Average Architecture and Engineering Occupations Salary in Reading, PA
In Reading, PA, professionals in Architecture and Engineering Occupations earn an average annual salary of $89,960. This figure is notably below the national average of $103,510, suggesting that local market dynamics, such as industry demand and the availability of specialized talent, play a significant role in shaping compensation within the region.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $89,960 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 10.9% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $130,810.
- Outlook: Reading, PA supports a local workforce of approximately 2,500 individuals within Architecture and Engineering Occupations. The location quotient of 0.87 indicates a slightly lower concentration of these roles compared to the national average, suggesting a stable but not exceptionally high demand for specialized architectural and engineering talent in the immediate area.
Salary Overview
The average Architecture and Engineering Occupations in Reading, PA earns-13.1%below the national average.
$43.3
$1,730
$7,497
Architecture and Engineering Occupations Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Reading, PA is not provided, it is generally assumed that salaries for Architecture and Engineering Occupations have experienced steady growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. This growth is typically driven by inflation, increasing project complexity, and the evolving demands of the construction and design industries.
Architecture and Engineering Occupations Salary Distribution in Reading, PA
Salary progression within Architecture and Engineering Occupations in Reading, PA, like elsewhere, is strongly tied to experience. Entry-level positions typically command lower salaries, while senior engineers and architects with extensive project portfolios and specialized expertise can expect compensation significantly above the average. The widening gap between entry-level and senior roles reflects the value placed on accumulated knowledge and leadership.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase. | 10% (Entry) | $55,730 | $26.8 |
| Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently. | 25% (Junior) | $67,470 | $32.4 |
| Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring. | 50% (Median) | $82,540 | $39.7 |
| Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact. | 75% (Senior) | $112,450 | $54.1 |
| Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation. | 90% (Expert) | $130,810 | $62.9 |
Detailed Architecture and Engineering Occupations Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$89,960
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$89,960
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $89,960 in Reading, PA, aligns precisely with the national average cost of living index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of the salary is equivalent to the national average, offering a balanced financial landscape for professionals considering a move to or within the area.
Job Market Context
2,500
Total Jobs
14.556
Per 1K Jobs
0.87
Location Quotient
Reading, PA has 0.87x 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 0.87, Reading, PA, exhibits a slightly lower concentration of Architecture and Engineering Occupations compared to the national benchmark. This suggests that while the field is present and active, it is not a dominant industry hub, implying a moderately competitive job market where specialized skills are valued.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Architecture and Engineering Occupations
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Lebanon, PA Architecture and Engineering Occupations Salary | $83,630↓ 7% | 26 mi |
| Lancaster, PA Architecture and Engineering Occupations Salary | $84,710↓ 6% | 29 mi |
| Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA-NJ Architecture and Engineering Occupations Salary | $101,030↑ 12% | 30 mi |
| Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD Architecture and Engineering Occupations Salary | $103,330↑ 15% | 48 mi |
| York-Hanover, PA Architecture and Engineering Occupations Salary | $88,260↓ 2% | 50 mi |
Comparing salaries near Reading, PA
Hiring Architecture and Engineering Occupationss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Architecture and Engineering Occupations make in Reading, PA?
The median annual salary for a Architecture and Engineering Occupations in Reading, PA is $89,960. This typically ranges from $55,730 for entry-level positions to $130,810 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Reading, PA is 13.1% lower than the national median of $103,510.
Is Reading, PA a lucrative place for Architecture and Engineering Occupationss?
No, not exceptionally lucrative compared to the national average.The average salary of $89,960 is below the national average of $103,510, although the cost of living is at the national average, making the nominal salary's purchasing power standard.
Is Reading, PA a good place to live for Architecture and Engineering Occupations?
The Cost of Living Index in Reading, PA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Reading, PA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Lebanon, PA ($83,630) and Lancaster, PA.
How does the number of jobs per 1,000 workers compare nationally?
With 14.556 jobs per 1,000 workers, Reading, PA has a slightly lower density of Architecture and Engineering Occupations compared to the national average, indicating a less saturated market.
What is the significance of the Location Quotient (LQ) being 0.87?
An LQ of 0.87 means that Reading, PA has about 87% of the national average concentration of Architecture and Engineering Occupations professionals, suggesting a slightly smaller but still present industry presence.
How does the cost of living in Reading, PA affect salary perception?
With a cost of living index of 100, the national average, the $89,960 salary in Reading, PA offers standard purchasing power, meaning it is neither significantly boosted nor diminished by local expenses.
What does the local workforce size of 2,500 imply for job seekers?
A workforce of 2,500 suggests a moderate-sized local market for Architecture and Engineering Occupations, offering opportunities but perhaps requiring more targeted job searches compared to larger metropolitan areas.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 2,500 employees in the Reading, PA area with a job density of 14.556 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
Explore Architecture and Engineering Occupations Salaries by State
Top Jobs in Reading, PA
- All Occupations Salary in Reading, PA
- Transportation and Material Moving Occupations Salary in Reading, PA
- Production Occupations Salary in Reading, PA
- Office and Administrative Support Occupations Salary in Reading, PA
- Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary in Reading, PA
- Sales and Related Occupations Salary in Reading, PA
- Management Occupations Salary in Reading, PA
- Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations Salary in Reading, PA
- Healthcare Support Occupations Salary in Reading, PA
- Educational Instruction and Library Occupations Salary in Reading, PA
- Browse All Jobs in Reading, PA →
Semantic Salary Analysis for Architecture and Engineering Occupations • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Reading, PA