Average Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations Salary in Reading, PA
In Reading, Pennsylvania, professionals in Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations can expect an average annual salary of $78,050. This figure is notably below the national average of $91,840, suggesting that local market dynamics, such as industry concentration and demand, play a significant role in compensation levels within the region.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $78,050 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 18.9% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $116,810.
- Outlook: The local job market for Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations in Reading, PA, comprises approximately 1,070 individuals. With a Location Quotient of 0.66, the concentration of these roles is below the national average, indicating a less specialized local market compared to national trends. The presence of 6.212 jobs per 1,000 workers suggests a moderate but not exceptionally high demand for these scientific professionals.
Salary Overview
The average Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations in Reading, PA earns-15.0%below the national average.
$37.5
$1,501
$6,504
Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Reading, PA, is not provided, it is generally assumed that salaries within Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations have experienced steady growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. This growth is typically driven by inflation, increased demand for specialized skills, and advancements in scientific research and application, which should translate to modest salary increases for professionals in this field.
Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations Salary Distribution in Reading, PA
Salary progression for Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations in Reading, PA, is significantly influenced by experience. Entry-level positions typically start at the lower end of the pay scale, while senior roles, requiring extensive expertise and leadership, command substantially higher compensation. The percentile gaps between these levels signify clear career progression pathways and the increasing value placed on seasoned professionals within the scientific community.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase. | 10% (Entry) | $46,620 | $22.4 |
| Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently. | 25% (Junior) | $58,538 | $28.1 |
| Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring. | 50% (Median) | $70,720 | $34 |
| Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact. | 75% (Senior) | $97,563 | $46.9 |
| Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation. | 90% (Expert) | $116,810 | $56.2 |
Detailed Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$78,050
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$78,050
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average salary of $78,050 in Reading, PA, aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of the salary in Reading is equivalent to the national average, offering no significant advantage or disadvantage in terms of affordability compared to the rest of the country. Therefore, relocation decisions should be based on career opportunities rather than cost of living benefits.
Job Market Context
1,070
Total Jobs
6.212
Per 1K Jobs
0.66
Location Quotient
Reading, PA has 0.66x 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.
A Location Quotient of 0.66 for Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations in Reading, PA, indicates that these roles are less concentrated in the area compared to the national average. This suggests that the job market may be less competitive in terms of the sheer number of available professionals, but it also implies that the demand might be more niche or specialized. Companies seeking these skills may find a smaller pool of candidates, potentially leading to unique hiring dynamics.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Lebanon, PA Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations Salary | $76,760↓ 2% | 26 mi |
| Lancaster, PA Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations Salary | $66,770↓ 14% | 29 mi |
| Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA-NJ Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations Salary | $81,060↑ 4% | 30 mi |
| Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations Salary | $95,070↑ 22% | 48 mi |
| York-Hanover, PA Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations Salary | $82,660↑ 6% | 50 mi |
Comparing salaries near Reading, PA
Hiring Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupationss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations make in Reading, PA?
The median annual salary for a Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations in Reading, PA is $78,050. This typically ranges from $46,620 for entry-level positions to $116,810 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Reading, PA is 15.0% lower than the national median of $91,840.
Is Reading, PA a lucrative place for Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupationss?
No, not particularly lucrative compared to the national average.The average salary of $78,050 is below the national average of $91,840, and the cost of living is on par with the national average, offering no significant financial advantage.
Is Reading, PA a good place to live for Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations?
The Cost of Living Index in Reading, PA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Reading, PA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Lebanon, PA ($76,760) and Lancaster, PA.
How does the total workforce size affect job prospects?
A local workforce of 1,070 suggests a moderately sized professional community. While not as large as major metropolitan areas, it indicates a stable presence of these roles, with potential for growth in specialized sectors.
What does a Location Quotient of 0.66 mean for job seekers?
A Location Quotient below 1.0 signifies that Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations are less prevalent in Reading, PA, than the national average. This could mean fewer job openings but potentially less competition for specialized roles.
How does the cost of living impact the $78,050 salary?
With a Cost of Living Index of 100, the $78,050 salary in Reading, PA, offers purchasing power equivalent to the national average. This means the salary's value is neither enhanced nor diminished by local living expenses.
Are there many jobs per 1,000 workers for these science roles in Reading?
With 6.212 jobs per 1,000 workers, Reading, PA, offers a moderate number of opportunities in Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations relative to its overall workforce size, suggesting a steady but not booming demand.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 1,070 employees in the Reading, PA area with a job density of 6.212 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 Reading, PA