Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health in Harrisburg-Carlisle, PA, earn an average annual salary of $81,380. This figure is notably below the national average of $91,550, suggesting that local market dynamics, such as industry demand and the specific types of environmental roles prevalent in the region, play a significant role in compensation.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $81,380 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 12.6% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $114,080.
- Outlook: The Harrisburg-Carlisle area supports a dedicated workforce of 300 Environmental Scientists and Specialists. With a Location Quotient of 1.63, this indicates a higher concentration of these professionals compared to the national average, suggesting a robust and established market for environmental expertise within the region.
Salary Overview
The average Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health in Harrisburg-Carlisle, PA earns-11.1%below the national average.
$39.1
$1,565
$6,782
Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is generally assumed that salaries for Environmental Scientists and Specialists in Harrisburg-Carlisle, as in most professional fields, have experienced steady growth over the past four years, driven by inflation, increasing demand for environmental services, and evolving regulatory landscapes.
Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health Salary Distribution in Harrisburg-Carlisle, PA
Career progression for Environmental Scientists and Specialists in Harrisburg-Carlisle, PA, typically involves a significant salary increase with experience. Entry-level positions might start closer to the lower percentiles, while seasoned professionals with specialized skills and extensive project management experience can command salaries well into the upper percentiles, reflecting their accumulated expertise and value.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase. | 10% (Entry) | $52,430 | $25.2 |
| Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently. | 25% (Junior) | $61,035 | $29.3 |
| Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring. | 50% (Median) | $77,990 | $37.5 |
| Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact. | 75% (Senior) | $101,725 | $48.9 |
| Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation. | 90% (Expert) | $114,080 | $54.8 |
Detailed Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$81,380
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$81,380
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $81,380 in Harrisburg-Carlisle, PA, aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which is the national average. This means that the purchasing power of an Environmental Scientist's salary in this area is equivalent to the national standard, offering a stable financial environment without the premium or discount often associated with higher or lower cost-of-living regions.
Job Market Context
300
Total Jobs
0.899
Per 1K Jobs
1.63
Location Quotient
Harrisburg-Carlisle, PA has 1.6x the national concentration of Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health jobs — a major employment hub for this role. Job seekers will find significantly more opportunities here than in most other areas.
A Location Quotient of 1.63 for Environmental Scientists and Specialists in Harrisburg-Carlisle, PA, signifies that this profession is more concentrated in this metropolitan area than the national average. This suggests a strong local demand and a potentially competitive job market where employers actively seek specialized environmental talent, making it a favorable environment for those in the field.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| York-Hanover, PA Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health Salary | $82,130↑ 1% | 23 mi |
| Lancaster, PA Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health Salary | $65,710↓ 19% | 35 mi |
Comparing salaries near Harrisburg-Carlisle, PA
Hiring Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Healths?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health make in Harrisburg-Carlisle, PA?
The median annual salary for a Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health in Harrisburg-Carlisle, PA is $81,380. This typically ranges from $52,430 for entry-level positions to $114,080 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Harrisburg-Carlisle, PA is 11.1% lower than the national median of $91,550.
Is Harrisburg-Carlisle, PA a lucrative place for Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Healths?
Yes, with a caveat.While the average salary of $81,380 is below the national average, the strong concentration (LQ 1.63) and average cost of living indicate a stable and potentially rewarding market for experienced professionals.
Is Harrisburg-Carlisle, PA a good place to live for Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Healths?
The Cost of Living Index in Harrisburg-Carlisle, PA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Harrisburg-Carlisle, PA?
Some top paying nearby cities include York-Hanover, PA ($82,130) and Lancaster, PA.
How does the local workforce size affect job prospects?
A local workforce of 300 suggests a moderate but established presence of Environmental Scientists, indicating consistent opportunities without extreme saturation.
What does a Location Quotient of 1.63 mean for job seekers?
An LQ of 1.63 means the area has 63% more Environmental Scientists per worker than the national average, indicating strong industry presence and demand.
How does the cost of living impact the $81,380 salary?
With a Cost of Living Index of 100, the $81,380 salary offers purchasing power equivalent to the national average, making it relatively stable financially.
Are there significant salary differences based on experience?
Yes, as with most specialized roles, experience is a key driver of salary, with senior scientists commanding higher compensation than entry-level professionals.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 300 employees in the Harrisburg-Carlisle, PA area with a job density of 0.899 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Harrisburg-Carlisle, PA