Average Lawyers Salary in Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA
Lawyers in the Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA area earn an average annual salary of $116,670. This figure is notably lower than the national average of $194,940, reflecting regional economic factors and a different market demand for legal services. The specific economic landscape and the concentration of legal opportunities within this particular metropolitan area directly influence the compensation offered to legal professionals.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $116,670 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.0% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $201,220.
- Outlook: The Scranton--Wilkes-Barre legal job market, with a total local workforce of 840 legal professionals, indicates a stable, albeit not exceptionally concentrated, presence of lawyers. The Location Quotient of 0.68 suggests that while lawyers are present, the field is less concentrated here compared to the national average, implying a moderate demand that aligns with the size of the workforce rather than a rapid expansion.
Salary Overview
The average Lawyers in Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA earns-40.2%below the national average.
$56.1
$2,244
$9,723
Lawyers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Scranton--Wilkes-Barre lawyers isn't provided, it's reasonable to assume a general trend of salary growth over the past four years, mirroring national patterns. Economic recovery and evolving legal needs typically drive modest increases in compensation for experienced professionals, suggesting that lawyers in this region have likely seen their earning potential gradually improve.
Lawyers Salary Distribution in Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA
Salary progression for lawyers in Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, as elsewhere, is strongly tied to experience. Entry-level positions typically command lower salaries, while seasoned attorneys with specialized expertise and a proven track record can significantly increase their earnings. The widening gap between the lower and upper salary percentiles underscores the substantial career growth and earning potential available as lawyers advance in their careers.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Legal AssistantResearch, drafting documents, case support. | 10% (Entry) | $50,860 | $24.5 |
| AssociateHandling depositions, smaller cases independently. | 25% (Junior) | $87,503 | $42.1 |
| Senior AssociateLead on cases, client management, trial experience. | 50% (Median) | $102,480 | $49.3 |
| Counsel / PartnerBusiness development, specialized high-stakes cases. | 75% (Senior) | $145,838 | $70.1 |
| Managing PartnerFirm leadership. Executive strategy. | 90% (Expert) | $201,220 | $96.7 |
Detailed Lawyers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$116,670
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$116,670
Adjusted for COL (100)
With an average salary of $116,670 and a Cost of Living Index of 100 (matching the national average), the nominal salary in Scranton--Wilkes-Barre offers purchasing power equivalent to the national median. This means that while the salary is below the national average for lawyers, the cost of living does not present a significant disadvantage, making the take-home pay relatively stable in terms of real value compared to national benchmarks.
Job Market Context
840
Total Jobs
3.322
Per 1K Jobs
0.68
Location Quotient
Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA has 0.68x the national average concentration of Lawyers jobs. This means there are fewer opportunities per capita here compared to the U.S. average — competition for roles may be higher.
The Location Quotient of 0.68 for lawyers in Scranton--Wilkes-Barre indicates that the concentration of legal professionals in this area is below the national average. This suggests that the job market is not oversaturated, but it also implies that the demand for lawyers might be more localized and less robust than in major metropolitan hubs with higher LQ values, presenting a balanced competitive environment.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Lawyers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Binghamton, NY Lawyers Salary | $121,520↑ 4% | 50 mi |
| Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA-NJ Lawyers Salary | $130,960↑ 12% | 57 mi |
| Southwest New York nonmetropolitan area Lawyers Salary | $139,190↑ 19% | 64 mi |
| Central East New York nonmetropolitan area Lawyers Salary | $131,980↑ 13% | 64 mi |
| Capital/Northern New York nonmetropolitan area Lawyers Salary | $124,100↑ 6% | 64 mi |
Comparing salaries near Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Lawyers make in Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA?
The median annual salary for a Lawyers in Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA is $116,670. This typically ranges from $50,860 for entry-level positions to $201,220 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 40.2% lower than the national median of $194,940.
Is Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA a lucrative place for Lawyerss?
No, but it offers stable purchasing power.The average salary of $116,670 is significantly below the national average, indicating less lucrative compensation. However, with a Cost of Living Index of 100, the purchasing power of this salary is on par with the national average.
Is Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA a good place to live for Lawyers?
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 ($121,520) and Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA-NJ.
How does the Scranton--Wilkes-Barre lawyer salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for lawyers in Scranton--Wilkes-Barre is $116,670, which is considerably lower than the national average of $194,940.
What is the concentration of lawyers in Scranton--Wilkes-Barre compared to the rest of the US?
The Location Quotient for lawyers in Scranton--Wilkes-Barre is 0.68, meaning the area has about 68% of the national average concentration of lawyers, indicating a less dense legal professional community.
Does the cost of living in Scranton--Wilkes-Barre affect the value of a lawyer's salary?
No, the Cost of Living Index is 100, which is the national average. This means the $116,670 salary has the same purchasing power as the national average salary, despite being lower in nominal terms.
How many lawyers are employed in the Scranton--Wilkes-Barre area?
There are approximately 840 lawyers employed within the Scranton--Wilkes-Barre metropolitan area, representing 3.322 jobs per 1,000 workers.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 840 employees in the Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA area with a job density of 3.322 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Lawyers • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA