Average Human Resources Specialists Salary in Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA
Human Resources Specialists in Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA, can expect an average annual salary of $68,060. This figure is notably below the national average of $79,090, suggesting that local market dynamics and potentially a lower cost of doing business influence compensation in this region. The specific economic landscape of Scranton--Wilkes-Barre shapes the earning potential for these vital HR roles.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $68,060 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.0% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $102,280.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 1,170 Human Resources Specialists and a Location Quotient of 0.78, the job market in Scranton--Wilkes-Barre indicates a slightly lower concentration of these professionals compared to the national average. While not indicating a shortage, this suggests a stable, albeit not hyper-competitive, demand for HR expertise within the region's businesses.
Salary Overview
The average Human Resources Specialists in Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA earns-13.9%below the national average.
$32.7
$1,309
$5,672
Human Resources Specialists Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Scranton--Wilkes-Barre is not provided, it is generally anticipated that salaries for Human Resources Specialists nationwide have seen a steady upward trend over the past four years, driven by evolving labor laws, increased focus on employee well-being, and the growing complexity of HR functions. This national trend likely influences local compensation, even if at a moderated pace.
Human Resources Specialists Salary Distribution in Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA
Salary progression for Human Resources Specialists typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions often start at the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with extensive experience in areas like talent acquisition, compensation, and employee relations can command significantly higher salaries, often reaching into the upper percentiles. The gap between entry-level and senior roles signifies substantial career growth opportunities.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Associate / AnalystData entry, reporting, supporting senior staff. | 10% (Entry) | $42,630 | $20.5 |
| Senior AnalystIndependent analysis, forecasting, client interaction. | 25% (Junior) | $51,045 | $24.5 |
| ManagerOversees team, compliance, and project delivery. | 50% (Median) | $60,340 | $29 |
| Director / VPStrategic planning, budget ownership, risk management. | 75% (Senior) | $85,075 | $40.9 |
| Executive / PartnerC-level leadership. High-level strategy & relations. | 90% (Expert) | $102,280 | $49.2 |
Detailed Human Resources Specialists Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$68,060
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$68,060
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $68,060 in Scranton--Wilkes-Barre aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which is the national average. This means that the purchasing power of an HR Specialist's salary in this area is equivalent to the national standard, offering a balanced lifestyle without the financial strain often associated with higher-than-average living expenses.
Job Market Context
1,170
Total Jobs
4.615
Per 1K Jobs
0.78
Location Quotient
Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA has 0.78x the national average concentration of Human Resources Specialists jobs. This means there are fewer opportunities per capita here compared to the U.S. average — competition for roles may be higher.
A Location Quotient of 0.78 suggests that Human Resources Specialists are slightly less concentrated in Scranton--Wilkes-Barre than the national average. This implies that while the profession is present and necessary, the market may not be oversaturated, potentially offering good opportunities for skilled professionals without facing intense competition from a disproportionately large pool of candidates.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Human Resources Specialists
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Binghamton, NY Human Resources Specialists Salary | $76,030↑ 12% | 50 mi |
| Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA-NJ Human Resources Specialists Salary | $73,430↑ 8% | 57 mi |
| Southwest New York nonmetropolitan area Human Resources Specialists Salary | $73,640↑ 8% | 64 mi |
| Central East New York nonmetropolitan area Human Resources Specialists Salary | $74,810↑ 10% | 64 mi |
| Capital/Northern New York nonmetropolitan area Human Resources Specialists Salary | $72,940↑ 7% | 64 mi |
Comparing salaries near Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Human Resources Specialists make in Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA?
The median annual salary for a Human Resources Specialists in Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA is $68,060. This typically ranges from $42,630 for entry-level positions to $102,280 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 13.9% lower than the national median of $79,090.
Is Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA a lucrative place for Human Resources Specialists?
No, not exceptionally lucrative compared to the national average.The average salary of $68,060 is below the national average of $79,090, although the cost of living is also at the national average, making the purchasing power comparable.
Is Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA a good place to live for Human Resources Specialists?
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 ($76,030) and Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA-NJ.
How does the local HR job market compare to the national average?
The local market in Scranton--Wilkes-Barre has a slightly lower concentration of HR Specialists (LQ of 0.78) compared to the national average, indicating a stable but less dense job pool.
What is the purchasing power of an HR Specialist's salary in Scranton--Wilkes-Barre?
With a cost of living index of 100, the $68,060 salary offers purchasing power equivalent to the national average, meaning your money goes as far as it would in a typical U.S. city.
Are there many HR Specialist jobs in Scranton--Wilkes-Barre?
There are approximately 4.615 HR Specialist jobs per 1,000 workers locally, which is a moderate presence within the workforce.
How does experience affect HR Specialist salaries in this region?
As with most fields, experience significantly impacts salary. Entry-level HR Specialists will earn less, while those with several years of experience and specialized skills can expect to climb into higher salary brackets.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 1,170 employees in the Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA area with a job density of 4.615 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Human Resources Specialists • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA