Average Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations Salary in Altoona, PA
In Altoona, PA, professionals in Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations earn an average annual salary of $75,670. This figure is notably below the national average of $91,840, reflecting regional economic factors and the specific demand within the Altoona labor market for these specialized roles. Localized industry strengths and the overall economic landscape significantly influence compensation levels.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $75,670 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 27.7% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $114,940.
- Outlook: The job market for Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations in Altoona, PA, is characterized by a total local workforce of 320 individuals in this sector. With a Location Quotient of 0.58, the concentration of these roles is below the national average, suggesting a moderate but not dominant presence within the local economy. The rate of 5.443 jobs per 1,000 workers indicates a steady, albeit not exceptionally high, demand for these professionals.
Salary Overview
The average Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations in Altoona, PA earns-17.6%below the national average.
$36.4
$1,455
$6,306
Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Altoona's Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations is not provided, it is reasonable to assume a general trend of salary growth over the past four years, mirroring national patterns. Economic recovery, inflation, and increasing demand for specialized scientific expertise typically drive upward adjustments in compensation, even in localized markets.
Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations Salary Distribution in Altoona, PA
Salary progression within Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations in Altoona, PA, is expected to follow a typical career trajectory. Entry-level positions will likely command salaries at the lower end of the spectrum, while senior scientists and experienced researchers with specialized skills can expect significantly higher earnings. The percentile gaps between junior and senior roles underscore the value placed on experience, advanced degrees, and proven expertise in the field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase. | 10% (Entry) | $46,890 | $22.5 |
| Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently. | 25% (Junior) | $56,753 | $27.3 |
| Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring. | 50% (Median) | $69,010 | $33.2 |
| Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact. | 75% (Senior) | $94,588 | $45.5 |
| Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation. | 90% (Expert) | $114,940 | $55.3 |
Detailed Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$75,670
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$75,670
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $75,670 in Altoona, PA, aligns perfectly with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of the local salary is equivalent to the national average, making Altoona an economically stable location for these professionals. While the nominal salary is lower than the national average, the balanced cost of living ensures that the take-home pay retains its value.
Job Market Context
320
Total Jobs
5.443
Per 1K Jobs
0.58
Location Quotient
Altoona, PA has 0.58x 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 0.58, the market for Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations in Altoona, PA, is less concentrated than the national average. This suggests that while these roles exist and are valued, they do not form a dominant sector of the local economy. The job market is likely competitive, with opportunities available but perhaps fewer than in regions with a higher concentration of scientific industries.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Johnstown, PA Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations Salary | $72,590↓ 4% | 30 mi |
| State College, PA Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations Salary | $75,240↓ 1% | 35 mi |
| Chambersburg, PA Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations Salary | $76,450↑ 1% | 56 mi |
| Hagerstown-Martinsburg, MD-WV Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations Salary | $84,520↑ 12% | 70 mi |
| Gettysburg, PA Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations Salary | $79,780↑ 5% | 77 mi |
Comparing salaries near Altoona, PA
Hiring Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupationss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations make in Altoona, PA?
The median annual salary for a Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations in Altoona, PA is $75,670. This typically ranges from $46,890 for entry-level positions to $114,940 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Altoona, PA is 17.6% lower than the national median of $91,840.
Is Altoona, PA a lucrative place for Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupationss?
No, not exceptionally lucrative compared to national averages.The average salary of $75,670 is below the national average of $91,840, and the sector's concentration (LQ of 0.58) is also lower than the national benchmark.
Is Altoona, PA a good place to live for Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations?
The Cost of Living Index in Altoona, PA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Altoona, PA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Johnstown, PA ($72,590) and State College, PA.
How does Altoona's cost of living compare to the national average?
Altoona, PA, has a Cost of Living Index of 100, which is exactly the national average. This means that the general cost of goods and services is comparable to the rest of the United States.
What is the concentration of Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations in Altoona?
The Location Quotient for these occupations in Altoona is 0.58, indicating that the presence of these jobs is less than half as concentrated as it is nationally.
How many Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations jobs are there per 1,000 workers in Altoona?
There are approximately 5.443 jobs per 1,000 workers in Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations in Altoona, PA.
Does Altoona have a large workforce in Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations?
The total local workforce in these occupations is 320, which represents a smaller segment of the overall labor market compared to national averages, as indicated by the Location Quotient.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 320 employees in the Altoona, PA area with a job density of 5.443 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 Altoona, PA