Average Sewing Machine Operators Salary in Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA
Sewing Machine Operators in Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA, earn an average annual salary of $35,310. This figure is slightly below the national average of $36,690, indicating a localized pay scale influenced by regional economic factors and the specific demand within the area's manufacturing sector. While not reaching the national benchmark, this salary reflects the prevailing wage for these skilled positions in Pennsylvania's industrial landscape.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $35,310 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.0% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $44,550.
- Outlook: The Scranton--Wilkes-Barre area supports a local workforce of 320 Sewing Machine Operators, with 1.25 jobs per 1,000 workers. The Location Quotient of 1.76 significantly exceeds the national average, suggesting a robust and concentrated demand for these roles within the region. This elevated quotient indicates that Scranton--Wilkes-Barre has a higher proportion of these jobs relative to the national distribution, pointing to a potentially stable or growing job market for skilled operators.
Salary Overview
The average Sewing Machine Operators in Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA earns-3.8%below the national average.
$17
$679
$2,943
Sewing Machine Operators Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is generally assumed that salaries for Sewing Machine Operators in Scranton--Wilkes-Barre have experienced gradual growth over the past four years, mirroring broader economic trends and inflation. This upward trajectory is often driven by increased demand for manufactured goods, technological advancements requiring updated skill sets, and the ongoing need for skilled labor in the textile and apparel industries.
Sewing Machine Operators Salary Distribution in Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA
Career progression for Sewing Machine Operators typically involves a salary increase with experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while senior operators with specialized skills and extensive experience can command salaries significantly higher than the average. The percentile gaps in salary distribution highlight these opportunities for advancement, rewarding proficiency and dedication within the role.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT. | 10% (Entry) | $27,960 | $13.4 |
| JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks. | 25% (Junior) | $26,483 | $12.7 |
| Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting. | 50% (Median) | $36,400 | $17.5 |
| Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance. | 75% (Senior) | $44,138 | $21.2 |
| SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman. | 90% (Expert) | $44,550 | $21.4 |
Detailed Sewing Machine Operators Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$35,310
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$35,310
Adjusted for COL (100)
With an average annual salary of $35,310 and a Cost of Living Index of 100, the nominal income in Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA, aligns precisely with the national average cost of living. This means that the purchasing power of a Sewing Machine Operator's salary in this region is comparable to that of an operator in a typical U.S. city. Therefore, the salary offers a standard lifestyle without significant financial strain or advantage relative to national benchmarks.
Job Market Context
320
Total Jobs
1.25
Per 1K Jobs
1.76
Location Quotient
Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA has 1.8x the national concentration of Sewing Machine Operators jobs — a major employment hub for this role. Job seekers will find significantly more opportunities here than in most other areas.
The Location Quotient of 1.76 for Sewing Machine Operators in Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA, signifies a market where these roles are more concentrated than the national average. This suggests a higher demand or a more established industry presence for this occupation within the region, potentially leading to more job opportunities and a competitive environment for employers seeking skilled labor. It indicates that the area is a key hub for this specific trade.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Sewing Machine Operators
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Binghamton, NY Sewing Machine Operators Salary | $40,130↑ 14% | 50 mi |
| Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA-NJ Sewing Machine Operators Salary | $35,430↑ 0% | 57 mi |
| Southwest New York nonmetropolitan area Sewing Machine Operators Salary | $40,330↑ 14% | 64 mi |
| Central East New York nonmetropolitan area Sewing Machine Operators Salary | $41,150↑ 17% | 64 mi |
| Capital/Northern New York nonmetropolitan area Sewing Machine Operators Salary | $36,830↑ 4% | 64 mi |
Comparing salaries near Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Sewing Machine Operators make in Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA?
The median annual salary for a Sewing Machine Operators in Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA is $35,310. This typically ranges from $27,960 for entry-level positions to $44,550 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 3.8% lower than the national median of $36,690.
Is Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA a lucrative place for Sewing Machine Operators?
No, not significantly more lucrative than the national average.The average salary of $35,310 is slightly below the national average, and the cost of living is exactly at the national average. While the job concentration is high, this does not translate to higher pay in this specific case.
Is Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA a good place to live for Sewing Machine Operators?
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 ($40,130) and Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA-NJ.
How does the local workforce size affect job prospects?
A local workforce of 320 indicates a moderately sized, established group of Sewing Machine Operators. While not massive, it suggests consistent demand and a community of skilled workers available for regional employers.
What does a Location Quotient of 1.76 mean for job seekers?
A Location Quotient of 1.76 means that Scranton--Wilkes-Barre has 76% more Sewing Machine Operator jobs per capita than the national average, indicating a strong regional specialization and potentially more opportunities.
How does the Cost of Living Index of 100 impact salary perception?
An index of 100 means the cost of living in Scranton--Wilkes-Barre is exactly average for the U.S. Therefore, the $35,310 salary has average purchasing power, neither significantly stretching nor compressing one's budget compared to national norms.
Are there significant salary differences based on experience?
Yes, as with most professions, experience plays a crucial role. Entry-level operators will earn less, while those with advanced skills, certifications, and years of service can expect to earn substantially more than the stated average.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 320 employees in the Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA area with a job density of 1.25 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Sewing Machine Operators • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA