Average Public Relations Specialists Salary in Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA
Public Relations Specialists in Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA, earn an average annual salary of $53,120. This figure is notably lower than the national average of $80,660, reflecting regional economic factors and the specific demand within the local market. The compensation is directly influenced by the concentration of PR roles and the overall economic landscape of the Scranton--Wilkes-Barre area.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $53,120 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.0% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $80,600.
- Outlook: The Public Relations Specialist job market in Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA, is characterized by a local workforce of 240 professionals. With a Location Quotient of 0.51, the concentration of these roles is below the national average, suggesting a less saturated but potentially less robust demand compared to larger metropolitan areas. The presence of nearly one job per thousand workers indicates a steady, albeit modest, presence of PR opportunities.
Salary Overview
The average Public Relations Specialists in Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA earns-34.1%below the national average.
$25.5
$1,022
$4,427
Public Relations Specialists Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Scranton--Wilkes-Barre is not provided, it's reasonable to assume that salaries for Public Relations Specialists have experienced gradual growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. Economic recovery and increased reliance on strategic communication likely contributed to modest upward adjustments in compensation, though regional market dynamics would dictate the pace of this evolution.
Public Relations Specialists Salary Distribution in Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA
Career progression for Public Relations Specialists in Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA, typically involves a salary increase with experience. Entry-level positions might start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with a proven track record and specialized skills can command significantly higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings underscore the value of accumulated expertise and demonstrated success in the field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase. | 10% (Entry) | $31,720 | $15.3 |
| Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently. | 25% (Junior) | $39,840 | $19.2 |
| Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring. | 50% (Median) | $48,060 | $23.1 |
| Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact. | 75% (Senior) | $66,400 | $31.9 |
| Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation. | 90% (Expert) | $80,600 | $38.8 |
Detailed Public Relations Specialists Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$53,120
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$53,120
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average salary of $53,120 for Public Relations Specialists in Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA, aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of the average salary is equivalent to the national average, indicating that while the absolute salary is lower, the cost of essential goods and services is also at the national benchmark. This balance suggests that the take-home pay offers a comparable standard of living to the national average.
Job Market Context
240
Total Jobs
0.931
Per 1K Jobs
0.51
Location Quotient
Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA has 0.51x the national average concentration of Public Relations Specialists 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 0.51 for Public Relations Specialists in Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA, indicates that the industry is less concentrated here than the national average. This suggests that the job market may be less competitive in terms of the sheer number of PR professionals vying for positions, but it also implies that the demand might be more specialized or less widespread than in areas with a higher concentration. Employers may find a smaller pool of candidates, potentially leading to a need for broader skill sets.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Public Relations Specialists
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Binghamton, NY Public Relations Specialists Salary | $70,090↑ 32% | 50 mi |
| Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA-NJ Public Relations Specialists Salary | $62,230↑ 17% | 57 mi |
| Southwest New York nonmetropolitan area Public Relations Specialists Salary | $71,970↑ 35% | 64 mi |
| Central East New York nonmetropolitan area Public Relations Specialists Salary | $76,030↑ 43% | 64 mi |
| Capital/Northern New York nonmetropolitan area Public Relations Specialists Salary | $71,710↑ 35% | 64 mi |
Comparing salaries near Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Public Relations Specialists make in Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA?
The median annual salary for a Public Relations Specialists in Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA is $53,120. This typically ranges from $31,720 for entry-level positions to $80,600 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 34.1% lower than the national median of $80,660.
Is Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA a lucrative place for Public Relations Specialists?
No, not particularly lucrative compared to national averages.The average salary of $53,120 is significantly lower than the national average of $80,660. While the cost of living is at the national average, the lower nominal salary indicates less earning potential in this specific location.
Is Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA a good place to live for Public Relations Specialists?
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 ($70,090) and Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA-NJ.
How does the number of Public Relations Specialists in Scranton--Wilkes-Barre compare to the national average?
With 240 Public Relations Specialists locally and a Location Quotient of 0.51, the concentration of these roles in Scranton--Wilkes-Barre is about half of the national average, suggesting a smaller, less saturated market.
What is the job availability like for Public Relations Specialists in this area?
There are approximately 0.931 Public Relations Specialist jobs per 1,000 workers in Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA, indicating a steady but not exceptionally high demand for these professionals.
Does experience significantly impact a Public Relations Specialist's salary in Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA?
Yes, as with most professions, experience is a key factor in salary progression. Senior Public Relations Specialists typically earn more than entry-level professionals due to their accumulated skills, knowledge, and proven track record.
How does the cost of living affect the perceived value of a Public Relations Specialist's salary in Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA?
The cost of living in Scranton--Wilkes-Barre is exactly at the national average (100). This means that the average salary of $53,120 provides a purchasing power equivalent to the national average, despite being lower in absolute terms.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 240 employees in the Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA area with a job density of 0.931 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Public Relations Specialists • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA