Average Social and Human Service Assistants Salary in Altoona, PA
In Altoona, PA, Social and Human Service Assistants earn an average annual salary of $42,070. This figure is slightly below the national average of $45,460, a common occurrence in areas with a lower cost of living. Local economic factors and demand within the Altoona region directly influence this compensation.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $42,070 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 32.0% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $57,150.
- Outlook: With a total local workforce of 400 individuals in this role, Altoona presents a concentrated job market for Social and Human Service Assistants. The Location Quotient of 2.53 indicates a significantly higher concentration of these professionals compared to the national average, suggesting robust local demand and a well-established presence within the community's service sector.
Salary Overview
The average Social and Human Service Assistants in Altoona, PA earns-7.5%below the national average.
$20.2
$809
$3,506
Social and Human Service Assistants Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Altoona is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Social and Human Service Assistants in the region have experienced growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. This growth is typically driven by inflation, increased demand for services, and evolving skill requirements within the field.
Social and Human Service Assistants Salary Distribution in Altoona, PA
Career progression for Social and Human Service Assistants in Altoona, as elsewhere, is typically marked by increasing salary levels. Entry-level positions may start at the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with extensive experience and specialized skills can command higher salaries, reflecting the greater responsibility and expertise they bring to their roles. The gap between entry-level and senior salaries signifies clear opportunities for career advancement.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ProbationaryInitial licensure. Mentored by senior faculty. | 10% (Entry) | $30,330 | $14.6 |
| Tenured / ProProfessional status. Curriculum development. | 25% (Junior) | $31,553 | $15.2 |
| Senior EducatorDepartment chair. Mentors student teachers. | 50% (Median) | $38,410 | $18.5 |
| Lead SpecialistInstructional coach, reading specialist, or VP. | 75% (Senior) | $52,588 | $25.3 |
| AdministratorPrincipal, District Admin, or Consultant. | 90% (Expert) | $57,150 | $27.5 |
Detailed Social and Human Service Assistants Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$42,070
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$42,070
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $42,070 in Altoona, PA, aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which is the national average. This means that the purchasing power of a Social and Human Service Assistant's salary in Altoona is equivalent to the national average, offering a stable financial standing relative to the cost of goods and services in the area.
Job Market Context
400
Total Jobs
6.968
Per 1K Jobs
2.53
Location Quotient
Altoona, PA has 2.5x the national concentration of Social and Human Service Assistants 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 2.53 for Social and Human Service Assistants in Altoona signifies a substantial concentration of these roles relative to the national average. This high quotient suggests a strong local demand for these services and a competitive environment where employers may actively seek out qualified candidates, potentially leading to more job opportunities within this specialized field.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Social and Human Service Assistants
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Johnstown, PA Social and Human Service Assistants Salary | $41,650↓ 1% | 30 mi |
| State College, PA Social and Human Service Assistants Salary | $41,980↓ 0% | 35 mi |
| Chambersburg, PA Social and Human Service Assistants Salary | $47,120↑ 12% | 56 mi |
| Hagerstown-Martinsburg, MD-WV Social and Human Service Assistants Salary | $41,510↓ 1% | 70 mi |
| Gettysburg, PA Social and Human Service Assistants Salary | $47,800↑ 14% | 77 mi |
Comparing salaries near Altoona, PA
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Social and Human Service Assistants make in Altoona, PA?
The median annual salary for a Social and Human Service Assistants in Altoona, PA is $42,070. This typically ranges from $30,330 for entry-level positions to $57,150 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Altoona, PA is 7.5% lower than the national median of $45,460.
Is Altoona, PA a lucrative place for Social and Human Service Assistants?
No, not significantly more lucrative than the national average.While the concentration of jobs is high, the average salary of $42,070 is below the national average, though it is balanced by a cost of living that is also at the national average.
Is Altoona, PA a good place to live for Social and Human Service Assistants?
The Cost of Living Index in Altoona, PA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Altoona, PA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Johnstown, PA ($41,650) and State College, PA.
How does the Altoona salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Social and Human Service Assistants in Altoona, PA is $42,070, which is slightly lower than the national average of $45,460.
What does the Location Quotient of 2.53 mean for job seekers?
A Location Quotient of 2.53 indicates that Social and Human Service Assistant roles are more than twice as concentrated in Altoona compared to the national average, suggesting a strong local market and potentially more opportunities.
Is the cost of living in Altoona a factor in the salary?
Yes, the cost of living in Altoona is at the national average (100), which helps to balance the slightly lower-than-national average salary, meaning purchasing power is comparable.
How many Social and Human Service Assistants work in Altoona?
There are approximately 400 Social and Human Service Assistants employed in the Altoona, PA area.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 400 employees in the Altoona, PA area with a job density of 6.968 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Social and Human Service Assistants • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Altoona, PA