Average Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations Salary in Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA
In Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA, professionals in Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations earn an average annual salary of $71,140. This figure is notably below the national average of $91,840, suggesting that local market dynamics and potentially lower demand contribute to this compensation difference. The specific economic landscape of the Scranton--Wilkes-Barre region shapes the earning potential for these specialized roles.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $71,140 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.0% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $124,100.
- Outlook: The Scranton--Wilkes-Barre region supports a local workforce of 1,580 individuals in Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations. With a Location Quotient of 0.66, this sector is less concentrated than the national average, indicating a smaller, though present, demand within the local economy. The presence of 6.212 jobs per 1,000 workers suggests a stable, albeit not booming, job market for these professionals.
Salary Overview
The average Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations in Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA earns-22.5%below the national average.
$34.2
$1,368
$5,928
Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it's generally assumed that salaries within Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations across the nation have seen steady growth over the past four years, driven by advancements in research, healthcare, and technological innovation. This national trend likely influences the Scranton--Wilkes-Barre market, though local economic factors may moderate the pace of salary increases.
Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations Salary Distribution in Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA
Salary progression within Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations typically scales significantly with experience. Entry-level positions often start at lower percentiles, while senior scientists, researchers, and specialized practitioners command salaries in the higher percentiles. The widening gap between entry-level and senior roles reflects the accumulation of expertise, specialized skills, and leadership responsibilities, offering a clear career trajectory for ambitious professionals.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase. | 10% (Entry) | $38,220 | $18.4 |
| Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently. | 25% (Junior) | $53,355 | $25.7 |
| Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring. | 50% (Median) | $61,320 | $29.5 |
| Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact. | 75% (Senior) | $88,925 | $42.8 |
| Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation. | 90% (Expert) | $124,100 | $59.7 |
Detailed Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$71,140
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$71,140
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average salary of $71,140 in Scranton--Wilkes-Barre aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that while the absolute salary is lower than the national average, the purchasing power of that salary locally is equivalent to the national average, making it neither exceptionally advantageous nor disadvantageous from a cost-of-living perspective.
Job Market Context
1,580
Total Jobs
6.212
Per 1K Jobs
0.66
Location Quotient
Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, 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 indicates that Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations are less concentrated in Scranton--Wilkes-Barre compared to the national average. This suggests that the job market for these roles may be less competitive in terms of the sheer number of available professionals, but also potentially indicates a more limited number of specialized opportunities compared to larger metropolitan areas.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations
Comparing salaries near Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations make in Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA?
The median annual salary for a Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations in Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA is $71,140. This typically ranges from $38,220 for entry-level positions to $124,100 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 22.5% lower than the national median of $91,840.
Is Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA a lucrative place for Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupationss?
No, not exceptionally lucrative compared to the national average.The average salary of $71,140 is significantly lower than the national average of $91,840. However, the cost of living is also at the national average, meaning purchasing power is comparable.
Is Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA a good place to live for Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations?
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 ($78,030) and Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA-NJ.
How does the local job market compare to the national average for these science roles?
The local market in Scranton--Wilkes-Barre has a lower concentration of these jobs, as indicated by a Location Quotient of 0.66, suggesting fewer opportunities relative to the national landscape.
What is the purchasing power of a $71,140 salary in Scranton--Wilkes-Barre?
With a Cost of Living Index of 100, the purchasing power of $71,140 is equivalent to the national average, meaning your money goes as far as it would anywhere else in the country.
Are there many science jobs in Scranton--Wilkes-Barre?
There are 6.212 jobs per 1,000 workers in Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations, indicating a moderate presence within the local workforce of 1,580 individuals.
How does experience impact salaries for these science roles in Scranton--Wilkes-Barre?
Experience is a key driver of salary growth, with entry-level positions offering lower pay and senior roles commanding significantly higher compensation, reflecting increased expertise and responsibility.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 1,580 employees in the Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, 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 Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA