Average Chemists Salary in Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA-NJ
Chemist salaries in the Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA-NJ metropolitan area average $81,960 annually. This figure is notably below the national average of $94,000, suggesting that local market dynamics and industry concentration play a significant role in compensation. While the nominal salary is lower, the cost of living in this region is precisely at the national average, which warrants a closer look at purchasing power.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $81,960 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.8% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $132,920.
- Outlook: The Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton area supports a local workforce of 460 Chemists, indicating a stable, albeit not massive, demand for the profession. The Location Quotient of 2.32 signifies a concentration of Chemists that is more than double the national average, suggesting a specialized regional market for these professionals.
Salary Overview
The average Chemists in Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA-NJ earns-12.8%below the national average.
$39.4
$1,576
$6,830
Chemists Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Chemists in the Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton area have experienced growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends of increasing compensation driven by inflation and evolving industry demands. This upward trajectory is typical for specialized scientific roles.
Chemists Salary Distribution in Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA-NJ
The career progression for Chemists in Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, as in most regions, is marked by increasing salary potential with experience. Entry-level positions typically command lower salaries, while senior and highly specialized roles can significantly exceed the average. The variance in pay across different experience levels reflects the growing responsibility and expertise required in advanced chemist positions.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase. | 10% (Entry) | $47,010 | $22.6 |
| Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently. | 25% (Junior) | $61,470 | $29.6 |
| Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring. | 50% (Median) | $73,570 | $35.4 |
| Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact. | 75% (Senior) | $102,450 | $49.3 |
| Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation. | 90% (Expert) | $132,920 | $63.9 |
Detailed Chemists Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$81,960
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$81,960
Adjusted for COL (100)
With an average annual salary of $81,960 and a Cost of Living Index of 100, Chemists in Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton find their nominal earnings directly align with the national average cost of living. This means that the purchasing power of their salary is comparable to that of a Chemist earning the national average salary in a region with a national average cost of living.
Job Market Context
460
Total Jobs
1.251
Per 1K Jobs
2.32
Location Quotient
Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA-NJ has 2.3x the national concentration of Chemists jobs — a major employment hub for this role. Job seekers will find significantly more opportunities here than in most other areas.
The Location Quotient of 2.32 for Chemists in Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton strongly indicates a higher concentration of these professionals compared to the national average. This suggests a robust and specialized local job market, potentially offering more opportunities and a competitive environment for both employers and job seekers within this specific field.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Chemists
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Reading, PA Chemists Salary | $80,540↓ 2% | 30 mi |
| Trenton-Princeton, NJ Chemists Salary | $99,720↑ 22% | 45 mi |
| Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD Chemists Salary | $92,180↑ 12% | 47 mi |
| Lebanon, PA Chemists Salary | $76,260↓ 7% | 53 mi |
| Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA Chemists Salary | $97,840↑ 19% | 57 mi |
Comparing salaries near Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA-NJ
Hiring Chemistss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Chemists make in Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA-NJ?
The median annual salary for a Chemists in Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA-NJ is $81,960. This typically ranges from $47,010 for entry-level positions to $132,920 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA-NJ is 12.8% lower than the national median of $94,000.
Is Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA-NJ a lucrative place for Chemists?
No, not strictly based on nominal salary.While the average salary of $81,960 is below the national average, the cost of living is also at the national average, making the real value of the salary comparable. The high concentration of chemists suggests a specialized market rather than a universally lucrative one.
Is Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA-NJ a good place to live for Chemists?
The Cost of Living Index in Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA-NJ is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA-NJ?
Some top paying nearby cities include Reading, PA ($80,540) and Trenton-Princeton, NJ.
How does the local Chemist salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Chemists in Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton is $81,960, which is lower than the national average of $94,000.
What is the concentration of Chemists in Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton?
The Location Quotient is 2.32, meaning Chemists are more than twice as concentrated in this area compared to the national average.
How does the cost of living affect the Chemist salary in Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton?
The Cost of Living Index is 100, which is the national average. This means the $81,960 salary has the same purchasing power as the national average salary in a national average cost of living area.
What is the size of the Chemist workforce in this region?
There are approximately 460 Chemists employed in the Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA-NJ metropolitan area.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 460 employees in the Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA-NJ area with a job density of 1.251 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Chemists • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA-NJ