In the Southwestern Pennsylvania nonmetropolitan area, professionals in Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations earn an average annual salary of $68,190. This figure is notably below the national average of $91,840, reflecting regional economic factors and a smaller concentration of these specialized roles within the local workforce.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $68,190 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.0% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $105,750.
- Outlook: The job market for Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations in Southwestern Pennsylvania's nonmetropolitan area is characterized by a total local workforce of 950 individuals. With a Location Quotient of 0.72, indicating a concentration below the national average, the demand for these specialized roles appears to be less pronounced compared to national trends, suggesting a niche market.
Salary Overview
The average Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations in Southwestern Pennsylvania nonmetropolitan area earns-25.8%below the national average.
$32.8
$1,311
$5,683
Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations in this region have experienced gradual growth over the past four years, mirroring broader economic trends. This growth is likely influenced by factors such as inflation, evolving industry demands, and localized economic development initiatives.
Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations Salary Distribution in Southwestern Pennsylvania nonmetropolitan area
Salary progression for Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions might start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while senior scientists and researchers with extensive experience and specialized skills can command significantly higher salaries, often reaching into the upper percentiles of the $68,190 average.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase. | 10% (Entry) | $40,010 | $19.2 |
| Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently. | 25% (Junior) | $51,143 | $24.6 |
| Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring. | 50% (Median) | $60,730 | $29.2 |
| Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact. | 75% (Senior) | $85,238 | $41 |
| Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation. | 90% (Expert) | $105,750 | $50.8 |
Detailed Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$68,190
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$68,190
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $68,190 in Southwestern Pennsylvania's nonmetropolitan area aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that, on average, the purchasing power of this salary is comparable to the national average, suggesting that the nominal income effectively covers typical living expenses without a significant premium or discount.
Job Market Context
950
Total Jobs
6.755
Per 1K Jobs
0.72
Location Quotient
Southwestern Pennsylvania nonmetropolitan area has 0.72x 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 0.72 for Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations in Southwestern Pennsylvania's nonmetropolitan area signifies that these professions are less concentrated locally than they are nationally. This suggests a less competitive market in terms of the sheer number of professionals, but also potentially fewer specialized opportunities compared to more densely populated or industrially diverse regions.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Williamsport, PA Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations Salary | $71,460↑ 5% | 9 mi |
| State College, PA Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations Salary | $75,240↑ 10% | 45 mi |
| Elmira, NY Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations Salary | $78,020↑ 14% | 65 mi |
| Harrisburg-Carlisle, PA Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations Salary | $79,280↑ 16% | 66 mi |
| Lebanon, PA Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations Salary | $76,760↑ 13% | 72 mi |
Comparing salaries near Southwestern Pennsylvania nonmetropolitan area
Hiring Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupationss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations make in Southwestern Pennsylvania nonmetropolitan area?
The median annual salary for a Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations in Southwestern Pennsylvania nonmetropolitan area is $68,190. This typically ranges from $40,010 for entry-level positions to $105,750 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Southwestern Pennsylvania nonmetropolitan area is 25.8% lower than the national median of $91,840.
Is Southwestern Pennsylvania nonmetropolitan area a lucrative place for Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupationss?
No, not compared to the national average.The average salary of $68,190 is significantly lower than the national average of $91,840, despite a cost of living that matches the national benchmark.
Is Southwestern Pennsylvania nonmetropolitan area a good place to live for Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations?
The Cost of Living Index in Southwestern Pennsylvania nonmetropolitan area is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Southwestern Pennsylvania nonmetropolitan area?
Some top paying nearby cities include Williamsport, PA ($71,460) and State College, PA.
How does the local workforce size impact job opportunities?
A local workforce of 950 suggests a smaller pool of professionals, which can mean fewer specialized roles but potentially less competition for available positions within this niche.
What does a Location Quotient of 0.72 mean for job seekers?
A Location Quotient below 1.0 indicates that these science occupations are less prevalent in the region compared to the national average, implying a more specialized job market.
How does the cost of living affect the $68,190 salary?
With a Cost of Living Index of 100, the $68,190 salary has purchasing power equivalent to the national average, meaning expenses are neither unusually high nor low.
Are there many jobs per 1,000 workers for these science roles in this area?
With 6.755 jobs per 1,000 workers, the representation of these science occupations within the broader workforce is modest, aligning with the below-average 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 950 employees in the Southwestern Pennsylvania nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 6.755 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 Southwestern Pennsylvania nonmetropolitan area