Average Healthcare Social Workers Salary in Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA
Healthcare Social Workers in Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA, earn an average annual salary of $62,850. This figure is notably below the national average of $71,920, suggesting that local market dynamics, such as demand and the cost of doing business, play a significant role in compensation within this region.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $62,850 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.0% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $81,860.
- Outlook: The Scranton--Wilkes-Barre area supports a local workforce of 260 Healthcare Social Workers. With a Location Quotient of 0.84, the concentration of these professionals is slightly below the national average, indicating a stable but not exceptionally high demand relative to other occupations in the region.
Salary Overview
The average Healthcare Social Workers in Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA earns-12.6%below the national average.
$30.2
$1,209
$5,238
Healthcare Social Workers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is generally assumed that salaries for Healthcare Social Workers in Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, like in many other regions, have experienced steady growth over the past four years, driven by increasing healthcare needs and a consistent demand for social work services.
Healthcare Social Workers Salary Distribution in Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA
Career progression for Healthcare Social Workers in Scranton--Wilkes-Barre typically involves salary increases with experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while senior social workers with specialized skills and extensive experience can command salaries significantly higher than the average, reflecting their expertise and value.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ProbationaryInitial licensure. Mentored by senior faculty. | 10% (Entry) | $46,000 | $22.1 |
| Tenured / ProProfessional status. Curriculum development. | 25% (Junior) | $47,138 | $22.7 |
| Senior EducatorDepartment chair. Mentors student teachers. | 50% (Median) | $61,770 | $29.7 |
| Lead SpecialistInstructional coach, reading specialist, or VP. | 75% (Senior) | $78,563 | $37.8 |
| AdministratorPrincipal, District Admin, or Consultant. | 90% (Expert) | $81,860 | $39.4 |
Detailed Healthcare Social Workers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$62,850
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$62,850
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $62,850 in Scranton--Wilkes-Barre aligns perfectly with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of a Healthcare Social Worker's salary in this area is equivalent to the national average, offering a stable financial standing relative to the cost of goods and services.
Job Market Context
260
Total Jobs
1.008
Per 1K Jobs
0.84
Location Quotient
Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA has 0.84x the national average concentration of Healthcare Social Workers 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 0.84, the Scranton--Wilkes-Barre market for Healthcare Social Workers is slightly less concentrated than the national average. This suggests that while the profession is present and necessary, it may not be as saturated as in other areas, potentially offering moderate opportunities for those seeking employment.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Healthcare Social Workers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Binghamton, NY Healthcare Social Workers Salary | $56,030↓ 11% | 50 mi |
| Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA-NJ Healthcare Social Workers Salary | $66,640↑ 6% | 57 mi |
| Southwest New York nonmetropolitan area Healthcare Social Workers Salary | $58,270↓ 7% | 64 mi |
| Central East New York nonmetropolitan area Healthcare Social Workers Salary | $62,910↑ 0% | 64 mi |
| Capital/Northern New York nonmetropolitan area Healthcare Social Workers Salary | $66,760↑ 6% | 64 mi |
Comparing salaries near Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Healthcare Social Workers make in Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA?
The median annual salary for a Healthcare Social Workers in Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA is $62,850. This typically ranges from $46,000 for entry-level positions to $81,860 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA is 12.6% lower than the national median of $71,920.
Is Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA a lucrative place for Healthcare Social Workers?
No, not exceptionally lucrative compared to the national average.While the cost of living is average, the average salary of $62,850 is below the national average of $71,920, indicating less financial advantage than other regions.
Is Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA a good place to live for Healthcare Social Workers?
The Cost of Living Index in Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Binghamton, NY ($56,030) and Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA-NJ.
How does the Scranton--Wilkes-Barre salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for Healthcare Social Workers in Scranton--Wilkes-Barre is $62,850, which is $9,070 less than the national average of $71,920.
What is the Cost of Living in Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA?
The Cost of Living Index in Scranton--Wilkes-Barre is 100, which is exactly the national average, meaning expenses are neither significantly higher nor lower than the rest of the country.
How many Healthcare Social Workers are there in Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA?
There are approximately 260 Healthcare Social Workers employed in the Scranton--Wilkes-Barre area.
Is the job market for Healthcare Social Workers strong in Scranton--Wilkes-Barre?
The market is stable with a slight underrepresentation compared to the national average (LQ of 0.84), suggesting moderate demand and potential opportunities without extreme competition.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 260 employees in the Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA area with a job density of 1.008 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Healthcare Social Workers • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA