In the Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA-NJ area, professionals in Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations can expect an average annual salary of $81,060. This figure is notably below the national average of $91,840, suggesting that local market dynamics, such as industry concentration and regional economic factors, play a significant role in compensation levels.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $81,060 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 17.4% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $127,670.
- Outlook: The local job market for Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations in Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton is moderately sized, with a total workforce of 2,740 individuals in these fields. The location quotient of 0.79 indicates a slightly lower concentration of these roles compared to the national average, suggesting a stable but not exceptionally high demand for these specialized skills within the region.
Salary Overview
The average Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations in Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA-NJ earns-11.7%below the national average.
$39
$1,559
$6,755
Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is generally assumed that salaries for Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations in the Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton area have experienced steady growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends of increasing compensation driven by inflation, demand, and advancements in scientific fields.
Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations Salary Distribution in Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA-NJ
Career progression within Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations in Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton typically sees a significant salary increase with experience. Entry-level positions might start closer to $50,000, while senior scientists and researchers with extensive experience and specialized skills can command salaries well over $100,000, with percentile gaps clearly signifying substantial career advancement opportunities.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase. | 10% (Entry) | $45,990 | $22.1 |
| Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently. | 25% (Junior) | $60,795 | $29.2 |
| Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring. | 50% (Median) | $73,840 | $35.5 |
| Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact. | 75% (Senior) | $101,325 | $48.7 |
| Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation. | 90% (Expert) | $127,670 | $61.4 |
Detailed Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$81,060
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$81,060
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $81,060 in Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton aligns perfectly with the national average cost of living index of 100. This means that while the nominal salary is lower than the national average, the purchasing power of this income is effectively on par with the rest of the country, offering a balanced financial landscape for residents.
Job Market Context
2,740
Total Jobs
7.409
Per 1K Jobs
0.79
Location Quotient
Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA-NJ has 0.79x the national average concentration of Life, Physical, and Social Science 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 0.79, the Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton region exhibits a slightly lower concentration of Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations compared to the national benchmark. This suggests that while these professions are present and contribute to the local economy, the job market may be less saturated, potentially offering a competitive edge for skilled professionals seeking opportunities.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Reading, PA Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations Salary | $78,050↓ 4% | 30 mi |
| Trenton-Princeton, NJ Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations Salary | $96,280↑ 19% | 45 mi |
| Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations Salary | $95,070↑ 17% | 47 mi |
| Lebanon, PA Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations Salary | $76,760↓ 5% | 53 mi |
| Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations Salary | $71,140↓ 12% | 57 mi |
Comparing salaries near Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA-NJ
Hiring Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupationss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations make in Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA-NJ?
The median annual salary for a Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations in Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA-NJ is $81,060. This typically ranges from $45,990 for entry-level positions to $127,670 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA-NJ is 11.7% lower than the national median of $91,840.
Is Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA-NJ a lucrative place for Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupationss?
No, not more lucrative than the national average.The average salary of $81,060 is below the national average of $91,840, indicating that compensation in this region is not as high. However, the cost of living is at the national average, making the salary's purchasing power comparable.
Is Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA-NJ a good place to live for Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations?
The Cost of Living Index in Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA-NJ is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA-NJ?
Some top paying nearby cities include Reading, PA ($78,050) and Trenton-Princeton, NJ.
How does the job market for Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations compare nationally?
The job market in Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton has a location quotient of 0.79, meaning it has slightly fewer of these roles per worker than the national average, suggesting a less concentrated but still present demand.
What is the average salary for these science roles in Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton?
The average annual salary for Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations in Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton is $81,060.
How does the cost of living in Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton affect salary perception?
With a cost of living index of 100, the local salaries hold purchasing power equivalent to the national average, despite being nominally lower than the national average salary.
What is the total number of workers in these science fields in the area?
There are approximately 2,740 individuals employed in Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations within the Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton metropolitan area.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 2,740 employees in the Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA-NJ area with a job density of 7.409 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA-NJ