Average Teaching Assistants, Except Postsecondary Salary in Altoona, PA
In Altoona, PA, Teaching Assistants, Except Postsecondary, earn an average annual salary of $29,490. This figure is notably below the national average of $35,520, reflecting localized economic factors and demand within the region. The specific compensation in Altoona is shaped by the local job market dynamics and the cost of living.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $29,490 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 13.4% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $37,110.
- Outlook: The job market for Teaching Assistants, Except Postsecondary, in Altoona, PA, shows a moderate level of concentration, indicated by a Location Quotient of 0.89. With a total local workforce of 460 individuals in this role, the demand appears stable but not exceptionally high compared to national benchmarks. The presence of 7.927 jobs per 1,000 workers suggests a consistent, albeit not rapidly expanding, need for these professionals.
Salary Overview
The average Teaching Assistants, Except Postsecondary in Altoona, PA earns-17.0%below the national average.
$14.2
$567
$2,458
Teaching Assistants, Except Postsecondary Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Altoona is not provided, it is generally assumed that salaries for Teaching Assistants, Except Postsecondary, have experienced modest growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. This growth is typically driven by inflation, increased demand for educational support, and evolving responsibilities within the role.
Teaching Assistants, Except Postsecondary Salary Distribution in Altoona, PA
Salary progression for Teaching Assistants, Except Postsecondary, in Altoona, PA, is significantly influenced by experience. Entry-level positions typically command lower salaries, while those with several years of experience and specialized skills can expect to earn considerably more. The percentile gaps in earnings clearly signify career progression and the value placed on accumulated expertise within the educational support field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ProbationaryInitial licensure. Mentored by senior faculty. | 10% (Entry) | $21,000 | $10.1 |
| Tenured / ProProfessional status. Curriculum development. | 25% (Junior) | $22,118 | $10.6 |
| Senior EducatorDepartment chair. Mentors student teachers. | 50% (Median) | $28,180 | $13.5 |
| Lead SpecialistInstructional coach, reading specialist, or VP. | 75% (Senior) | $36,863 | $17.7 |
| AdministratorPrincipal, District Admin, or Consultant. | 90% (Expert) | $37,110 | $17.8 |
Detailed Teaching Assistants, Except Postsecondary Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$29,490
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$29,490
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average annual salary of $29,490 in Altoona, PA, aligns precisely with the national average cost of living index of 100. This means that while the salary is lower than the national average, the purchasing power of that income is comparable to the national standard, making relocation financially neutral from a cost-of-living perspective.
Job Market Context
460
Total Jobs
7.927
Per 1K Jobs
0.89
Location Quotient
Altoona, PA has 0.89x the national average concentration of Teaching Assistants, Except Postsecondary jobs. This means there are fewer opportunities per capita here compared to the U.S. average — competition for roles may be higher.
With a Location Quotient of 0.89, Altoona, PA, has a slightly lower concentration of Teaching Assistants, Except Postsecondary, compared to the national average. This suggests that while the profession is present and necessary, the job market is not oversaturated, offering a balanced environment for job seekers and employers alike. The demand is steady, but opportunities may be less abundant than in regions with a higher concentration.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Teaching Assistants, Except Postsecondary
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Johnstown, PA Teaching Assistants, Except Postsecondary Salary | $28,600↓ 3% | 30 mi |
| State College, PA Teaching Assistants, Except Postsecondary Salary | $31,240↑ 6% | 35 mi |
| Chambersburg, PA Teaching Assistants, Except Postsecondary Salary | $31,060↑ 5% | 56 mi |
| Hagerstown-Martinsburg, MD-WV Teaching Assistants, Except Postsecondary Salary | $34,430↑ 17% | 70 mi |
| Gettysburg, PA Teaching Assistants, Except Postsecondary Salary | $34,200↑ 16% | 77 mi |
Comparing salaries near Altoona, PA
Hiring Teaching Assistants, Except Postsecondarys?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Teaching Assistants, Except Postsecondary make in Altoona, PA?
The median annual salary for a Teaching Assistants, Except Postsecondary in Altoona, PA is $29,490. This typically ranges from $21,000 for entry-level positions to $37,110 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Altoona, PA is 17.0% lower than the national median of $35,520.
Is Altoona, PA a lucrative place for Teaching Assistants, Except Postsecondarys?
No, Altoona, PA is not a particularly lucrative place for Teaching Assistants, Except Postsecondarys compared to the national average.The average salary of $29,490 is significantly lower than the national average of $35,520. However, the cost of living is on par with the national average, mitigating some of the impact of the lower nominal wage.
Is Altoona, PA a good place to live for Teaching Assistants, Except Postsecondarys?
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 ($28,600) and State College, PA.
How does Altoona's Teaching Assistant salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Teaching Assistants, Except Postsecondary, in Altoona, PA, is $29,490, which is below the national average of $35,520.
What is the cost of living in Altoona, PA for Teaching Assistants?
Altoona, PA, has a cost of living index of 100, which is exactly the national average. This means that the purchasing power of the local salary is comparable to the national standard.
How concentrated is the Teaching Assistant job market in Altoona, PA?
The job market for Teaching Assistants, Except Postsecondary, in Altoona, PA, is slightly less concentrated than the national average, with a Location Quotient of 0.89.
What is the total number of Teaching Assistants in Altoona, PA?
There are approximately 460 Teaching Assistants, Except Postsecondary, employed in Altoona, PA.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 460 employees in the Altoona, PA area with a job density of 7.927 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Teaching Assistants, Except Postsecondary • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Altoona, PA