand for specialized skills, and the evolving complexity of architectural and engineering projects.
Architecture and Engineering Occupations Salary Distribution in Altoona, PA
Salary progression within Architecture and Engineering Occupations in Altoona, PA, is strongly tied to experience and specialization. Entry-level positions typically command salaries at the lower end of the spectrum, while senior engineers and architects with extensive project portfolios and leadership experience can earn significantly more. The percentile gaps in salary distributions highlight the substantial career advancement and earning potential available as professionals gain expertise and take on greater responsibilities.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase. | 10% (Entry) | $50,810 | $24.4 |
| Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently. | 25% (Junior) | $63,885 | $30.7 |
| Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring. | 50% (Median) | $80,600 | $38.8 |
| Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact. | 75% (Senior) | $106,475 | $51.2 |
| Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation. | 90% (Expert) | $122,400 | $58.8 |
Detailed Architecture and Engineering Occupations Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$85,180
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$85,180
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $85,180 in Altoona, PA, aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which is the national average. This means that the nominal salary earned by Architecture and Engineering professionals in Altoona has the same purchasing power as the national average salary when spent locally. Therefore, while the salary is below the national average, the cost of living effectively neutralizes this difference in terms of real income.
Job Market Context
690
Total Jobs
11.87
Per 1K Jobs
0.71
Location Quotient
Altoona, PA has 0.71x the national average concentration of Architecture and Engineering Occupations jobs. This means there are fewer opportunities per capita here compared to the U.S. average — competition for roles may be higher.
With a Location Quotient of 0.71, the Architecture and Engineering Occupations market in Altoona, PA, is less concentrated than the national average. This suggests that while the field is present, it is not a dominant industry within the local economy. Professionals in this field might find fewer job openings compared to national hotspots, but this could also translate to less competition for specialized roles, potentially offering unique career pathways for those with in-demand skills.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Architecture and Engineering Occupations
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Johnstown, PA Architecture and Engineering Occupations Salary | $79,140↓ 7% | 30 mi |
| State College, PA Architecture and Engineering Occupations Salary | $92,850↑ 9% | 35 mi |
| Chambersburg, PA Architecture and Engineering Occupations Salary | $88,090↑ 3% | 56 mi |
| Hagerstown-Martinsburg, MD-WV Architecture and Engineering Occupations Salary | $95,900↑ 13% | 70 mi |
| Gettysburg, PA Architecture and Engineering Occupations Salary | $88,410↑ 4% | 77 mi |
Comparing salaries near Altoona, PA
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Architecture and Engineering Occupations make in Altoona, PA?
The median annual salary for a Architecture and Engineering Occupations in Altoona, PA is $85,180. This typically ranges from $50,810 for entry-level positions to $122,400 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Altoona, PA is 17.7% lower than the national median of $103,510.
Is Altoona, PA a lucrative place for Architecture and Engineering Occupationss?
No, not exceptionally lucrative compared to national averages.The average salary of $85,180 is below the national average, although the cost of living is also at the national average, making the purchasing power equivalent. The lower location quotient suggests a less concentrated job market.
Is Altoona, PA a good place to live for Architecture and Engineering Occupations?
The Cost of Living Index in Altoona, PA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Altoona, PA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Johnstown, PA ($79,140) and State College, PA.
How does Altoona's Architecture and Engineering salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Architecture and Engineering Occupations in Altoona, PA, is $85,180, which is lower than the national average of $103,510.
What is the concentration of Architecture and Engineering jobs in Altoona, PA?
The concentration, measured by the Location Quotient, is 0.71, indicating that these occupations are less prevalent in Altoona compared to the national average.
Does the cost of living in Altoona affect the perceived salary?
No, the cost of living in Altoona is exactly at the national average (100), meaning the $85,180 salary has the same purchasing power locally as the national average salary would have nationally.
How many Architecture and Engineering professionals work in Altoona, PA?
There are approximately 690 professionals employed in Architecture and Engineering Occupations in Altoona, PA.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 690 employees in the Altoona, PA area with a job density of 11.87 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Architecture and Engineering Occupations • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Altoona, PA