Average Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Occupations Salary in Reading, PA
In Reading, PA, professionals in Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Occupations earn an average annual salary of $38,260. This figure is slightly below the national average of $41,160, suggesting localized economic factors or specific industry demands within the Reading area influence compensation. The total local workforce of 440 individuals in this sector contributes to this unique pay landscape.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $38,260 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 20.7% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $55,050.
- Outlook: The job market for Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Occupations in Reading, PA, shows a moderate presence, with 440 individuals employed in this sector. A Location Quotient of 0.89 indicates that this field is slightly less concentrated than the national average, suggesting a stable but not rapidly expanding demand. The rate of 2.548 jobs per 1,000 workers further supports a consistent, albeit not booming, employment environment for these roles.
Salary Overview
The average Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Occupations in Reading, PA earns-7.0%below the national average.
$18.4
$736
$3,188
Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Occupations Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Reading, PA, is not provided, it is generally assumed that salaries within Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Occupations have seen incremental growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. This growth is typically driven by inflation, increased demand for agricultural products, and advancements in forestry and fishing technologies, all of which would likely contribute to a modest upward trajectory in local earnings.
Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Occupations Salary Distribution in Reading, PA
Within the Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Occupations in Reading, PA, salary progression is strongly tied to experience and specialization. Entry-level positions typically command salaries at the lower end of the spectrum, while seasoned professionals with expertise in specialized farming techniques, sustainable forestry practices, or advanced fishing methods can expect significantly higher compensation. The percentile gaps in earnings clearly signify the career progression opportunities available for dedicated individuals in this field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT. | 10% (Entry) | $22,930 | $11 |
| JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks. | 25% (Junior) | $28,695 | $13.8 |
| Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting. | 50% (Median) | $36,970 | $17.8 |
| Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance. | 75% (Senior) | $47,825 | $23 |
| SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman. | 90% (Expert) | $55,050 | $26.5 |
Detailed Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Occupations Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$38,260
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$38,260
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $38,260 in Reading, PA, for Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Occupations aligns precisely with the national average cost of living, which is indexed at 100. This means that the purchasing power of this salary is comparable to the national standard, offering a stable financial footing for residents without the added burden of higher living expenses, though it also means there's less disposable income compared to areas with a lower cost of living.
Job Market Context
440
Total Jobs
2.548
Per 1K Jobs
0.89
Location Quotient
Reading, PA has 0.89x the national average concentration of Farming, Fishing, and Forestry 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 0.89, the market for Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Occupations in Reading, PA, is slightly less concentrated than the national average. This suggests that while the sector is present and provides employment, it is not a dominant industry in the region compared to other areas across the country. The job market is therefore moderately competitive, with opportunities available but perhaps not as abundant as in regions with a higher concentration of these specific occupations.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Occupations
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Lebanon, PA Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Occupations Salary | $41,410↑ 8% | 26 mi |
| Lancaster, PA Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Occupations Salary | $42,280↑ 11% | 29 mi |
| Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA-NJ Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Occupations Salary | $42,240↑ 10% | 30 mi |
| Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Occupations Salary | $43,800↑ 14% | 48 mi |
| York-Hanover, PA Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Occupations Salary | $41,660↑ 9% | 50 mi |
Comparing salaries near Reading, PA
Hiring Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Occupationss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Occupations make in Reading, PA?
The median annual salary for a Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Occupations in Reading, PA is $38,260. This typically ranges from $22,930 for entry-level positions to $55,050 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Reading, PA is 7.0% lower than the national median of $41,160.
Is Reading, PA a lucrative place for Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Occupationss?
No, it is not particularly lucrative compared to the national average.The average salary of $38,260 is below the national average of $41,160, and the cost of living is on par with the national average, offering no significant advantage in purchasing power.
Is Reading, PA a good place to live for Farming, Fishing, and Forestry 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 ($41,410) and Lancaster, PA.
How does the local workforce size impact salaries in Reading, PA?
The local workforce of 440 individuals in Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Occupations is a moderate size, contributing to a stable but not exceptionally high salary range, as a smaller, more specialized workforce might command higher pay.
What does a Location Quotient of 0.89 signify for this job sector in Reading, PA?
A Location Quotient of 0.89 indicates that Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Occupations are slightly less prevalent in Reading, PA, compared to the national average, suggesting a balanced job market without intense competition or oversupply.
How does the cost of living in Reading, PA, affect the $38,260 salary?
With a Cost of Living Index of 100, the $38,260 salary in Reading, PA, has purchasing power equivalent to the national average, meaning expenses for housing, food, and transportation are neither significantly higher nor lower than the national norm.
Are there ample job opportunities for Farming, Fishing, and Forestry roles in Reading, PA?
With 2.548 jobs per 1,000 workers, there is a consistent presence of these roles, indicating steady opportunities, though the slightly below-average Location Quotient suggests it's not a primary hub for this industry.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 440 employees in the Reading, PA area with a job density of 2.548 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
Explore Farming, Fishing, and Forestry 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 Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Occupations • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Reading, PA