Average Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations Salary in State College, PA
In State College, PA, professionals in Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations earn an average annual salary of $75,240. 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 within this sector in the region.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $75,240 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 7.7% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $118,360.
- Outlook: The job market for Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations in State College, PA, shows a moderate level of concentration, indicated by a Location Quotient of 1.38, which is above the national average. With a total local workforce of 890 individuals in these roles, representing approximately 12.992 jobs per 1,000 workers, the demand appears stable, suggesting a consistent need for these specialized skills within the State College area.
Salary Overview
The average Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations in State College, PA earns-18.1%below the national average.
$36.2
$1,447
$6,270
Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for State College, PA is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations have experienced gradual growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. Economic factors such as inflation, increased demand for scientific expertise, and advancements in research and development typically contribute to upward salary adjustments in specialized fields.
Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations Salary Distribution in State College, PA
Career progression within Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations in State College, PA, typically involves a significant salary increase from entry-level to senior positions. While exact percentile data is unavailable, the typical salary range can vary widely, with junior roles potentially starting around $50,000 and experienced professionals or specialists commanding salaries well over $100,000. These gaps highlight the substantial earning potential tied to accumulated experience and specialized expertise.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase. | 10% (Entry) | $40,290 | $19.4 |
| Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently. | 25% (Junior) | $56,430 | $27.1 |
| Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring. | 50% (Median) | $66,420 | $31.9 |
| Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact. | 75% (Senior) | $94,050 | $45.2 |
| Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation. | 90% (Expert) | $118,360 | $56.9 |
Detailed Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$75,240
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$75,240
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average annual salary of $75,240 in State College, PA, aligns perfectly with the national average cost of living, which is indexed at 100. This means that while the salary is lower than the national average for these roles, the purchasing power of that income is comparable to the national standard, making the overall financial impact of living and working in State College relatively balanced.
Job Market Context
890
Total Jobs
12.992
Per 1K Jobs
1.38
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.38, State College, PA has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations roles compared to the national norm.
A Location Quotient of 1.38 for Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations in State College, PA, indicates a higher concentration of these jobs compared to the national average. This suggests that the local market has a specialized demand for these roles, potentially offering more opportunities relative to the general job market, and may foster a more competitive environment for skilled professionals.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations
Comparing salaries near State College, PA
Hiring Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupationss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations make in State College, PA?
The median annual salary for a Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations in State College, PA is $75,240. This typically ranges from $40,290 for entry-level positions to $118,360 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in State College, PA is 18.1% lower than the national median of $91,840.
Is State College, PA a lucrative place for Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupationss?
No, not compared to the national average.While the average salary of $75,240 is substantial, it falls below the national average of $91,840 for these occupations. However, the cost of living being at the national average mitigates some of this difference in purchasing power.
Is State College, PA a good place to live for Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations?
The Cost of Living Index in State College, PA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near State College, PA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Altoona, PA ($75,670) and Northwestern Pennsylvania nonmetropolitan area.
How does the State College, PA salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations in State College, PA, is $75,240, which is lower than the national average of $91,840.
What is the cost of living in State College, PA?
State College, PA has a Cost of Living Index of 100, which is exactly the national average, meaning the cost of goods and services is comparable to the rest of the United States.
Is there a high demand for science professionals in State College, PA?
With a Location Quotient of 1.38, there is a higher concentration of Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations in State College, PA, than the national average, suggesting a notable local demand.
How many science professionals work in State College, PA?
There are approximately 890 individuals employed in Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations in State College, PA, making up about 12.992 jobs per 1,000 workers.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 890 employees in the State College, PA area with a job density of 12.992 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 State College, PA