Average Computer Programmers Salary in State College, PA
Computer Programmers in State College, PA, earn an average annual salary of $80,890. This figure is notably below the national average of $105,010, suggesting that local market dynamics, such as industry demand and the concentration of tech companies, play a significant role in compensation within this Pennsylvania locale.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $80,890 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 14.2% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $114,200.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 340 Computer Programmers, State College, PA, presents a concentrated job market. The Location Quotient of 6.91 indicates a significantly higher concentration of these professionals compared to the national average, signaling robust local demand and a specialized talent pool within the region.
Salary Overview
The average Computer Programmers in State College, PA earns-23.0%below the national average.
$38.9
$1,556
$6,741
Computer Programmers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is generally assumed that the field of computer programming has experienced consistent salary growth over the past four years, driven by increasing technological reliance across all sectors. This trend likely extends to State College, PA, with programmers seeing incremental increases in their earning potential as demand for their skills continues to rise.
Computer Programmers Salary Distribution in State College, PA
The salary landscape for Computer Programmers in State College, PA, reflects a typical career progression. Entry-level positions might start closer to the lower percentiles, while seasoned professionals with extensive experience and specialized skills can command salaries in the higher percentiles, significantly exceeding the average of $80,890. These percentile gaps are indicative of the substantial career growth and earning potential available.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase. | 10% (Entry) | $54,200 | $26.1 |
| Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently. | 25% (Junior) | $60,668 | $29.2 |
| Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring. | 50% (Median) | $81,490 | $39.2 |
| Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact. | 75% (Senior) | $101,113 | $48.6 |
| Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation. | 90% (Expert) | $114,200 | $54.9 |
Detailed Computer Programmers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$80,890
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$80,890
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $80,890 in State College, PA, aligns perfectly with the national average cost of living index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of a Computer Programmer's salary in State College is equivalent to the national average, offering a stable financial environment without the added pressure of higher living expenses.
Job Market Context
340
Total Jobs
4.923
Per 1K Jobs
6.91
Location Quotient
State College, PA has 6.9x the national concentration of Computer Programmers 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 6.91 for Computer Programmers in State College, PA, is exceptionally high, indicating that this area is a hub for this profession relative to the rest of the country. This concentration suggests a competitive market for talent but also a strong ecosystem of related businesses and opportunities for specialized roles.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Computer Programmers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Northwestern Pennsylvania nonmetropolitan area Computer Programmers Salary | $87,950↑ 9% | 45 mi |
| Central Pennsylvania nonmetropolitan area Computer Programmers Salary | $86,400↑ 7% | 45 mi |
| Southwestern Pennsylvania nonmetropolitan area Computer Programmers Salary | $68,830↓ 15% | 45 mi |
Comparing salaries near State College, PA
Hiring Computer Programmerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Computer Programmers make in State College, PA?
The median annual salary for a Computer Programmers in State College, PA is $80,890. This typically ranges from $54,200 for entry-level positions to $114,200 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in State College, PA is 23.0% lower than the national median of $105,010.
Is State College, PA a lucrative place for Computer Programmers?
Yes, with a caveat.While the average salary of $80,890 is below the national average, the cost of living is also at the national average, making the effective income comparable. Furthermore, the high concentration of programmers suggests strong local demand and potential for specialized, higher-paying roles.
Is State College, PA a good place to live for Computer Programmers?
The Cost of Living Index in State College, PA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near State College, PA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Northwestern Pennsylvania nonmetropolitan area ($87,950) and Central Pennsylvania nonmetropolitan area.
How does the State College, PA salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for Computer Programmers in State College, PA, is $80,890, which is lower than the national average of $105,010.
What is the Cost of Living in State College, PA?
State College, PA, has a Cost of Living Index of 100, which is exactly the national average.
How concentrated are Computer Programmers in State College, PA?
Computer Programmers are highly concentrated in State College, PA, with a Location Quotient of 6.91, significantly above the national average.
What does the Location Quotient of 6.91 mean for job seekers?
A Location Quotient of 6.91 signifies that State College, PA, has a disproportionately large number of Computer Programmers compared to the national average, indicating a specialized and potentially robust local job market for this profession.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 340 employees in the State College, PA area with a job density of 4.923 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Computer Programmers • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in State College, PA